I knew a kid in college who was eerily like Ernesto. Even as a young kid, he’d been meticulous and precociously careful in his speech and comportment. Went on to graduate from an Ivy League school and then get a PhD in mathematics, and functioned well enough, but in his mid-thirties became a right nutter. He was basically unemployed starting in the 1970s, living on the annuity his parents anxiously arranged for him, aware of his “problems”. But whenever I talked to him, he said that he had standing invitations to join the faculties of Harvard, the U. of Chicago, and U. Michigan. Somehow lived to be 70, married a woman as crazy as he was and they had a kid, appalling to think about.
mabrndt Premium Member over 3 years ago
This time, a little over 10 years ago, Richard posted a blog entry regarding this and 5 prior strips:
http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2011/02/todays-cul-de-sac-january-31-to.html
Templo S.U.D. over 3 years ago
nice discussion, André and Petey
su43dipta over 3 years ago
You’re a good friend, Andre!
Jesy Bertz Premium Member over 3 years ago
But is Andre real?
nerdhoof over 3 years ago
How does Andre know most people see Ernesto, if Petey is the only one who admits seeing him?
dwane.scoty1 over 3 years ago
Maybe Andre’s empathy might not be in Petey’s best interest. A Devious person might manipulate his this “fantasy” later for whatever!
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member over 3 years ago
“Most people see him, but nobody wants to admit it.” One of the great lines from this strip. Totally nails Ernesto.
cdward over 3 years ago
Ernesto, the mass hallucination.
Ralph Newbill over 3 years ago
The second panel is genius!
Jeffin Premium Member over 3 years ago
Read Catch 22 lately?
stukelele over 3 years ago
You understand that this is a comic strip, right?
WCraft Premium Member over 3 years ago
So…since I don’t see him then I’m not sane? Sigh..
NWdryad over 3 years ago
Wise Andre.
AndrewSihler over 3 years ago
I knew a kid in college who was eerily like Ernesto. Even as a young kid, he’d been meticulous and precociously careful in his speech and comportment. Went on to graduate from an Ivy League school and then get a PhD in mathematics, and functioned well enough, but in his mid-thirties became a right nutter. He was basically unemployed starting in the 1970s, living on the annuity his parents anxiously arranged for him, aware of his “problems”. But whenever I talked to him, he said that he had standing invitations to join the faculties of Harvard, the U. of Chicago, and U. Michigan. Somehow lived to be 70, married a woman as crazy as he was and they had a kid, appalling to think about.
DCBakerEsq over 3 years ago
Never demonstrate your sanity. Words to live by.
Aliquid over 3 years ago
I love the ambiguity of all of this.
6turtle9 over 3 years ago
Insanity is all relative, and your relatives will make sure you know.
Sisyphos over 3 years ago
Right. Andre is so reassuring. Now, I feel sane, but I’m not sure I feel better because of it….
rzander906 over 3 years ago
so which ones are imaginary and which ones are real in second frame?……time loop