Tom takes a stand

Another important lesson from cartoonist Tom Gammill.

Children? Not a fan.

With all the angry emails I get about just about every topic, you'd think a comic showing children in danger would generate an angry response. However, comics like the one above have always received the opposite reaction. This just reinforces my theory; People don't like children!
There have been a few exceptions. For instance, the mower incident from back in June. But I feel like he was more unhappy about the improper use of a lawn mower than the safety of the children.
The only other occasion I can think of was in response to this comic from way back in 2006:
This was the letter I got:

"I feel compelled to comment on today's (Sunday, November 5, 2006) strip. Normally I enjoy the humor, but today's was in poor taste. Anything having to do with children playing with, or being put in plastic bags - or laminated in plastic - should not be joked about.
That said, keep up the good work with a great, witty comic strip."

I don't know how to feel about complimentary hate mail... it gives me confused feelings.
Nevertheless, I can't completely ban a topic from my cartoon because of angry emails. If I did there would be nothing to cartoon about. People can get upset about anything.

Hey... are those the same kids in both comics? Weird.

Since you asked...

The Denver Post just posted a survey. They want to know what their readers think of their current comic lineup. F Minus is in their current lineup.

Of course, only Denver Post readers should vote...

Here is the survey, if you're curious.

Hot mug of Pearls

If you look closely at today's Pearls Before Swine comic, you'll notice a shout out to F Minus from my friend Stephan Pastis. I got to meet Stephan at the Reuben awards (the Oscars of cartooning) in Orlando. I think we ended up hanging out with each other because we are both under 100 years old. (Haha, just a little joke, other cartoonists.)
We are pictured here with our book editor, Erin. Behind us in the crowd you can spot the sprightly Mort Walker (Beetle Bailey) and Bill Keane (Family Circus). This was right before Stephan and I challenged them to a vigorous game of beach volleyball.
You might have noticed some of Stephan's characters in one of my comics from a while back:Stephan has a blog too.

Tea-Time Clown Tattoo

This might be the greatest thing I have ever seen.
In March of 2008 I published a comic featuring a guy named Mikey (based on my tattooed brother) regretting his tattoo choice: Tea-Time Clown.
Today I received a message from the owner of a tattoo shop in Vancouver, Canada. He told me that the cartoon was popular with his customers, and also with his tattoo artist friend.
In fact, he liked it so much, he created a tattoo flash with some alternate Tea-Time Clown tattoo designs.
His designs include a Tea-Time Clown in a race car, a Tea-Time Clown as royalty, a sad Tea-Time Clown with a broken teacup, and of course a standard Tea-Time Clown, as seen in my comic.

This was enough to make my day, but then it got better... I present to you, an actual Tea-Time Clown Tattoo!
The owner of this awesome Tea-Time Clown tattoo now has the perfect answer when someone asks the question "Have you ever done anything you really regret?"

I couldn't be more proud.

Tattoo by:
Cohen Floch -Tattoo Union, Vancouver B.C.

Tony Cooks an Egg