Crankshaft by Tom Batiuk and Dan Davis for January 15, 2025

You know, taken out of context Ed’s Panel Two comment just might be the funniest thing he’s ever said. I’m considering buying a print of today’s strip and getting that panel blown up to poster size.

“Okay, I won’t touch it—but this cattle prod will!”

I relate. I’ve said similar things to my chiropractor.

It’s funny, because Davis has given up doing anything! He just lets his intern scrape old art with AI. The facial expressions and body positions barely fit the dialog anymore, but Boy O Boy do we get to see in detail Ed’s many, many blackheads! Not just the iconic nose-rot, but now the pustulant growths on his shoulders and back! THANKS DAN! And don’t worry, Ed—ain’t nobody touching those.

Oh, this won’t hurt a bit . . . .

Coffee break!

Ew.

Wow … that was actually funny. This strip works better on the rare occassions when Crankshaft is the central character.

“Sure. BTW, I’ve raised my rates 50%, but I’m giving you a 10% discount.”

Hey not back away from massaging now.

All that dark mold growth on wall. Gotta be a darn cheap place eh.

“See if you can massage it without touching it” seems like a metaphor for Batty’s writing [sic]. “See if you can tell a story without anything happening.” Mission accomplished!

She’s about to say, “I was hoping the same thing!”

That’s hard to do, Ed!

Gee, looks like it’s time to cue Lalo Schifrin, and, the Mission: Impossible theme again.

Don’t think he is going to like those pins!!!!

Funny………

My back went out once. I couldn’t get an appointment with my doctor, so i went to a chiropractor. It didn’t help. When i finally got to see my doctor, the nurse was filling out the information. She asked “have you seen a doctor for this?” I said I had been to the chiropractor. She said, “No, I mean a REAL doctor!”

ed she wouldnt touch it with a ten foot pole