I don’t get you guys bullying on Shannon. She’s pretty typical 8 year old. Whining about boredom and absence of her favorite aunt. Brad usually is good about keeping her company but apparently he’s currently focused on housekeeping. Shannon needs to learn that she won’t be entertained all the time. She needs to learn to keep her own company. It’s an important skill to learn.
It appears that Shannon has not usually spent as large a part of her time with Aunt Toni and/or Uncle Brad as some commenters have asserted with great confidence that she did.
Wait, this isn’t about being always fun and cute. Lots of readers don’t like Shannon because she resembles a real kid with a challenging home life. I suspect this arc will provide some insight into what’s going on with little Shannon and may offer some avenues for growth.
I see an incredible look of mature wisdom in Shannon’s eyes in panel #2. Could she be finally coming to the realization that she’s been an unwanted PITA since birth?
It seems like lately, no matter what the plot thread, everyone’s complaining about how horrible it is and how they don’t like any of the characters any more. Then why on earth are they still reading it? Go to the classic strips.
And there goes the milk. When Shannon gets bored, she gets destructive. Remember when she painted the couch and destroyed it? And they still have an entire month of this to go.
Shannon’s comments are interesting. I had been thinking for a while that, except in exceptional cases, Jonah would entrust his daughter to his sister especially on weekends or in the evening to pick her up in the morning. This fact that Shannon is bored for the first time confirms it, as well as reiterating the fact that she’s growing up. Brad doing the housework as a daily routine makes him seem even more serious and responsible, therefore even more boring for her.
You just can’t have a 6 yr old child alone i.e no other children, no planned activities (no schoolwork, no day camp, no jobs to do…) in a house for a month. I think something different has to happen this time.
Wouldn’t she know how their schedule works from staying there before? And yes, she’s incredibly annoying, not in the least endearing and I’d be happy to never see her here again.
Brad is just going to have to develop a spine and say “No, Shannon can’t stay here. We’ve cared for her enough”. Let’s just say if’s all part of being a man, saying no when it needs it.
Re Shannon being in school, she is, but school is closed for the summer. I do know of some places where schkool starts as early as mid-August, but not early August as it is now. Some places don’t start until September. Day camps generally last 1-2 weeks and cost money.My sister didn’t pay me to watch my niece and nephew, including occasional weekends, nor did I expect it. Do any of you with kids ever leave them with grandparents? How much do you pay them? Family paying family is the exception, not the rule. Maybe teenagers or relatives who run day care homes and the relative’s kid takes up one of their slots.We do see Brad and Toni without Shannon sometimes. We also see them checking their calendar to see when they have agreed to watch her. We see Jonah drop her off and pick her up. Regular readers should know she doesn’t live with or spend most of her time with Brad and Toni.
Shannon realizing that previously cool adults have to do boring things is good character building for her, both in the sense of building character, and in the sense of fictional character development.
It’s only Tuesday. Give the hilarity some time to build.
It has just occurred to me that this comment area is full of Shannons. Having read this and future Luann strips long ago, I’m enjoying the whining and sniping. I will be seeing GnK later this month at the Reubens. It’ll be a close call to determine the most Shannonesque commenter here. Carry on!
Shannon’s only good quality is using up a lot of black ink for the artist. Half the readers don’t like her, and the other half just spend time defending her.
I tend to believe that the folks who “hate” Shannon are not really hating her….. she is a kid, after all. What they are actually hating is that Shannon is always getting to continually behave in a poor fashion WITHOUT receiving actual guidance (parenting) on how to behave and become a better kid. It makes folks frustrated (including me at times) that she rarely receives the guidance she NEEDS to become a kid people will generally be far more fond of.
From his early years, I never would have expected Brad to grow into a generally disciplined, thoughtful man—husband and (ultimately) father. I know a lot of people are hating this whole sequence, but I’m enjoying it, so far.
And actually, Shannon continues to show signs of growing up a little. (OK, this sequence hasn’t shown it yet, I admit—except her asking with “please”.)
Namrepus 3 months ago
We’re feeling it too
Tenax 3 months ago
The bubble has already burst …
mort b. 3 months ago
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. MAKE IT STOP!!!!!!
Prescott_Philosopher 3 months ago
GnK, let me be clear: the Shannon character is NOT Cute. In fact, the Shannon character is offensive.
kenhense 3 months ago
This little girl needs a talk on the facts of life – scientists have determined that Shannon is not the center of the universe.
9thCapricorn 3 months ago
I don’t get you guys bullying on Shannon. She’s pretty typical 8 year old. Whining about boredom and absence of her favorite aunt. Brad usually is good about keeping her company but apparently he’s currently focused on housekeeping. Shannon needs to learn that she won’t be entertained all the time. She needs to learn to keep her own company. It’s an important skill to learn.
nsr60 3 months ago
I’ll bet it’s no picnic for them either.
lvlax 3 months ago
Looks like Brad is realizing this was a BIG mistake.
