Awesome. Absolutely awesome. Even shows the original head shape from a decade ago. And the weekly story has flowed into Sunday. Brad DeGroot: Zero to Hero. Awesome.
Wonderful strip today… im clicking the little star! As for why Toni is crying; If I remember correctly, she was feeling guilty over Brad being hurt while saving her life… I think….. Lev??
What would be interesting: Brad suggests setting the date for September – as they both get vacation. Then Toni replies – Uh – Brad – it needs to be sooner…
Dumbfounded myself, ten years? I been here since late90’s….awesome.Yup,.I’m not gettin old, I AM old. Enjoyin and lovin this
at last,.it is official. Toni and Brad. Yeah, I remember allthese scenes. And it is a beautiful lead in to where theyreally belong. This is such a beautiful panel. Thank you,Mr. Evans. :-)
interesting. There does not seem to be any shower scene.^^ That’s cause Toni found the spycam TJ had installed in the bathroom and covered it with a towel, before the water sports began
And since we have a whole wedding cd put together for them, that we all suggested songs for, we can just pop it in, and choose whichever one we prefer, to play over today’s strip-montage……. so if you have your mp3, cd, vinyl or cassette ready, just press play, or drop the tone arm…….
What we REALLY NEED (once they get married) is a graphic novel of the complete Brad and Toni story. I have been following this story line from the beginning and I would love to re-read the whole thing in book form. PLEASE???!!!
By the way, rings does not make it official. That’s just materialistic things. It is what is in the heart and the promise to each that makes an engagement official.
I started reading Luann less than 10 years ago, but it’s become one of my favorite continued strips that I seek out daily. I identify with Brad, as he’s sort of the dorky Every Guy, that finally gets the girl! Way to go, Greg Evans! Whoo Hoo!!!
Giving us the wonderful perspective and making us believe we’re actually looking through a pane of glass showcases Greg’s top notch illustration skills. Using flashbacks was a stellar idea and helpful for our Sunday-only readers too..Kudos Team Evans.
Wrong. T.J. talked Brad into taking firefighting class in order to meet girls. Without T.J.’s scheme to meet girls Brad would never have taken the class and would never have met Toni.
I should have said, 1/19/2002 was Ton’s first “definite” appearance. As you can see in the strip immediately preceding it, we catch a glimpse of a girl with long blonde hair walking into the class, but we do not see her face. It might have been Toni. It might not have been.
But her first definite appearance was in the 1/19/2002 strip.
Is she really going to wear that ring on her right hand? I give my congrats to both. Can’t really believe how long its been. I also thought is was just a few years but 10? Wow!
A happy strip today and good comments bringing back all those times that developed their relationship. And they stuck it out. Marriage is one kind of growth step, but there are many more afterward. It seems to me that Greg’s strip is different than a “for better or worse” cause he has more whimsical and goofy kind of adventure – like what TJ is famous for. Keeps us from wallowing in to much moralizing and heavy life lessons. Anyway, i love a happy ending like this today.
TJ was not the cause of that problem, he was the catalyst that brought it to a head. Without his (I agree, totally inappropriate, it was not his business) interfering, Brad would have stewed in that hole for weeks. Toni would probably have walked away because a broken Brad is not something she could have dealt with at the time.
Not that color rendering conventions and continuity have ever been a huge priority with this strip. Why should her shirt stay the same color when the writing on Miss Phelps’ desk plate and certificates alters from panel to panel?
Today’s strip is another example of why Luann is one of the best of the real-life comics. Greg could only have improved on it by renaming it ‘Brad & Toni’ for the day. Haven’t been reading it as long as some of you so thanks very much to those who included the old strips in your posts. I am currently reading Luann Againn so will be able to discuss the strip’s history with you in about 20 years. Talk to you then!
It is interesting to see what panels Greg (and we can assume Nancy) chose for their montage. While I was looking through the last ten years of Brad-and-Toni searching for the panels he chose, I find several that I think represented major milestones that he didn’t include.
First there was this strip from 9/11/2002.Brad had rescued Bernice’s boyfriend, Zane. TJ organized a “Brad is a Hero” parade and invited the gang. He also invited Toni. Toni showed up.
Up to this point, Toni had treated Brad like she would have treated any other guy who was hitting on her. (You have to assume she’s an expert at that.) This is the first time the Toni treated Brad better than just another brushoff.
