Perfectly Imperfect

This is a good, solid cartoon to end the year on.

Everyone be safe with all the amateurs out tonight. Remember, it’s not much of a happy new year without you in it.

Cheers!

Ask Verne About His Nagging Rash

In the emotional ecosystem of Over the Hedge, Verne is the constant against which all others measure themselves and come up mocking.

 

Toxic Affection?

Is Hammy too sweet?  Hard for me to say.  I’m pretty much the last guy on earth to be writing a sweet, lovable character (the last guy being Stephan Pastis).  I like to think he’s more wacky, than sweet.  But who knows.  If your teeth are falling out drop me a line and  I’ll consider toning him down.  But probably not.   My sense is Hammy hugs are welcomed by most everyone, inside or outside their shells.

Even Verne.

Blood Sucking Parasites Need Absolution Too

I wonder if this would have been funnier if Verne were drawn all prune-y? Also, he should have a wide-eyed dizzy expression with his head lolled back like he’s about to pass out.

That is, if I were drawing it.

Of course, if I were drawing it, Verne would look like a deformed stick-figure tuber.

 

RJ’s 2011 Resolution Absolution

We do this bit every year – with greater or lesser degrees of success.  I like that the character who never resolves to improve is in charge of absolving those who are always trying to improve.    There’s a certain perfection in RJ’s comfort with his own imperfection.   RJ understands that self-improvement is a mirage.  Certainly, we can all improve, but if we all became thinner or healthier or nicer would it make us all happier?  No, because happiness is a comparative emotion.   We are happy in comparison to being sad.   If we are never sad, or fat or sick or mean, then what does it mean to be happy?   If RJ isn’t a self-debasing glutton who only cares about his next Yoo-hoo fix, then what does it mean to be Verne… or Hammy?   You have to let RJ have his cake, so Verne can refuse to eat his too.

RJ can absolve us for our resolution-ary sins because he is the biggest sinner of us all.

It takes one, to know two.

Can You Gift Me Now?

Sorry for the kerning issue on Bar-ton’s.  T needs to fix that on his lettering font.

Oh, you thought he hand lettered each cartoon?  How quaint.

Wait.  You think he hand draws these too?  Now you’re really naive.  We outsourced the art work to China years ago.

Of course I still write each one by hand.   If by hand you think I mean an index finger hitting a key in GagWorks that randomly assembles punch lines from millions of situations and conflicts.

Silly readers.

Let It Down, Let it Down, Let it Down

It’s Christmas Day.  I’ve just finished my second Bloody Mary.  I’m watching Love Actually through our new Apple TV (excellent gift).  And I do not attempt comedy under the influence.

Of romantic comedies.

<rim shot>

Merry Christmas.

Glenn the Elf is Weird

Today’s Hedge makes me smile.  Verne’s stubborn and dutiful reading of the story is hijacked and flown to Cuba for a furry convention.

Having been the guest of honor at a furry convention earlier this year, I can tell you first hand that it’s more fun than listening to the 7856th reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

A lot more fun.

An odd kind of fun, but still really fun.

Okay, the nipple orca costume was disturbing, but still a good time was had by all.

 

It’s a Hammyful Life

Something I put together to thank everyone who enjoys Over the Hedge and follows my blog.  Hope you enjoy it and have a very Happy, a very Hammy Holiday.

 

Hammy Claus is Coming to Town

You better start beaming
You better not tear
You better stop screaming
And share your root beer
Hammy Claus is coming to town

He’s tracking your moves
From an eye in the sky
Gonna find out you ate all the pie.
Hammy Clause is coming to town

He knows when you’ve been whining
He knows if you’re a flake
He knows if you think Aunt Dora’s butt’s too big
So stop staring for goodness sake.

You better start beaming
You better not tear
You better stop screaming
And share your root beer
Hammy Claus is coming to town.