Brevity by Dan Thompson for September 12, 2011

I dunno — that last guy COULD be Matt Groening but I’m not sure enough people know what he looks like to make his presence in a cartoon obvious.

I’m not sure who’s at the easel, either — but my first thought was that the middle guy on the right was Bob Ross, who turned out a whole “painting” in half an hour.

If so, the other two must be cartoonists or other speedy artists whom I don’t recognise offhand, and the young man the yellow t-shirt just realised what they’re up against.

I could be completely wrong.Anybody?

Hey — Pictionary must be a perfect game for Quick Draw McGraw.

Looks like an in-joke for cartoonists who hang out together. Why should the readers have to guess?

Isn’t the one in the mauve shirt the Joy of Painting guy?

It’s cartoonists week!

Jeez! I had to look up both “Pictionary” and “Matt Groening”. However, I did manage to stop LaflnLarry’s avatar right at the back of his head, showing his bald spot, which always makes my day. Hey, it’s harder than you might think!

Sergio Aragones at the board?

Number 6 is absolutely right. Thanks for making me breathe easier today.

What’s funny is that I didn’t recognize the people on the right, but I got the joke anyway. Not to throw in any stereotypes, but the guys on the right look like artists and cartoonists. And I don’t even know what artists and cartoonists actually look like, never having met any. (Musicians, lots. Artists and cartoonists, not really.)

Of course, if any of the clues rely on a human hand having five fingers, or a human head actually having hair that isn’t necessarily composed entirely of large triangular spikes, the team on the left might actually have more of a chance than they realize. I can easily see Bob Ross and Matt Groening getting into some heated debates about how to interpret an image.

And I gotta say it – “Baby fish mouth!”

Sorry – third comment in a row – in case anyone thinks I’m criticizing Matt Groening or cartoonists in general, I wouldn’t have Lisa look any different than she does. The triangular hair totally works for her.

I didn’t recognize anyone, but still thought it was good. Based on appearances, it looked like accountants vs. creative types.