She went from beling polite to being an ungrateful brat.. just like that.
Jonah is probably having a cool drink, by the pool with some woman, with a big grin on his face.
outonalimb 3 months ago
It appears that Shannon has not usually spent as large a part of her time with Aunt Toni and/or Uncle Brad as some commenters have asserted with great confidence that she did.
Willow Mt Lyon 3 months ago
Shannon is a bored, little girl. Being an only child, she has to entertain herself, and she has temporarily run out of ideas.
Rhetorical_Question 3 months ago
A child of a D-LISTED actor? Make Shannon a child actor with a private trailer?
Rhetorical_Question 3 months ago
Hopefully, Toni and Bradley are being reimburse by Jonah ?
jmworacle 3 months ago
Let me guess Jonah will give her anything to keep her out of his hair.
nesto49 3 months ago
Wait, this isn’t about being always fun and cute. Lots of readers don’t like Shannon because she resembles a real kid with a challenging home life. I suspect this arc will provide some insight into what’s going on with little Shannon and may offer some avenues for growth.
Pointspread 3 months ago
Brad it’s time to give that kid some work to do.
kaylowe 3 months ago
And they wonder why Toni isn’t pregnant?
Wilkins068 3 months ago
OK Shannon lets go have some fun! We cn go see Doc Drillem over at th dentist’s office. Time for a filling!
snsurone76 3 months ago
I see an incredible look of mature wisdom in Shannon’s eyes in panel #2. Could she be finally coming to the realization that she’s been an unwanted PITA since birth?
snsurone76 3 months ago
Where is TJ? Shouldn’t he be doing the household chores?
imagenesis 3 months ago
They need to get her some toys!
jkime 3 months ago
It seems like lately, no matter what the plot thread, everyone’s complaining about how horrible it is and how they don’t like any of the characters any more. Then why on earth are they still reading it? Go to the classic strips.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace 3 months ago
Work cures boredom.
eced52 3 months ago
Brad has a weird time line.
OneTime59 3 months ago
Gittin’ old fast. How ’bout a “father/daughter” day with TJ at the Kablooie.
sueb1863 3 months ago
And there goes the milk. When Shannon gets bored, she gets destructive. Remember when she painted the couch and destroyed it? And they still have an entire month of this to go.
leighabc123 3 months ago
Shannon thought she would play all day and run the house. But Brad and Toni are responsible adults.
Aladar30 Premium Member 3 months ago
Shannon’s comments are interesting. I had been thinking for a while that, except in exceptional cases, Jonah would entrust his daughter to his sister especially on weekends or in the evening to pick her up in the morning. This fact that Shannon is bored for the first time confirms it, as well as reiterating the fact that she’s growing up. Brad doing the housework as a daily routine makes him seem even more serious and responsible, therefore even more boring for her.
Ellis97 3 months ago
You think she’d be a little more grateful?
French Persons Premium Member 3 months ago
And, the reality of having a kid living with you is beginning to knock Brad out of his daydream…
CementerAD5 3 months ago
Do I detct a glimmer of REALISM, as he begins to realize what has been done to their life?
Maybe, a way can be found to “spread the joy” with his parents, after all, didn’t his Mom "agree’ to hosting this disaster?
ctolson 3 months ago
Love Brad’s statement of accual time and his feeling of the amount of time tacked on teh end.
BJDucer 3 months ago
I’m thinking tomorrow’s comic might have to do something with a mop. . .
elbow macaroni 3 months ago
Child abandonment. Never funny.
RSH 3 months ago
You just can’t have a 6 yr old child alone i.e no other children, no planned activities (no schoolwork, no day camp, no jobs to do…) in a house for a month. I think something different has to happen this time.
DaBump Premium Member 3 months ago
Hang in there, kid. After the initial elation, the next 18 hours, 44 minutes and 15 seconds are the hardest.
mindjob 3 months ago
In another 15 years she can collect social security
dblbaraje 3 months ago
Doesn’t this kid go to school or day camp in the summer?
baskate_2000 3 months ago
This is going to be loooooooooong and drawn out!
RSH 3 months ago
I have to say this kid’s life (now) has no structure, no plan, no healthy food, no one her age to be around……not good
comic reader 22 3 months ago
Somebody please find that child a day camp, some neighborhood kids, maybe a program at the library, ANYTHING!
PS to Greg and Karen – this Shannon character is not working, especially not as a main character. Time to back her off the strip.
Diane913 3 months ago
Does Shannon have friends?
MuddyUSA Premium Member 3 months ago
Too bad……..
forestkat2015 3 months ago
how old is this kid supposed to be? 5 or 6? should be in school part of the day. Never seems to be.
hoffquotes2 3 months ago
She makes it sound like she has never spent an extended period of time there?
