Crankshaft by Tom Batiuk and Dan Davis for May 15, 2024

C’mon, lady, let Chinbeard at least pretend he has some negotiating skills!

Umm, Max, you do remember back in August of 2017 when the premiere of the second “Starsux Jones” movie was held at the Valentine, the theater you and Hannah owned at the time, don’t you? Why exactly are you acting as if this is a big shock and a potential hardship, unless it’s so you act coy in Panel Two’s All-Star Smirk-Off? This is three days’ worth of exposition that could have been done in a single strip…and Dinkleberg looms on the horizon.

Uh, where’s Cranky? Yeah, that’s it…

“OK, Mindy, in that case you can take care of everything. I’m going to go play video games for the next three months. Good luck!”

In Weenkerbean komix Crankyshaft was very old guy on wheelchair in hospital or sometheeng when earlier Starmuck Jones premier here wasn’t he? But now he ain’t that old when second one is release. Because it’s called writing eh.

How much extra help do they actually need to hire? For one day? For this dinky small theater that doesn’t need help any other day?

Doesn’t the guy own the theater? He’s telling them, not asking.

Where’s Cindy?

Yin versus yang!!!!!!

“I don’t know… I really need to think…”

Good luck with that, Max. Last time you “thought,” you decided endless re-runs of “Radio Ranch” were the ticket to success.

They show THE RETURN OF DR.X(1938)—-and Humphrey Bogart’s ghost appears and machine guns the audience

Today’s Random Strip in Crankshaft History: Crankshaft from April 15, 2015. This comic was released in the story arc where Ed’s friend Ralph Meckler announced his candidacy for mayor. While driving, Ralph hit a pothole that flattened his tire and bent a rim. Ralph was incensed about the pothole situation in Centerville and the lack of assistance he received when he called the mayor’s office. He was also upset about the mismanagement of funds allocated for snow plowing and road repair. Ralph made the curious decision to make Ed his campaign manager, which prompted Pam to question their ability to run a mayoral campaign. The April 15, 2015, comic features the classic Ed Crankshaft malapropism, “I figure it’s just like falling off a bicycle.”

Verdict: Today’s random strip was part of the story arc that set up the Ralph Meckler for mayor story arc featured later that year. IMO, one of the better story arcs in the history of the strip. Many of you most likely remember how that story arc concluded. Pam is involved in a role other than her now obligatory “What are you doing, dad?” setup role.

Today’s 05/15/2024 strip does little to move the current story arc along. They’re basically rehashing yesterday. Why is Batiuk trying to make Max unlikable? Where’s Ed?

It’s not even close. If this were a boxing match, the fight would have been stopped within thirty seconds.

Winner: Random comic.

Number of days without an appearance by Dr. Harry L. Dinkle: 4

three times the charm so expect the same strip thursday

I’m joining the chorus. Where’s Crankshaft?

Is Starbuck Jones supposed to be a comedy? I’ve looked at Masone Jarre so far this week, and he looks like a skinny wimp. Aren’t heroes in this type of movie supposed to be the buff, swashbuckling types? Like Buster Crabbe? Chris Pratt? Chris Evans?

The only thing about Masone that hints superhero is his laughable Superman-like spit curl. Color me not impressed. It’s like Woody Allen playing Buck Rogers in a serious role. Anyone remember Jimmy Bond?

Isn’t that genre over and done with? This comic arc is really anachronistic so the jokes don’t plant well.

… if you need to bus your guests’ entourage to the event, we know just the right guy.

Please wake me when Crankshaft comes back.