Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for February 26, 2016

you and your big mouth, Bernice

Bernice, not to worry!

Her reaction is a bit odd.

Now all Bernice needs is a drivers license that says her first name is Quill so she can use the plane ticket.

It would only be two tickets but it’d be great for LuAnn and Bernice to go and have a wonderful time.

Kymberleigh said, Now all Bernice needs is a drivers license that says her first name is Quill so she can use the plane ticket.=======Let’s not get into all these imaginary legalities again.

A poster some time back had recently had a plane ticket transferred to a different person just by paying the airline a $75 charge. So, they could do it, and if Delta coukd take Amtrak up from Howard in DC they the trio coukd be reunited for Spring Break. Delta is a very good influence historically.

New poll up: What’s the best kind of drama?

What’s the best way to eat crow?1) 34 votes – Other2) 18 votes – With lots of salt3) 12 votes – Baked4) 11 votes – Half-bakedOther: with humble pie 2Deep-Fried, then dipped in Louisiana Hot Sauce; Shaken, not stirred; Bern-ed; With a side of Humble Pie; sunny-side up; With chopsticks; With Crow Catsup; With you foot in mouth; Buried in a shallow pit for about a week….; With a side order of stinky foot in mouth; marinated with Wild Turkey; Bern-T with a Quill on top!; Is crow organic and gluten-free?; Jack Daniels bbq sauce; Fried; Along with the hat; Along with your foot

Pru doesn’t have a paying job and is apparently independently wealthy. I’m sure she could buy her own ticket. They need Pru to show them around.

Check out Luann Againn for how to get good advice on relationships..

I’ve always wondered if Pru is rich? She’s probably leasing her apartment back in NY so is she rich or is she taking a sabbatical?

Kris Bennett said, less than a minute agoI’ve always wondered if Pru is rich? She’s probably leasing her apartment back in NY so is she rich or is she taking a sabbatical?=======She was obviously not born rich.

Called it (Bernice, because NYC needs another sarcastic person)

Pru may be another enigma…kind of like a feminine version of TJ??? Stay tuned… LOL

-Probably before, too, but who knew…

Good theater! Berneice going in place of a boyfriend – and Pru having some thoughts…Maybe Pru would want to show them a good time in NY (could be some stuff they can’t imagine).

-If the Bernice of ‘Luann Againn’ had suggested that she go with Luann to New York, it would have seemed like a nice thing for a friend to do. But the way Bernice treats Luann now, as though she feels Luann is beneath her most of the time, it DOES seem odd that Bernice would suggest traveling to New York together…

’’WE’’,as in the three of them?

I’ve done long road trips. I enjoy travelling, but anything more than about two days one way is more like a death march coming home. According to Google maps, San Diego (where we think the Luanniverse is centered) is roughly 2800 miles and 40+ hours by car. It sounds like they could switch off and get there in two days and have a blast, but the reality is that whoever just got done driving wants to sleep, so the other person has to stay pretty quiet-no singing along with the radio, no sparkling conversation. As a bonus, you arrive tired, grouchy, and stinking in a car that smells like those French fries that got spilled about Oklahoma City. Really, you’d want to stop at least once to sleep in a real bed, take a shower, and put on some clean clothes, so it’s actually three days at least-four would be better if you wanted to see something other than what’s visible from I-40.

It will be good for Luann to learn she doesn’t need a man to do “amazing things.” Just go and live!

Quill’s last name is Perfect as in Mr Perfect Quill (Something I started calling him a few years ago…cool to see that MPQ is still being used here :D )

We’re off to see the Wizard……

I figured that Pru was either a lesbian, or a guy in drag, which would have been a bigger twist in the plot! (Those eyes of hers say “male” to me…. oh well :p )

To elaborate, I figured she was one or the other… in my mind, I was betting 70% Guy in drag/30% lesbian.

That may not be a bad idea Bernice. The only obstacle is changing Quill’s ticket.

This will be good for the girls, they can explore alternative career paths. Ruth is right they don’t need no men to have fun, explore life, obtain new experiences! Maybe Pru can go and show them some of the more unusual place to meet new and exciting people, be spontaneous!

Is it just me or does Pru look like she belongs in a 1940’s Dick Tracy comick strip?

Evans couldn’t have shown Quilluann going on a trip to New York together without, realistically, letting them sleep together; Ma DeGroot’s sudden Puritanism was ludicrous and wouldn’t have the slightest effect on real, remotely normal college students in this day and age. That was more likely than not one big reason why he kept putting off the trip until he came up with some excuse to have Quill not go on it. After all, it’s not as though Bernie/Luann are going to be converted to lesbianism. I just hope Evans, having given himself one last chance to get rid of Quill, does get rid of him. The character is insufferable, and Evans himself tired of him long ago. If he folds to temptation and brings him back this time, he will never be able to get rid of him again.