Then there were these two strips starting 2/27/2003:This is the first time Toni lets down the wall. The next strip has them trading rude jokes together.
And here is a major, major milestone. Brad had just washed out of the Fire Academy because he couldn’t pass the physical test. (Toni could). He’s feeling depressed.
Remember when Toni said last month that the right woman could work wonders with a man? Well, here’s proof positive that she did with Brad. It is highly doubtful that Brad would have perservered to become a firefighter if it hadn’t been Toni and her influence.
@sara“That “I’m not ready to talk to you” was really good. I loved it at the time, in context, but it’s even better in retrospect. That was the moment she realized Brad was not a sure thing, that he would walk away if he had to. Also the moment she realized she was not OK with him walking.”
You may be on to something. Later on in this arc, we have this strip:Would she have come to that realization without the, “I’m not ready to talk to you”, panel? I have my doubts.
I can’t let this strip pass without expressing my appreciation for all these moments. What a helluva long arc and payoff!BTW, I was not aware that Brad had saved Dirk’s life. That’s about three by my reckoning.Yep, I agree, what a hero!
This great strip prompts me to write what’s been on my mind anyway. I read your strip daily and enjoy it. I read lots of strips and save off ones I like, doing a “best of” toon email to a number of people weekly. Many strips I enjoy here and there, but your I enjoy consistently. Nevertheless, I rarely save them. The continuity, I guess, makes it all or nothing. But the sequence in today’s strip represents the exception. I have often saved out the “romance” strips. I have enjoyed this theme particularly, and she is a toon easy on the eyes (my wife didn’t like it when I saved Jessica Rabbit toons, but Toni is OK). From that preface to my point. You do book reprints, which I do appreciate, but they are usually annuals complete. The build up of this romance and relationship has been interspersed with unrelated themes and gags, which has diluted the storyline. I wish you would consider, at some point, putting out a reprint book with solely this story. I’d buy multiple copies and give them out. Thanks for what you do.
Namrepus about 11 years ago
This has been 15 Panels of Brad and Toni. Order now and you also get the box set of Luann’s Boyfriend of the Month. Call now!
Wenthral about 11 years ago
I’m happy there finally getting around to making it official.
DaJellyBelly about 11 years ago
WONDERFULL!!!!!!!!!!!
I might buy this one framed. A terrific retrospective and current event panel!
TooOldToBeCool about 11 years ago
“You need a montage!”
HellishFiend about 11 years ago
Awww!!! Love this strip! I remember all of those too.
drewpamon about 11 years ago
not including the shower?
Angelalex242 about 11 years ago
Why wouldn’t Brad look dumbfounded? His dream girl just agreed to marry him. He’s going to be <3 <3 <3 for a damn long time. As it should be.
Mordock999 Premium Member about 11 years ago
HEY, what GIVES?
Brad’s Life Flash Flashin’ BEFORE His Eyes/
He just have a near death experience or somethin’???
Oh WAIT, He’s Buying the DIAMOND Engagement Ring. Same THING.
Nevermind….,
Faux Real about 11 years ago
Brad still looks “over the moon”. Good on him.
Mighty_Mouse about 11 years ago
Awesome. Absolutely awesome. Even shows the original head shape from a decade ago. And the weekly story has flowed into Sunday. Brad DeGroot: Zero to Hero. Awesome.
Leon Bridges Premium Member about 11 years ago
Hooray!!
W_Inc-ThePPP about 11 years ago
I still remember when Toni was introduced, as it was around the time I started following this comic. Can’t believe it’s been over ten years already.
doctor075 about 11 years ago
Fantastic!
ReneTray about 11 years ago
Yes.
margueritem about 11 years ago
Thank you, Greg. <3
Angelalex242 about 11 years ago
Toni’s officially got the bling now. But I wonder if the artists will remember to keep drawing it when they show her hand?
derbes about 11 years ago
It’s been 10 years?!!! Wow I’m getting old…
Namrepus about 11 years ago
Okay, someone help me out here. I remember Toni crying, but not what led up to it. Somebody must have a date for that one.
Mikeyj about 11 years ago
Wonderful strip today… im clicking the little star! As for why Toni is crying; If I remember correctly, she was feeling guilty over Brad being hurt while saving her life… I think….. Lev??
locuravamp about 11 years ago
I think I love this.
kenhense about 11 years ago
What would be interesting: Brad suggests setting the date for September – as they both get vacation. Then Toni replies – Uh – Brad – it needs to be sooner…
Craig66 about 11 years ago
Amazing how true love has diminished that pointy growth on top of Brads head.Or was it that fireman hat?
