Because here they are just dealing with everyday life, being a fun comic strip, and September 11, 2001 is about to slap them, and the rest of the world, upside the head. I was enjoying myself on this read-through, but started preparing myself once I noticed the date starting to creep up. :-(
The ability to create art using electronics has come a long way since 2002. Some newer artists use tablets/computers exclusively. No matter what medium they use, from cave walls and berries through tablets and beyond, it takes more talent than I could even dream of having!
Sprinkling? Man, I bet their graveyards are SPOOKY!