I don’t understand Bernices reaction to her own comment. The three of them could have a great time.

do things without a man?It is to laugh.Is it even possible?

When exactly did Bernice put her glasses back on?

Too late!

Pru(ne) is full of surprises. a men-free vacation.

I thought that comic strips were supposed to be funny at least once a week.

Maybe you have something Bernice?

I think Bernice is horrified at the realization she opened the door to discovering she may be something different than what she thought. Maybe Luann and Bernice will find themselves in ways they (or we ) had not imagined.Notice the slight smile on Pru’s face.

Antone else notice Pru’s wry smile in the last panel?

“I’m In A New York State Of Mind” (♪)“On Borough-ed Time”“Man, Oh, Manhattan!”“Off Broadway, On Broadway”“You’re Such A Trip!”“My Ferry Lady”“Babbling Brooklyn”“Queens For A Day”“Kings And Queens, And Glee O’ Teens….” (♪)“Long Island Iced Tea, On The Broncks”“Staten Island’s In The Stream, That’s Where We Are…” (♪)“Baby, You’re A Richmond” (♫)“Me And You, And No Dog Named Q” (♫)or…“When Ya Gotta Go…”

a perhaps minor point here: Luann says " …trip. Better cancel". note that the word “tickets” is not specifically used, Could imply a lot of things .. hotel room(s), transportation (whatever the mode), etc. Remember Prudence drove to Pitts, didn’t she? So they could all drive to NY in her car.

you know………………. if Pru goes with Bern and Lu, and maybe the roommate of Bern goes too, and they get Delta to go to NY too………….the fab five!!!!!!!!

Bernice probably realized it is rude to make plans in front of someone (Pru) who is not included in the plans. The trip is planned for 2 people, not 3. Of course, Pru could show them around when she returns to her home.

I think that’s a great idea. and I LIKE Bernice’s big mouth. at least she opens it, which is what Luann should have done months ago.

I’m thinking that Bernice is shocked at herself for wanting to go when she talked Luann OUT of going to NY the first time Luann wanted to go.

5Very perplexing on several levels. I am not sure what to predict or anticipate here. I was without Internet access yesterday, so I did not post on yesterday’s comic…. but the two blend together so well, that I think what I state below applies well to both:1. My one worry/concern is that the last two days have the comic venturing into “a very teachable moment” or “a very special episode” sort of story arc. I hope this will not be the case, but some of the actions/reactions in the last two days suggest this may be a “teaching that varied sexual orientations is ok” sort of arc. 2. Now, do not get me wrong…. I am fine with having characters of heterosexual orientation or the various orientations of the LGBT groups be present and part of the cast of Luann. However, for me, I would be much more pleased if all the characters were simply accepted for who they are in regards to their orientation and not have their orientation become a “teachable moment” sort of arc. 3. What I am saying is that I am hoping this is not a long arc about Bernice and her misunderstandings of what it is like to know as a friend a person who is a female homosexual. Bernice’s somewhat intense reaction in the last panel today suggests to me that her character is a bit worried/nervous (at suggesting the trip, which seems a bit ludicrous… so there must be something else she is worried about). Could it be that she might be that she is nervous about traveling with Pru? 4. I am hoping that this is NOT the direction this is going. I would much prefer if the three of them go to NYC, that it be a fun, enjoyable adventure with humor…. and not “teachable moments”. But, of course, this just my opinion and my hope. Others may (of course) disagree.One other thing I find a little incongruent…. I would imagine that Luann’s plane tickets would have been the more budget friendly, non-refundable type. She would have had to shell out considerably more money to get refundable tickets…. and with her limited income, I would not anticipate her selecting that option. One additional thing… if the three of them do go to NYC, it may be hard for the third added person to get on the same flight as the other two. This seems a rough, difficult sort of situation that would put a strain on a trip of this sort.

http://www.gocomics.com/luann/2015/04/20

Bernice is shocked at herself for wanting to go to NY when all she could do is dissuade Luann from going before. I’m sorry, I don’t know how to embed the strip in the comment:

http://www.gocomics.com/luann/2015/04/15

Bern’s reaction and her eyes tell it all. She’s not about to go on a trip with a lesbian. Now Luann has to deal with a friend who distrusts her housemate. Drama coming up.

This is becoming even more interesting.

You should!!!

For my contribution to this particular strip, I am not sure at all why Bernice is so embarrassed about suggesting she and Luann take the tickets to New York, or why Luann reacted with the one word “What.” Also it is not clear if perhaps all three would travel to New York. I think Pru would be a fantastic tour guide if that were the case, although a bit theater oriented. So I am going to wait to see where it goes before I come to any conclusions. Quill definitely seems out of the picture though, but like Rosa, in a different context, he floats out there somewhere. We will all see, which is the zeitgeist of this strip in Luannverse.