Faux Real about 11 years ago
Wrong hand Toni.
Faux Real about 11 years ago
Of course it had to be on the right hand to make the scene perspective work out – I’m confident it’ll be moved straightaway.
melmarsh9v about 11 years ago
Wow! Heavy stuff…
gkid about 11 years ago
Dumbfounded myself, ten years? I been here since late90’s….awesome.Yup,.I’m not gettin old, I AM old. Enjoyin and lovin this
at last,.it is official. Toni and Brad. Yeah, I remember allthese scenes. And it is a beautiful lead in to where theyreally belong. This is such a beautiful panel. Thank you,Mr. Evans. :-)
JanLC about 11 years ago
Why is she wearing the ring on her right hand? Can’t be a mirror image because the signs are not backwards.
Mikeyj about 11 years ago
interesting. There does not seem to be any shower scene.^^ That’s cause Toni found the spycam TJ had installed in the bathroom and covered it with a towel, before the water sports began
tincansailor39 about 11 years ago
You know it momentous when the Sunday strip continues the weekday story line, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that.
JayBluE about 11 years ago
And since we have a whole wedding cd put together for them, that we all suggested songs for, we can just pop it in, and choose whichever one we prefer, to play over today’s strip-montage……. so if you have your mp3, cd, vinyl or cassette ready, just press play, or drop the tone arm…….
Alan2112 Premium Member about 11 years ago
Really awesome…. I have enjoyed this story line. Keep Up the GREAT work
Edward White about 11 years ago
They need a Book of their own!!!!!
Edward White about 11 years ago
Perv & I agree. LOL
Edward White about 11 years ago
Maybe after the Wedding????
paigebridges about 11 years ago
Notice how much better looking Brad has gotten over the time he’s been with Toni.
vwdualnomand about 11 years ago
about time
AMF300Bowler Premium Member about 11 years ago
What we REALLY NEED (once they get married) is a graphic novel of the complete Brad and Toni story. I have been following this story line from the beginning and I would love to re-read the whole thing in book form. PLEASE???!!!
PMark about 11 years ago
So they still haven’t told their families?
jdholm3 about 11 years ago
This is kind of the anti Funky Winkerbeam, always positive and forward moving, with humor, life lessons without dark depression.
Patricia Bocklage Premium Member about 11 years ago
Best “How I Met Your Mother” story ever. :)
PMark about 11 years ago
One small quibble (so far):
Panel #13 and panel #15 happened within minutes of each other, and Toni is wearing the same clothes in each.
(Source of panel #13):
(Source of panel #15):
Yet panel #13 shows her wearing a light top and panel #15 shows her wearing a dark top.
lynchmother about 11 years ago
AWWW, thanks Greg! They look so happy and how handsome Brad has become!
Meg: All Seriousness Aside about 11 years ago
Absolutely wonderful. Thank you, Greg!
Bandera_Ken about 11 years ago
Has everyone forgotten Brad would never have met Toni if it weren’t for one of T.J.’s schemes?
w16521 about 11 years ago
Brad, please don’t forget about the prenuptial agreement!
Tetonbil Premium Member about 11 years ago
Dear Mr. Evans, well done. Thank you!
ncalifgirl58 about 11 years ago
Have to say as boring as Luann has been lately, that this one is beautiful. Nice artwork.
The Life I Draw Upon about 11 years ago
Very nice. Very nice indeed.
margothatheway about 11 years ago
I find it interesting that in the last few years Brad has become better looking and today has actually developed a chin!
Callie Ray about 11 years ago
Congrats to Brad and Toni! :D
buccaneer8 about 11 years ago
Very, very nice.
By the way, rings does not make it official. That’s just materialistic things. It is what is in the heart and the promise to each that makes an engagement official.
JoeStoppinghem Premium Member about 11 years ago
Definitely a major step for those two and this strip..Ten years, where did the time go.
BizarroMSD about 11 years ago
I started reading Luann less than 10 years ago, but it’s become one of my favorite continued strips that I seek out daily. I identify with Brad, as he’s sort of the dorky Every Guy, that finally gets the girl! Way to go, Greg Evans! Whoo Hoo!!!
feanorr about 11 years ago
Mr. Evans, you hooked me with this story line, and I’ve enjoyed many years of Luann. Thank you for all the pleasure!
