Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for June 12, 2019

Oh, crud, Gun’s phone is going off… AGAIN! (I’d be surprised it’s his mother checking on her baby boy.)

Certainly not the outcome we expected yesterday.

Bets is jumping right in there.

“Gun” could use a break! And from his phone too!

So they’ve had a lot more than just two dates, apparently. Bets should know him better by now. And Gunther should learn that cell phones have off-buttons.

Their relationship is going to be a roller coaster ride.

Gunther, I am only going to say this one more time, so I’ll say it slowly and clearly. Turn. The. Damn. Cell. Phone. OFF!

Uhhhh…it feels like there’s a day missing between yesterday’s and today’s strips. How did we get from Gunther looking stern and telling Bets “that’s it” to them strolling around smiling?

Hooray I like her.

“My thing is yours, Bets”

Uh-uh. NOT going there. See you tomorrow. ;-)

Now it could be his Mom on the phone (many girls like a son/Mom connection) or it could be Luann with her impeccable timing OR (think about this for a moment) now that Bets has chosen to stay with Gunther, it is ROSA on the other end of the phone saying she is back in town.

I like that sweet innocent look on bets face in panel 3 where she offers herself to gun. Looks like she’s gonna “gun” it with gunther.

Oh yeah. These two have a whole lot of “fun” when Bets is not badgering “Gun” into a corner, getting into his business and asking leading questions about HIS friends. ON Strip, yet! Note for Future Reference: All the “Fun” these two have had so far has been OFF Strip, while the Bad Times have been ON Strip! Does that TELL you something, Cheap?

By the way, Bets. How about asking “Gun” how HE feels about getting Serious NOW and what it means to be Serious with You?

I knew it! This gal has had Gunther staked Out from day one, as her next, maybe possibly FIRST, Real boyfriend. The only thing left for her to do is to put a large ring in his nose and get a hot branding iron and brand a large “B” into “Gunny’s” backside, “cattle style.” And declare what she’s gonna do to him if he so much as Even looks at another woman.

I dunno, My Fellow, Most Respected Luannatics. This “Thing” MIGHT work, for awhile at least. Either THAT or “Gunny” is going soon WISH he’d had DELETED his Date Pic Profile……,

I think Bets is trying to say she’d be his only IF he stops answering his calls in her company.

DON’T ANSWER IT!!!!!!!

“We” expected. Speak for your “we”, I expected it totally. I was the one who said she gave him a smoldering look, and that she approved of his honesty, and she likes him. It’s mutual, not that his wacky crew won’t intrude, but no I totally expected something on this order.

MD and I called it. We, or at least I will gloat for now. Now I know this comic can go in a total unexpected direction, and clearly the theme of this arc is that Gun now has a girlfriend with his interests, who is interested in him, who is a hot as a blast furnace, who liked him from first time on the phone, and he likewise. It could mean a choice between his needy friend, and Bets, or she might jump in and try to help, while still being possessive, and protective, a ninja girlfriend. But judgmentalism, can be blinder to what is really going on sometimes.

This storyline has a lot of nerdy-writer-wish-fulfillment going on.

Speaking about mistakes: Was this supposed to be Saturday’s installment?

I’d love it if Bets reaches into Gunther’s pocket – takes out his phone – and says, “Gunther’s busy right now – he’ll call you later.” Then after putting the phone back in Gunther’s pocket, Bets lays a big wet one on him. Gunther can stand up for himself some other time. This could be an important moment for Gunther to get a real taste of having an actual girlfriend. Relax & receive. Gunth & Rosa never got there.

I don’t see this working out long-term. She’s eventually going to get worn out of him always answering his phone when they’re spending time together. It’ll be nice to see him get to be himself for her though, unlike all the changing he had to do for Rosa.

Listen, as you say over here,

“You’re put on this world

to do your thing.

“I’m put on this world

to do my thing.

“And if, perchance, our things…

“…do…

“…meet…

“…that’s… That’s groovy.”

Stanley Tibbits, played by Dudley Moore, in Foul Play (1978)

Dun, dun, dun! It’s Rosa!

I swear to God, if he answers that $&#%ing phone again…

This is starting to resemble the whole “Luann & Quill’s first kiss” thing. Y’know, where the second their lips touched his dad called up and said they had to go back to Australia right now? I’m not sure how a plot twist can be so utterly contrived and yet irritatingly predictable at the same time.

Ayeeee!

And once again Gunther’s phone is ringing again? (letting out a long sigh of tiredness) Quick “Gun”, just answer your damn phone and ruin your date with Bets!!

“My thing is yours, Bets!”

.

And, by the look of the bell sound coming from that area, it is calling him.

Were these strips published out of order, or did Bets and Gunthie fall into a time warp? Cause this seems a very strange continuation of yesterdays strip where they were glaring daggers at each other. It would have made more sense if this had been Monday’s strip.

His thing, her thing… but what about his “ding-a-ling”? (with apologies to Chuck Berry)

Did anyone see the live action Aladdin? I really liked it.

Also if Gunther wants this relationship to work he better turn off his phone.

If anyone else but Gunther had said that in the last panel…

“Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you’ll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others. ”

― Jacob M. Braude

So, Bets is going to have to learn to accept that Gunther does favors for his friends and also takes their calls.

Gunther is going to have to accept that Bets wants his undivided attention while on dates.

Hmmm. Is this one of those compressed conflicts? If they both want a relationship and want it to work, it is going to take some compromising. Something more than, “Shut off the phone, Gunther!” and “Don’t be so controlling, Bets!”

Seeing them work this through could make for one of the more interesting arcs of recent years.

Oh, “Gun” – for once in your life, DON’T be a complete dork. If that’s not your Mom calling, do NOT answer that damn phone!!