Implausible…. I suppose that could have been the intent…. that Bernice’s reaction was to suggesting a two person trip (Luann and Bernice) in front of Pru…. which would potentially be a bit rude and weird. But, as you suggested, my own fear is that Bernie’s “never mind” is revealing some sort of level of discomfort that Bernie may have with Pru’s orientation. Again, I do hope that is NOT how the story progresses. It just happens to have that sort of feel to me at the moment.

Mr grey is going to ask for the fuse

I would say “The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Plans”…

And Delta will meet them there!

If you’re gonna “parody” something of mine, at least come up with your own …instead of just going “Blah, blah, blah”… gets kinda tedious- Oh, wait…" ted ious!… I get it, now!..

I was just thinking this yesterday! Pru goes with them to show them around.

-what kind of sammiches will they pack

Since you are so obviously concerned, maybe you should volunteer and assume responsibility for all the edibles! What’s your fav? Baloney, I’m guessing…

“All I Can Say, Is…Derp De Derp” “Insert More Random Words To “Make Fun Of” Jay Blue”“Man, Oh, Man……Shut Up! (AKA Why Don’t You Take Your Own Advice?)”“Off Duh Ordway, On Duh Dordway, And Other Various Word Whiskers”“You’re Such An Unoriginal Style Copy”“My Ferry Way Deedle Duuuh… ”“Babbling Jealous Types"“Queens For A…..Lame, Really Lame (The Queens Borough, Is Not Lame)”“Kings And Beans, And Running Out Of Ideas, Huh?” (♪)“Long Island Iced Broncks=Old Spelling Of Bronx (AKA Open Up A History Book)”“Staten Island’s In The Dream, Just Like Islands In The Stream” (♪)“Maybe, You’re A Jealous Heckler?” (♫)“Me And You, Without YOU. And Who Asked You?” (♫)or…“Those Who Can, Do..Those Who Can’t, Have A Brother Named Jeckle"

I doubt that Mrs. B would date a terrible person. So, i coukd imagine Mr. G asking to buy in as a partner, but in a friendly way.

Some people, if not joking, seem to want a staight-forward villain but real life has few villains like that (though they do exist) but there are many complex people.

Regarding airline tickets:It is not only possible but advisable to cancel non-refundable tickets. No, the airlines will not refund the fare, but cancelling the ticket allows the holder to use the funds for future travel (although a ‘change fee’, ranging from $150 to $250 for most airlines, will be charged upon re-ticketing). Not cancelling results in a ‘no show’ and forfeiture of the funds. Thus, it is best to cancel non-refundable tickets rather than merely forfeiting the funds. As for transferring tickets to a different traveler, that is a more difficult proposition. Not only does the type of ticket matter, airline policies vary significantly. I used to work for an organization where my colleagues and I traveled on a regular and frequent basis. Sometime we were able to substitute travelers for a fee, sometimes we were not. Circumstances, airline policy, and even how the tickets were purchased matter. For example, tickets purchased via travel agent or an airline’s business travel division were much more likely to be approved for a traveler change (with a fee, of course) than those bought via internet (either travel site or airline direct purchase). What does appear to be universally true is that a traveler change cannot be accomplished on the day of the flight at the airport. It has to be requested before the flight. What is also true is that the TSA will not allow someone to pass through security if the name on the boarding pass (physical tickets do not really exist any more) does not match (or almost match, as happened to me once) the proffered identification.

Too late now!

what am I missing here? i.e. Bernice is acting as if she let some ‘cat out of the bag’. Her comment was not unreasonable.

When I first read today’s strip, I was somewhat perplexed by Bernice’s reaction to her spontaneous suggestion. However, upon further reflection, I agree with those who believe that her reaction is because she surprised herself. She is rarely spontaneous, and I suspect she was more shocked than Luann was by her uncharacteristic behavior.

It seems less likely (although not impossible) that her reaction is on account of possible rudeness (not including Pru, who would likely have no expectations in this respect) or from fear of spending time with Pru (mostly because it seems unlikely that Bernice’s use of ‘we’ was inclusive of Pru, but also because we have seen no prior indication that Bernice might harbor such fears).

Bernice has never dealt with someone who is not heterosexual. Judging her reaction, she has a long way to go to be a good therapist. She has intelligence, but she is very narrow-minded. She fears going on a trip with Pru.

Ric Aschle said, about 3 hours agoI hope LuAnn And Bernice are gay………that would be fabulous!I am gay and certainly glad Greg Evans decided to address the Gay/Lesbian topic.======No, we don’t need them gay, just understanding.

Awkward moment, at least for Bernice, for whom many moments are awkward….

