I love Roz Chast’s memoir Can’t We talk About Something More Pleasant?, and while she was recounting the story of her aging parents, I think the phrase is particularly appropriate today. Today, we are not going to talk about any of the appalling news that has happened in several parts of the world, or about political candidates and the stupid, insensitive things that they may or may not have said.
We are going panda panda panda with some of the cutest panda cartoons of all times.
Like this one from the way back files…
This cartoon appeared in Henry Nicholls’ book The Way of the Panda
You can’t just DO stuff. You need instruction from an expert!
How IS this different from Pinky’s normal bossiness?
What the well dressed panda cub is wearing this season!
When I first started drawing panda satire, I went through this intensive period of what I called, “Learning From the Masters” and immersed myself in books of collected cartoons by Bill Watterson, (Calvin and Hobbes) Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury) Steven Pastis (Pearls Before Swine) and Darby Conley (Get Fuzzy) among others. recently, I received the exhibition catalog from a 2014 show of Bill Watterson’s original cartoons at Ohio State University’s Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum. I’m in the middle of reading an interview with Watterson and it is full of Calvin-ish wisdom. Have I mentioned Calvin and Hobbes is my favorite cartoon series ever?
Oh dear, the Mei-hem twinkies have made Pinky mad. Uh oh.
Anyway, although I was making notes on some of the most significant points in the interview, I seem to have misplaced the paper I wrote them on. (this happens a lot around here) but if I may paraphrase some of the statements I loved best:
On the difference between editorial cartooning and comic strips: You get to make stuff up.
What characters say: When you are really in tune with your characters, it’s not so much writing dialog, but listening to the characters own voices.
Yeah, see? it IS Pinky saying all that stuff! I think I need to go on a road trip to all the cartoon museums in this country.
And because this will always be one of my favorite Wu-toons,
Dis. Will. Not. Stand!
Mittens will return on Sunday. Stay tuned.
Be the Bear,
Bob T Panda
Holding tight to my wallet…
Always a good idea around pandas.
Pandas can make anything mysteriously disappear. Just ask Pinky. 😉
Pinky says you don’t know what you;re talking about. Really! That girl!
I had forgotten how little Bubba once was; and how well you developed his form as well as his character. Less than a year ago we did not know him and now he is such a force.
Mr Wu’s speech of indignation regarding the Atlanta Twinkies is probably one of my favorite episodes. I quote him, and you, often.
Hard to believe he is not quite a year old. He is going to be humongous, I think.
That speech of wu’s will always be one of my favorites. That and Pinky’s rant about the panda cam shut down.
As an aside Panda in Chief I just did a guest post over at Mark Bialczak’s and I would be honored if you had the time to drop by. Thank You. https://markbialczak.com/2016/06/19/janices-bicyle/comment-page-1/#comment-80839
OOOO, yes…Panda, Panda Panda & Cat too!
All of these cartoons are favorites of mine. But Wu’s rant, Bubba’s new clothes (complete w/why not vote4Bob banner) & Mr. Bun’s reactions to Bubba in Mommee’s purse are in me top ten!
Hee hee! I am one of those people that will reread my favorite books multiple times. So glad you are enjoying seeing your favorites again. Right now I am reading an exhibition catalog from a couple years ago, for an exhibition of original cartoons by Bill Watterson. Calvin and Hobbes will always be my favorite, not to mention a huge inspiration. The best part (besides revisiting favorite ‘toons) is reading Wattersons thoughts and insights into his work. He is a genius.