For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for June 03, 2024

Gordon’s gonna get some buyers!

And now it’s time to cut the beard

A stringy beard is a beard that does not have consistent hair growth. I am not sure that applies to Michael who grew a full beard in a matter of months between Canadian Thanksgiving and the December college break. However, it could be a slam at the colorist, who goes back and forth on what Mike’s beard looks like even from panel to panel in this very comic strip.

“It’s a guy who’s the right hand of Avon Barksdale! I’d tell you more, but I don’t wanna spoil the show!”

I hope Michael got Gordon’s permission to have his story printed.

Liz appears to be the only person interested—even with a snarky reply.

I hate to even think of the “changes” that will be made. I wonder if Mike’s name will still be on the byline!

No Liz. That’s a “bum”.

“Sorry, did I say Stringer?? I meant to say, I’m a Swinger! That’s what Rhetta says anyway!”

Nothing like a sibling to keep you in reality!

I thought a stringer is what you kept the fish you caught on.

Way to dampen someone’s joy, Liz.

No lizard breath, that’s a stringy.

Better to be a stringer than a straggler

And in the vernacular of the day………………………………………………………………………………………………………………BURN!

No wonder why he calls her “Lizard Breath”! LOL!!

No, that would be ‘Stringy’.

Leave it to Lizard Breath to reign in on Michael’s moment of glory!

Good for you, Michael!

Elly is a mother, and as such she only wants to see Michael happy. This could be a good strip showing how he can help achieve happiness (on Elly’s terms).

A long-haired, bearded Michael is wearing tattered jeans, a T-shirt and running shoes. He is on a conveyor belt that suddenly sends him into a building

BARBER SHOP

Michael is now beardless and has a crew cut. He is still in slovenly attire; then the conveyor belt moves him to another building

HABERDASHERY

Michael is now wearing a tailored suit and Italian shoes

What would we do without siblings to keep us humble?

I forget did he ever ask Gordon if it was okay to write and have this article published? If the Valley Voice changes a few things will it be better or for the worse?

Why cultivate on your face what grows wild on your a$$?

Lizardbreath is going to find out about stringing when Mike strings her up.

being a stringer is a great thrill for the first year. Then you realize you’re not getting paid very much

I don’t remember this story arc, but based on Mike’s assessment “There’ll probably be a few changes” I have a feeling his piece is gonna be completely overhauled, much to his annoyance!

“There’ll probably be a few changes…” I smell foreshadowing.

I thought it was a description of Elly’s pot roast.

I wonder what Michael is doing today, now that newspapers are dwindling.

Looks like a great adventure beginning!