The girls will have a better time than she would have with Quill anyhow…

Implausible said, @luannfan1212My guess is that Bernice reacted to it being rude to plan a trip for two in a group of three. I guess. The reaction was so overdone that people are wondering if it has something to do with her being a lesbian.=======Perhaps she has just remembered that her brother Ben will be visiting at that time.

Could be as you say, rude to plan a trip for two with Pru present, or if Pru is to be included, it is awkward to have one of the women replace Quill.

Relax, Bernice, this new understanding does not infer a sexual thing. It’s just “Me and You and the gay girl, too.” Pru is not the intimidating, bull dike stereotype (they scare me, too). I think Pru is just a sociable, “live and let live” sort of person, and that’s how the story should be handled.

I’m willing to bet that this ends with Louann and Bernice driving a convertible off a cliff…

I hadn’t thought about the “rudeness” angle… that’s a plausible reason for Bernice’s odd reaction. I suspect, however, that it has to do with their newfound knowledge that Pru is a “lesbian thespian.” It’s possible that Bernice and Luann know about homosexuality in a “book learning” sense but have never met a homosexual peer or friend. So this revelation is rocking Benice’s world and invaded her brain – and she’s seeing sexual/homosexual implications in everything, even her own words. Even in the innocent suggestion that she and Luann, or she and Luann and Pru, travel somewhere together.

2 things that I don’t see anyone else mentioning:

1. Bernice almost agreed with Pru on something. That is shocking to Bernice.

2. Bernice has already made other plans, hasn’t she, for that time?

Could Bernice worry that Pru would think she (Bernice) was afraid to travel with a Lesbian? God, I hope not.

Delta is one I wondered about, but she is recurring not main cast. I don’t think it has anything to do with Bernice realizing that wowsa she is gay. More logically, that would have been something she would have known, or suspected, even if she suppressed it, back in late puberty, or her teen years. She is a flaming heterosexual, except, poor girl, she does not quite know, yet, how to ignite her flame. When she does, call 911!!

In your fervid imagination dude.

If you don’t like IamJayBluE’s posts, skip past them. It’s easy enough to do.I have to add that, while I don’t care much for IamJayBluE’s “list” posts myself, your own post was a LOT more annoying. At least IamJayBluE is doing it in fun, and some of the other posters do enjoy those posts. Your post was just mean spirited.

I think too many people are reading their own biases into the characters.How many will come here and “eat crow” and admit they are wrong when their presumption of inherent homophobia on Bernice’s part is shown to be wrong in the coming days??

Remember when Dez said that something unexpected would happen to Bernice? Is it possible that Bernice was thinking that this was it and then it scared her a bit that something that she doesn’t really believe in, i.e Tarot Cards, may actually be predicting events for her, just like they predicted for Luann that ‘prudence’ would be needed (or something like that).

Ignoring the excessive Ganalysis (mine own neologism), it may be that Bernice’s shock is that she remembered a previous road trip with Delta where they both agreed that having angst ridden Luann along would have ruined it.

Ric Aschle said, about 13 hours ago

I hope LuAnn And Bernice are gay………that would be fabulous!I am gay and certainly glad Greg Evans decided to address the Gay/Lesbian topic.

> Neither Luann or Bernice is a Lesbian, although, there’s every reason to believe the fire Captain may be, he took another man, to the fireman’s ball, some time ago.

prudence will have to advise the dynamic duo on their wardrobe tho. I suspect Bernice especially won’t have anything suitably fashionable for New York City.

Why Bernice may not feel comfortable around a lesbian….

screen capture windows 7

““tedmax’ Original Immature Hour””

good one! boy that takes me back … many young-uns here won’t get the reference.

Now that Pru is “out” this strip is significantly more interesting.

@Sporty Monk- I think Luann is as straight as they get. The jury’s out on Berneice. Berneice is kinda lost – vulnerable.

@Mikey J. I miss your AE drawings. Real pizzazz.. Women got it… Guys want it.. (except TJ). We still don’t know what TJ wants…

(Amateur/Immature Hour) Can’t compete with that reference! Good on ya! -Especially since “Immature Hour” is just one step above (or is it below?) “Amateur Hour” for them…

@ LDover— re: “her reaction is a bit odd”… Bernice has made a spontaneous, creative, carpe diem suggestion, and then has a horrified (or at least surprised) reaction to her own idea. “OhmyGod, did I just say that??” Go, Bernice! Very unlike the cautious, by-the-book intellectual, she’s now starting to use her intuition / creativity… Yay!

I tend to agree. I think that was about the new, more spontaneous, calming-brownie eating Bernice speaking.

My mistake. I went back and looked and I was sure she was frameless until she sat down.

i was wondering the same thing as LDover. is Pru(ne) a rich stage producer in NYC?

We had enough of Gunther and Less. Lets make this comic interesting and bring Quill back. Pru(ne) cod do that. What about Tiffany? And Luann?