BJShipley1 3 months ago
Don’t worry Shannon, it’s just as exhausting for the rest of us as well.
billdaviswords 3 months ago
Wouldn’t she know how their schedule works from staying there before? And yes, she’s incredibly annoying, not in the least endearing and I’d be happy to never see her here again.
BC to LOTR Premium Member 3 months ago
Wow, I did not realize Luann has been going on for over 50 years… 56 plus if Ms Shannon is 6 at this comic strip point in time.
tammyspeakslife Premium Member 3 months ago
Expectations met with reality with a whimper. Shannon is still learning and growing. It takes time and effort on both sides.
YorkGirl Premium Member 3 months ago
She seems used to being entertained. Doesn’t she have any books, crayons, or games with her or in her room?
FRITH RA 3 months ago
She needs a cuddle and a tickle (small, brief tickle) and an “I love you.”
The Quiet One 3 months ago
And it would be more fun with your dad?
Saurischia 3 months ago
If that kid doesn’t put you off having children, nothing will.
mousefumanchu Premium Member 3 months ago
This is why I have dogs.
lnrokr55 3 months ago
Bam, real life with a little kid who bores easily! Hilarity ensues ! Love this storyline, glad that got back to it !
Joe1962 3 months ago
Shannon can be handfull, but she also can be sweet at times.
preacherman Premium Member 3 months ago
reedkomicks Premium Member 3 months ago
Completely off topic…. If you have the Luann Againn above or below the new Luann, then you get an excellent Early Brad, Current Brad comparison…
rasputin's horoscope 3 months ago
The worst part about Shannon arcs are the comments they engender.
paldec 3 months ago
Re Shannon being in school, she is, but school is closed for the summer. I do know of some places where schkool starts as early as mid-August, but not early August as it is now. Some places don’t start until September. Day camps generally last 1-2 weeks and cost money.My sister didn’t pay me to watch my niece and nephew, including occasional weekends, nor did I expect it. Do any of you with kids ever leave them with grandparents? How much do you pay them? Family paying family is the exception, not the rule. Maybe teenagers or relatives who run day care homes and the relative’s kid takes up one of their slots.We do see Brad and Toni without Shannon sometimes. We also see them checking their calendar to see when they have agreed to watch her. We see Jonah drop her off and pick her up. Regular readers should know she doesn’t live with or spend most of her time with Brad and Toni.
3riekena 3 months ago
Susan123 3 months ago
She doesn’t go to school?
Susan123 3 months ago
They are just enabling Jonah by taking care of Shannon. He needs to get a real job. Just noticed Brads reply. 16 hours and 50YEARS!
Need coffee 3 months ago
Shannon realizing that previously cool adults have to do boring things is good character building for her, both in the sense of building character, and in the sense of fictional character development.
It’s only Tuesday. Give the hilarity some time to build.
David Rickard Premium Member 3 months ago
You should be taking video of this, Brad. It’ll support your eventual defense of “justified homicide.”
Sheriff Mordecai Premium Member 3 months ago
It has just occurred to me that this comment area is full of Shannons. Having read this and future Luann strips long ago, I’m enjoying the whining and sniping. I will be seeing GnK later this month at the Reubens. It’ll be a close call to determine the most Shannonesque commenter here. Carry on!
olds_cool63 3 months ago
BRAT!!!
Wishingonastar 3 months ago
Poor Shannon! Ahe thought she would have fun but it’s turning out to be a real bummer for the little brat.
nightflight 3 months ago
Shannon’s only good quality is using up a lot of black ink for the artist. Half the readers don’t like her, and the other half just spend time defending her.
Pipe Tobacco Premium Member 3 months ago
I tend to believe that the folks who “hate” Shannon are not really hating her….. she is a kid, after all. What they are actually hating is that Shannon is always getting to continually behave in a poor fashion WITHOUT receiving actual guidance (parenting) on how to behave and become a better kid. It makes folks frustrated (including me at times) that she rarely receives the guidance she NEEDS to become a kid people will generally be far more fond of.
HodgeElmwood 3 months ago
She hasn’t come up with any of her usual chaos? Is she sick??
davecat 3 months ago
From his early years, I never would have expected Brad to grow into a generally disciplined, thoughtful man—husband and (ultimately) father. I know a lot of people are hating this whole sequence, but I’m enjoying it, so far.
And actually, Shannon continues to show signs of growing up a little. (OK, this sequence hasn’t shown it yet, I admit—except her asking with “please”.)
CoreyTaylor1 3 months ago
Stick it to her, Brad!
[Unnamed Reader - 14b4ce] 3 months ago
And the laundry shall remain there untouched until Shannon starts high school
[Unnamed Reader - 14b4ce] 3 months ago
Time to buy Shannon a Kenner Easy-Bake oven
Sparks13 3 months ago
Children that young aren’t offensive, they just don’t understand yet how things work. Besides, Shannon isn’t writing her lines. A grown up is.