tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4357793224370188597.post3766352756919273228..comments2024-02-25T03:15:48.893-05:00Comments on News and Views by Chris Barat: Comics Review: LITTLE LULU, VOLUME 23: THE BOGEY SNOWMAN AND OTHER STORIES (Dark Horse Books, 2010)Chris Barathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06845538037091279990noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4357793224370188597.post-9966772482381022182010-05-22T17:04:10.189-04:002010-05-22T17:04:10.189-04:00Joe,
"For a little boy to have great affecti...Joe,<br /><br />"For a little boy to have great affection for his mother doesn’t seem quite the same as a teenage / young adult female to be giving such “gifts” to her father… especially when there’s no visible or previously established evidence of an otherwise healthy and “normal” family situation. Whatever their faults, the Tompkins Family does have some established reputation of normalcy."<br /><br />I agree that there's a difference between a "one-off" character and a continuing character doing such a thing. But you have to admit, it's strange that Stanley suddenly went down this path long AFTER having established the "normalcy" of the Tompkins clan. Was he simply not paying attention? That would tend to support my idea that he was losing a bit of interest in the characters by that time. <br /><br />Actually, I think that the editor is more to blame in this case than in the BUGS one. The fact that Stanley titled the story "The Secret Girl Friend" and GOT AWAY WITH IT really surprised me. The BUGS story didn't have a title and (as you pointed out) followed familiar Christmas-story traditions until almost the end. Wouldn't a vigilant editor have whistled Stanley for "encroachment" upon a very questionable territory?<br /><br />"Perhaps, this is just an idea that is best left alone – at least when a young person’s relationship with a parent is concerned."<br /><br />Yes, there HAVE to be better ways to get the basic point across. How about simply saying "To My Secret Valentine." <br /><br />ChrisChris Barathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06845538037091279990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4357793224370188597.post-75873712063643956742010-05-21T18:48:30.214-04:002010-05-21T18:48:30.214-04:00Chris:
I’m not certain the Lulu tale is quite as ...Chris:<br /><br />I’m not certain the Lulu tale is quite as appalling as the Bugs one. For a little boy to have great affection for his mother doesn’t seem quite the same as a teenage / young adult female to be giving such “gifts” to her father… especially when there’s no visible or previously established evidence of an otherwise healthy and “normal” family situation. <br /><br />Whatever their faults, the Tompkins Family does have some established reputation of normalcy. Tubby is also not considered to be “of age”, as Lula Belle might be – or (even worse) might NOT QUITE be! The implications, especially when viewed through a 21st Century lens, seem much more serious in the Bugs story. <br /><br />By your description, it sounds as if Stanley tried to accomplish the same thing as the anonymous Bugs writer did, and came closer to succeeding… or at least failed to miss in such a devastating way. Perhaps, this is just an idea that is best left alone – at least when a young person’s relationship with a parent is concerned. <br /><br />Oh, and thanks! My writings have never been assigned as “homework” before – and by an honest to goodness college professor, to boot! Consider me suitably honored! <br /><br />Joe.Joe Torciviahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00421096229407174474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4357793224370188597.post-11273839260223083442010-05-21T17:01:25.003-04:002010-05-21T17:01:25.003-04:00"mentally check out"...
Sounds familiar..."mentally check out"...<br /><br />Sounds familiar (re: me and THFT!)<br /><br />-Mark.Fun Ideashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04070410165741743616noreply@blogger.com