Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for January 10, 2012

Now we know why he calls himself the Blue BANDIT.

Pics or it didn’t happen, BB!

I don’t know DTPi. You think he may be “schizo” based on putting the book under his arm, but adopting the persona as the Blue Bandit is otherwise normal.

Lord Dirtbag is waiting at the end of the line.

“Supper” heroes?Maybe they’re all out to lunch…

“Supper heroes”: I like that. It goes with “armchair general.” Most supper heroes don’t wear costumes, but probably imagine themselves doing do. But actually, it is an interesting question. Masks are obvious, to hide their mundane identities. (Except Superman who wore the mask [glasses] when not acting the hero.) Tights I suppose caught on as a costume expressive of muscularity without nudity, and capes to add a little style, a little retro flourish. I mean, since the super hero is impervious to cold, rain, bullets, flame, etc., why does he need to wear clothes at all? And yet imagine a super hero (male) who wears nothing, or to avoid offending, nothing but a speedo. Wouldn’t we all find that creepy?

Only Jeff can define who the superheros and evildoers are.

I like the guy with the antennae.

When superheroes were introduced in the ’30s, they were dressed like circus strongmen and acrobats of the time.

“Why do supper heroes wear capes and . . . " To distinguish themselves from breakfast heroes?

Where is this bookshop that lets you have a book signed without paying for it first?

Blue Bandit: I’m … a peer.Jeff: A peer? Really? Then maybe they could settle this non-violently — in a peeing contest.

Don’t all superhero outfits basically follow Superman’s? And weren’t Siegel and Schuster inspired by the tights worn by circus strongmen?

Bicycle outfits for a culture so effete that riding a bike is ‘super’.Warpaint and camo…anybody know the difference?

“… Jeff is certainly living in a fantasy world.” Methinks Jeff is only un-certainly living in a fantasy world. • He doesn’t break the law (e.g., shoplift, like Blue Bandit, because of sincere belief). • His screwups [such as bungie-jumping out of a helo as part of a U.S. gvt.-approved mission) are concurrent with Trudeau’s intended portrayal of a “fantasy” (i.e. schizoid) national policy] do not set him apart as schizo from a schizo world. • He turns his “deficit” (magical thinking) into a real-world asset by writing a book and making money off of it. Bottom line: Jeff could end up wealthy (like Trudeau himself) via his ability to think this way, whereas Blue Bandit, being more sincerely delusional, could end up institutionalized.

“When can we start ripping on insignificant politicians (like Sarah Palin) again?” The only politician in recent memory who went from “significant” to “insignificant” faster than bimbo Sarah was Herm “the squirm worm” Cain. Trudeau rips significants, insignificants not so much.

I’m the Blue Bandit!

Some early superheroes, X Men, FF, had loose fitting, almost baggy costumes. Maybe because Kirby was drawing them.

Rich Corben’s Den was a naked super hero of sorts.

Hey! I’m the Blue Bandit! Not him!

“The Incredibles” put the kibosh on capes. No capes darling!

“SOMEBODY doesn’t take Jeff Redfern very seriously!” His own father, Rick?

I love how Red Rascal, being all calm and Zen-like, is dealing with the Blue Bandit, self-proclaimed champion of freeloaders everywhere.Hurry up with your coffee, Rick! You’re missing some serious action, here!

I think it’s safe to say Blue Bandit has no green on him.

How can I make a living if I am going to comp every super hero that comes along??

Gee Rasczak, it’s a little tough to get anything fresh on Palin, since she’s become so politically insignificant. The only thing I can find are some old retreads. and some Nightmarish Realism that would blow the Rascals mind.

OK, so why do they call them “supermodels”? Not a one of them can fly or lift a truck.

…. what… did the Blue Whatever , um Bandit – leave his wallet in his other costume?.