S
YatInExile about 11 years ago
The Old Wolf about 11 years ago
Simply delightful. :)
topbunk about 11 years ago
I’ve enjoyed following this story over the years. Now a new story begins…
mikecronis about 11 years ago
I remember when Toni came into Brad’s life, and I’ve decided, girls ain’t worth the trouble! — Carl Segan
Faux Real about 11 years ago
Giving us the wonderful perspective and making us believe we’re actually looking through a pane of glass showcases Greg’s top notch illustration skills. Using flashbacks was a stellar idea and helpful for our Sunday-only readers too..Kudos Team Evans.
skigypsy about 11 years ago
Things are going so well. I sense a character kill-off.
Bandera_Ken about 11 years ago
Wrong. T.J. talked Brad into taking firefighting class in order to meet girls. Without T.J.’s scheme to meet girls Brad would never have taken the class and would never have met Toni.
David Huie Green LosersBlameOthers&It'sYOURfault about 11 years ago
Tears? Why I got tears?I’m a manly man.Manly men don’t cry.
Must have gotten something in my eye while reading.
Yeah, that’s what it is.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
PMark about 11 years ago
I should have said, 1/19/2002 was Ton’s first “definite” appearance. As you can see in the strip immediately preceding it, we catch a glimpse of a girl with long blonde hair walking into the class, but we do not see her face. It might have been Toni. It might not have been.
But her first definite appearance was in the 1/19/2002 strip.
Linda Pearson about 11 years ago
Is she really going to wear that ring on her right hand? I give my congrats to both. Can’t really believe how long its been. I also thought is was just a few years but 10? Wow!
mummieeva about 11 years ago
This makes me tear up. I love that they are finally engaged.
mrhappy4aa about 11 years ago
I love the flash back of the growth of the love Toni & Brad…maybe a flash back of Luann’s loves might be nice ( it is her strip).
Attila The Voice! about 11 years ago
Aw this is a nice one <3
overtherainbow about 11 years ago
Love this! Now I really hope the engagement and wedding don’t take another ten years…
pwelchco about 11 years ago
I have a feeling this isn’t going to end well.
PMark about 11 years ago
Well it took me a bit, but I tracked them all down. Enjoy! :-)
(10/06/2003)
(10/13/2003)
(6/12/2004)
(9/17/2004)
(2/26/2005)
(1/26/2006)
(6/04/2008)
(8/25/2008)
(10/09/2008)
(4/30/2009)
(5/04/2009)
(7/16/2009)
(7/21/2009)
(11/05/2011)
(4/26/2012)
Thomas Perry about 11 years ago
Wonders if maybe Brad and Toni should get their own strip now?
MAGA Premium Member about 11 years ago
What’s the name of this strip again????
The Orange Mailman about 11 years ago
Love it!
homeistensc about 11 years ago
Thought the ring went on the left hand? Recap of their times together was a great idea.
Mikeyj about 11 years ago
Yes, you are
Lorriequilts Premium Member about 11 years ago
Fabulous! I love it!!
sdweissman about 11 years ago
This is why Luann has become my favorite comic strip. Can’t wait to see Shannon as the flower girl.
bfrg45 about 11 years ago
Wow, a lot of comments! Great strip today, Greg!
schmid13 about 11 years ago
A happy strip today and good comments bringing back all those times that developed their relationship. And they stuck it out. Marriage is one kind of growth step, but there are many more afterward. It seems to me that Greg’s strip is different than a “for better or worse” cause he has more whimsical and goofy kind of adventure – like what TJ is famous for. Keeps us from wallowing in to much moralizing and heavy life lessons. Anyway, i love a happy ending like this today.
PMark about 11 years ago
How significant is it that Greg chose two panels with Shannon in it; one of which depicts when Brad went out in the pouring rain to hunt for her?
vwdualnomand about 11 years ago
maybe spin off series….brad and toni
sarafaye about 11 years ago
TJ was not the cause of that problem, he was the catalyst that brought it to a head. Without his (I agree, totally inappropriate, it was not his business) interfering, Brad would have stewed in that hole for weeks. Toni would probably have walked away because a broken Brad is not something she could have dealt with at the time.
sarafaye about 11 years ago
Not that color rendering conventions and continuity have ever been a huge priority with this strip. Why should her shirt stay the same color when the writing on Miss Phelps’ desk plate and certificates alters from panel to panel?
comixlover347 about 11 years ago
since when was dirk in a car accident…i don’t remember that!
comixlover347 about 11 years ago
such a romantic collage, though
paullp Premium Member about 11 years ago
Today’s strip is another example of why Luann is one of the best of the real-life comics. Greg could only have improved on it by renaming it ‘Brad & Toni’ for the day. Haven’t been reading it as long as some of you so thanks very much to those who included the old strips in your posts. I am currently reading Luann Againn so will be able to discuss the strip’s history with you in about 20 years. Talk to you then!
