Buckles by David Gilbert for January 17, 2025

To describe this scene with one word, it’s metal. To describe this scene with a term, GoComics’s policies wouldn’t permit me to do so. I stand firm by my previous statement that this is the Buckles I like to see. I’ll elaborate in another comment.

Superdog strikes again…..

Buckle’s Killer instincts to protect kicked in, Get’em Buckles!

In the previous year, Mr. Gilbert did something with his comic that most would call inconceivable: He conveyed a sudden tragedy. The daily strips were normal at first. Buckles complains about being on a leash while Paul hangs on tightly behind. To the surprise of the readers, Buckles breaks free of Paul’s hold and runs out into oncoming traffic. He was struck by a car, but as you can see, he recovered and lived.

This comic has a similar type of premise. It seems like another misadventure with Christiana. Just as the pair are about to head home, a couple of intimidating bullies gang up on Christiana. Buckles, who was already tired of being used as a sled dog, makes a run for it, not realizing just what he was getting into.

The strips shown during these past two days are a testament to who Buckles truly is. He often proves to be disobedient, complaintive, scheming, wild, and cowardly whenever someone or something confronts him. At his core, he’s a good dog. He loves his family, even though some folks like Paul or Christiana annoy him, and he’s always willing to look out for his friends.

This story is very impactful for a combination of both sides. It’s clear that Buckles doesn’t like being subjected to Christiana’s antics. At the end of such arcs, the mutt can never seem to “win.” Deep inside, he loves her, despite being annoyed. At this point in time, this is the second scariest thing Buckles has ever encountered.

Both he and Christiana are in the field of danger. If he was by himself, it would’ve been a different story. He would’ve run home, perhaps talked with Arden or Flea about it, and called it a day. Initially, he plans to do this, or merely hide until the bullies went away. However, seeing Christiana get hurt was the thing that immediately changed everything.

In the moment, Buckles’ instincts were awakened, and he was ready to enact justice upon the bullies as a true hero. Afterward, I believe Buckles will realize that it’s not always about being safe, but protecting and cherishing the ones he loves no matter the cost. Sure, this a charming cartoon with funny moments and gags, but it’s so much deeper than that. Mr. Gilbert created a wonderful comic, and I’m so glad that people of the new generation will be able to experience it all for the first time.

After what these jerks just did to poor Christina, I hope Buckles rips them to shreds! What lily livered cowards to treat a little girl like that!

My, I certainly hope the shots are up to date, for those two jerks that is.

You “gettum” Buckles, what a good boy!

I’ve always said it: we do not deserve dogs…

I want to see the action! Show us the dog tearing up the bullies!

Remember Buckles family’s stick together great job

Buckles comes through for Christina.

After yesterdays last panel i knew that someone was in trouble.

I’m glad this is a comic and not real life. I want to cheer Buckles on. In real life, Google Animal Law Strict Liability Dog Bites.

I would have liked to have seen some “Rip!, Hurt!, Maim!”s to go along with those “Bark, Growl!, and Grrrr!”s… ☺

Yes!! Attabboy Buckles!!

Good boy! Protect the pack.

I do not want to see Buckles hurt boys who are bullies but were also raised most likely by awful parents. I want Buckles to scare them off and have no one get hurt. Buckles is just a puppy and should not be drawing blood from people if he can scare them away.

The really sad thing is, that the bullies’ parents would most likely sue and Buckles would be deemed a vicious dog and put down. I sure hope they just get their deserved come-uppance here.