By TOM LAVIS
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
Readers of The Tribune-Democrat take their funnies seriously.
A monthlong survey concerning the revision of our comics page has generated a lot of reader involvement.
During the past four Sundays, The Tribune-Democrat has published samples of five new comic strips for readers’ consideration.
We also asked which current strips people read regularly – to give editors an idea of the popularity of each.
Tribune-Democrat Editor Chip Minemyer is pleased to receive valued input from readers.
“It’s exciting that so many people were interested enough in our comics page to participate in our surveys,” Minemyer said.
“There are so many good strips out there, and we want to continue to give our readers a comics page that is interesting, humorous and thoughtful.”
Readers were encouraged to vote for their favorites by submitting a ballot or responding online.
About 1,800 readers responded online while nearly 500 people clipped and mailed coupons conveying their picks.
The surveyed comic strips are “The Flying McCoys,” by brothers Glenn and Gary McCoy; “On a Claire Day,” by Carla Ventresca and Henry Beckett; “Baby Blues,” by Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott; “One Big Happy,” by Rick Detorie; and “Pooch Café,” by Paul Gilligan.
The top two choices by coupon submissions were “Blondie” and “Beetle Bailey,” while “For Better or For Worse” and “Hagar the Horrible” ran neck and neck for third place in the balloting.
Online, the top three vote-getters were “Wizard of Id,” “For Better or For Worse” and “Dilbert.”
At the bottom of the list are the biting commentaries of Garry Trudeau’s “Doonesbury” and “Magic Eye,” a 3-D puzzle.
Not surprisingly, the older comics that have generated a loyal following for decades remain popular.
“Blondie,” by the late Chic Young, debuted in 1930. Young’s son, Dean, and John Marshall continue the popular strip featuring the Bumsteads.
Despite running only the classic panels by the late Charles Schulz, “Peanuts” finished in the top five.
Schulz died in 2000, but readers remain faithful.
Of the new comics that readers reviewed, “One Big Happy” and “On a Claire Day” intrigued them the most.
“One Big Happy” is about the relationships among kids, parents, grandparents and in-laws.
“On a Claire Day” is about a woman who finally moves out of her parents’ house only to discover the real world is a lot harder than she thought.
Vying for third were “Baby Blues,” a strip that examines the surprises and predicaments of parenthood, and “Pooch Café,” the story of a cheese-loving, toilet-water drinking mutt named Poncho.
“Family Circus,” by Bill Keane, only appears on Sundays but generates an allegiance, finishing among the top-10 vote-getters.
Readers also expressed opinions on certain strips.
Joe Dremely, 77, of Conemaugh Borough, called new comic strips “a bunch of stick figures with no heart.”
Another reader said, “No more talking animals.”
The new comics will be unveiled in March.
Features
'One Big Happy,' 'On a Claire Day' top picks
- Features
-
-
All things afield at annual sportsmen's show
Folks who crave the great outdoors will have the chance to get a jump on their adventures by attending the 27th annual Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show at the Monroeville Convention Center. The show, which runs from Feb. 15-19, is the only western Pennsylvania show dedicated to hunting, fishing and camping. It offers hundreds of exhibitors, dozens of live demonstrations and many seminars presented by experts in their fields of interest.
-
Venue of Merging Arts to host Slovak Mardi Gras
Slovak heritage will be the center of attention at an upcoming party. A Slovak Mardi Gras, or Fasiangy, will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 19 at Venue of Merging Arts, 305 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.
-
Go jump in a lake | Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge at Que to raise funds for Special Olympics
It takes a hearty soul to jump into a freezing Pennsylvania lake in February and pay money to do it. But that’s what organizers of the first official Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge are counting on. On Saturday, if people donate to Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, they can go jump in a lake.
- Area high schools have scheduled spring shows
- Tom Lavis | Coming unglued when trying to peel wallpaper
-
Westmont Hilltop High School has reached theatrical milestone
“The Pirates of Penzance” will mark Westmont Hilltop High School’s 50th year of presenting musical theater.
-
Curtains rising | Students acting out roles in spring productions
A variety of performances that promise to be entertaining are scheduled for area high school stages.
-
Tribute band to play best of Pink Floyd at War Memorial
This arena show will bring the lights and sounds of Pink Floyd. Brit Floyd, billed as the world’s greatest Pink Floyd show, will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown.
-
Religion in brief | Holy Trinity sets worship services
Worship services for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 525 Main St., Berlin, will be held at 5:30 tonight and 9 a.m. Sunday, followed by Sunday school at 10:15.
-
Events | Slippery slide
The 36th annual World Championship Ice Racing Series will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown.
- More Features Headlines
-
All things afield at annual sportsmen's show
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes MN, MO, CO
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
