Crankshaft by Tom Batiuk and Dan Davis for March 02, 2025

You’re going to hit the rest room? Your aim leaves a lot to be desired, man!

Have TV screens on the walls to watch so you don’t miss any of the movie.

Back in the 60’s a neighboring town had the concessing stand in the theater area so you can still watch the film while getting your snacks.

Just yell up to Hannah and/or Max in the projection booth, Ed, and they’ll stop the projector for you. It’s not as though you’re inconveniencing other audience members; I’m confident you, Pmm, and Jff are the only ones in the theatre.

So, we’re back at the Valentine, are we? Let’s see: a 2025 movie theatre trying to attract customers in a small Ohio town with the 1951 feature version of Republic’s 1949 serial “King of the Rocket Men,” chosen for maximum senior citizen fanboy identification? Check. Authentic “Lost Planet Airmen” one-sheet lovingly traced from Wikipedia art? Check. Jff, Pmm, and Ed are sitting there, presumably comped by Max and Hannah? Check. Jff’s in his Blue Bombers shirt, Pmm has a tub of popcorn, and Ed’s notoriously weak plumbing is a distraction? Check. A humorous punchline? Well, nobody’s perfect.

Well thats easy peasy see, when it yours family run theatre and you three the only audience in there. Hey pause that darn theeng already! Dint cha hears me?

Ed held it in so he wouldn’t miss the Little Audrey cartoon beforehand.

I have all three of the “Rocket Man” serials and “Lost Planet Air Men” on tape, old school you know, like driving a standard.

(O,O)

Wow! I just checked Amazon, and found several 85" smart tv’s under $800! I need to clear some wall space, and buy one next summer. Prime has lots of free movies.

Wonder if Commander Cody is getting any residuals off this?

NOTE: in the original final panel (omitted due to space limitations; the author insisted that the carefully traced movie poster was essential to establish context), the camera pulls back and we see that Ed, Pmm and Jff are not at the Valentine but rather in their own living room. The three theater seats replaced the pubic hair couch for today’s strip. As Ed gets up, Pmm looks into his seat and delivers the punch line: “I can’t; you sat on the remote.”

Management apologizes for the inconvenience.

Sorry, can’t do that!

Since their offspring run the theater. and they’re the only ones there, why not? And why are they sitting in the back row?

can you really pause a movie from the theater? That would’ve been nice. :L

The TV’s are getting larger than my house….

dont eat the urinal cake ed you know it gives you heartburn

This movie stinks, grab the remote and change the channel while Cranky’s gone.

Cranky, they are only showing trailers for new movies yet to be released.

Episode 7 “Lost In the Ozone.”

Pam should be concerned because apparently Ed doesn’t understand that they aren’t at home.

………..ain’t no pausing on this one……usually pick a time when movie slows down……….oh yea…….it is academy award night!!!!

Ed: the movie’s available on YouTube. Just open it up on your phone and watch it while you’re whizzing…

Don’t hit it too hard. Most things in there are not too soft.

Losipeg Blue Bombers? Double Blue. GO ARGOS!!!!!