Over-Meditated.

» August 11, 2004 2:52 PM by Ryan

The failed malapropism and oddd unintentional comedy of a recent Family Circus Strip has reminded me of a mental list I once made:

The Six types of Family Circus Strips:
1. The Dotted Line: Billy runs around the neighborhood, getting into trubba, and a fat dotted line follows him up playground equipment and through neighbors' private parties. Hilarity ensues.
2. The Malapropism. Dolly or a different annoying kid says "hambugger" when she really means "hamburger". Hey, that's not the right word, little fucker! Ha-larity ensues.
3. Quotes Around the House: Exterior shot of The Family's home, with random bubbled quotes such as "Just five more minutes, mommy!" or "Why can't I be an eagle when I grow up?" hovering about above the house. Hilarity hovers as well, with a touch of innocent poignancy.
4. Billy Takes Over: Billy draws the Sunday strip, and hilarity enspews. People appear hastily drawn. Often includes punny illustrations of pop-culture references, such as "Britney's Spear" or "Alice's Chains".
5. The Living Dead: Gramma or Grandpa's ghost (or both) floats around the house to overhear a special moment or lend a dead helping hand. Disturbing unhilarity ensues.
6. The Not Funny: Dolly or PJ or Suckie or whoever it is comes crying to Mom with an exclamation that sort of sounds like something a kid would say. Oh, silly kid! Such a strip has failed to capture a tender moment or make a joke, leaving the reader searching for a reason why it should exist. This the most common type.