PMark about 11 years ago
It is interesting to see what panels Greg (and we can assume Nancy) chose for their montage. While I was looking through the last ten years of Brad-and-Toni searching for the panels he chose, I find several that I think represented major milestones that he didn’t include.
First there was this strip from 9/11/2002.Brad had rescued Bernice’s boyfriend, Zane. TJ organized a “Brad is a Hero” parade and invited the gang. He also invited Toni. Toni showed up.
Up to this point, Toni had treated Brad like she would have treated any other guy who was hitting on her. (You have to assume she’s an expert at that.) This is the first time the Toni treated Brad better than just another brushoff.
Then there were these two strips starting 2/27/2003:This is the first time Toni lets down the wall. The next strip has them trading rude jokes together.
And here is a major, major milestone. Brad had just washed out of the Fire Academy because he couldn’t pass the physical test. (Toni could). He’s feeling depressed.
Remember when Toni said last month that the right woman could work wonders with a man? Well, here’s proof positive that she did with Brad. It is highly doubtful that Brad would have perservered to become a firefighter if it hadn’t been Toni and her influence.
PMark about 11 years ago
“btw, to set to rest the whole ring hand question …. Greg’s response is “I goofed”.”
Do you have a link, Dave?
pagercat about 11 years ago
A VERY happy occasion and milestone! A toast! Well done!
PMark about 11 years ago
@sara“That “I’m not ready to talk to you” was really good. I loved it at the time, in context, but it’s even better in retrospect. That was the moment she realized Brad was not a sure thing, that he would walk away if he had to. Also the moment she realized she was not OK with him walking.”
You may be on to something. Later on in this arc, we have this strip:Would she have come to that realization without the, “I’m not ready to talk to you”, panel? I have my doubts.
PMark about 11 years ago
Thanks, Dave.
RonBerg13 Premium Member about 11 years ago
S I G H !!
sarafaye about 11 years ago
This is now my desktop background.
lindz.coop Premium Member about 11 years ago
Glad to see Brad (and Luann — almost) are finally able to connect with someone in a positive relationship.
clownyclownclown about 11 years ago
So, when Brad and Toni finally say “I do” will that be the end of the strip?
nmbarri Premium Member about 11 years ago
good lord, I hope not! There is still so much more to be said
PMark about 11 years ago
Thanks, guys, for the kudos. I appreciate them.:-)
Ottodesu about 11 years ago
I can’t let this strip pass without expressing my appreciation for all these moments. What a helluva long arc and payoff!BTW, I was not aware that Brad had saved Dirk’s life. That’s about three by my reckoning.Yep, I agree, what a hero!
bsqnbay about 11 years ago
I think he can do better. Still not sure they will ever walk down the aisle.
Runforson about 11 years ago
I think Toni uses Botox those lips are verluptious. Got my vote
Bruce Skidmore about 11 years ago
This great strip prompts me to write what’s been on my mind anyway. I read your strip daily and enjoy it. I read lots of strips and save off ones I like, doing a “best of” toon email to a number of people weekly. Many strips I enjoy here and there, but your I enjoy consistently. Nevertheless, I rarely save them. The continuity, I guess, makes it all or nothing. But the sequence in today’s strip represents the exception. I have often saved out the “romance” strips. I have enjoyed this theme particularly, and she is a toon easy on the eyes (my wife didn’t like it when I saved Jessica Rabbit toons, but Toni is OK). From that preface to my point. You do book reprints, which I do appreciate, but they are usually annuals complete. The build up of this romance and relationship has been interspersed with unrelated themes and gags, which has diluted the storyline. I wish you would consider, at some point, putting out a reprint book with solely this story. I’d buy multiple copies and give them out. Thanks for what you do.
ReneeZimbodgi almost 11 years ago
My birthday! :D
yukikiralacus over 10 years ago
My favorite couple in this comic :)
Aladar30 Premium Member over 5 years ago
AWESOME!!!