Today’s Musical Selections:

“It’s Bets’ Thing!”

“Gun WILL Do what SHE wants to Do!”

“And She’s gonna tell him,”

“Who He Ain’t Socking it To!” – The Isley Brothers

“Don’t Mess with, Gunth! Don’t Mess with Gunth!”

“Leave MY Gunny, Alone!”

“Find a Nerdy, Socially Awkward Guy with Mommy Issues of YOUR OWN!” – Marvelettes

“If Bets had a Choice, of Colors.”

“Which one would Choose? Her Mother’s?”

“If Gunth planned to Stay, Not Fight,”

“Would “Fans” ever admit that he’s right?" – The Impressions

“Gunther get Ready, for there’s PAIN a-coming!”

“All you need is Bets, to get your Diesel Hummin’!”

“You don’t need no ticket!”

“You just Thank the Mord!” – The Impressions

I didn’t think we’d get directly to a Bets-Tiffany confrontation from yesterday’s strip, but it might still happen. We are unlikely to witness a display of Tiff’s lingerie even on Gunth’s mannequin, that would shock Greg’s bible belt readers. Do I detect a double-entendre in today’s offering and is there an elephant in the room – or is that all in my twisted mind? BTW, I think it’s Tiff on the phone – Rosa would be a coincidence too far.

So, does this make it official? I’m not sure I’m quite satisfied with Bets for Gun.

Okay that was a good fill-in on that first panel..so they have spent a lot of time together. She’s obviously thawing a bit to how intertwined Tiff and Lu are in his life and starting to see they’re not a threat or at least ones easily over come with a little more attention to Gun.

The last famous words. I like Bets, but her thing with Gunther can’t survive to Hurricane Tiffany and her chemistry with Gunther.

Again, ‘Gun’…..Off switch because ignoring things is apparently not your superpower.

I’m not sure, but I think she just made his thing ring.

Turn off your phone!!

Please, Gun… don’t answer…

His “thing”? :) Also I doubt he will answer that.

ooooo!! tiffany will be so mad!!

Blast from the past on the phone Rosa? That would be interesting.

Not with your phone ringing all the time. Turn it off when with Bets.

When did Gunther become so popular?

Boys are always more attractive when they’re not available…

Let it go to voicemail, Gunther!

That last panel… :-P

If Gunther answers his phone— AGAIN— I will shoot him!

careful what you wish for

More for all the ambitious predictors to flail their keyboards!

If today’s strip took someplace than a family strip, boy the innuendo one could glean from this conservation.

Fatal Attraction reboot?

Good point- gunther helps people and is loyal to friends.Bad point, said friends are really needy.

Maybe this was supposed to be Thursday’s strip and they ran out of sequence? Or maybe Luann is about to ask him—quite innocently—to bring some handcuffs and Reddi-Whip somewhere?

Also, except for some skeevy older men, who exactly would buy Tiffany’s USED lingerie?

For someone who is as book smart as Gunther to be so tone deaf to the real world is amazing. WHY does he not turn that phone off? I was right yesterday when I said this is not about whether Bets is possessive or Gunther is nerdy; it’s an arc about phone addiction…

Gunther, please, for God sake, lose the damn phone when you are within ear shot of Bets.

turn off your phone

Gun? I do love Gunther’s new nickname. It’s obvious Bets sees him as far more cool than he sees HIMSELF. This could be so good for both of them if she learns it’s ok to trust him and if he will believe in himself as much as she believes in him.

So, all we actually get to see is them having contrived arguments over awkward dialogue, but off-panel, they’ve done lots of interesting things and become quite close. I get that writing is hard, but maybe don’t emphasize how much more fun your characters are when you’re not writing them.

IGNORE THE PHONE!

“……..do not ask, for whom the bell tolls.”

Good to see Gunther enjoying himself!

Here’s what………Bets reaches over, turns off the phone, and turns on the Gun-man at the same time.

Why is Bets suddenly lighter-skinned than when she was introduced in April? Hmmmm?

Guess who’s bell is tolling!

ooops!!! That’s Bernice calling “Gun” to ask him to go camping with her …and Dez …and Tara ….and Luann.

“My thing is yours, Bets”

Of course, it’s another call from Tiffany… or Luann… or someone to interrupt the moment.

And cue cliche ‘interrupting phone call’ sigh. Can’t we just cut Gunther a break and let him have a GF for a little while?

Tomorrow Bets says: “Gun aren’t you going to answer that?” Gun replys “no” and pulls her close to him and gives her big kiss. You know it is there “4TH DATE”…. maybe?

Just remember, “Things go better with Coca-Cola. Things go better with Coke.”

You haven’t known each other long enough to be a thing

GunBets. Me likey.

I didn’t think she was going to walk away yesterday. She’s an assertive woman and I like that, but her short jealousy fuse makes it a bit doubtfull when it comes to “GunBets” going far. “Guns n’ Rosa” also ended (though for different reasons) and I think at the end it will be “GunTiff.”

I’ll be the son of a Zardon!! Gunther has a girlfriend! Now if Tiff beats Ann Evil I’ll start to think these are signs of the apocalypse.

Subtle.

Gimme gimme dat ding

Is that a “thing” bell near Gunther?

Kiss her, you fool!

6

Hmm. Today’s effort seems a rather abrupt shift from where we left off yesterday. To me, it feels like it really was meant to be the comic we saw this past Monday first, and then we would have migrated into Gunther babbling with Tiffany on the phone.

However, assuming today’s effort IS in its correct position . then it looks like BOTH Gunther and Bets have quickly and easily gotten over their respective frustrations from yesterday. If this is how we are to read it…. then this bodes VERY well for the two of them. It is not always possible for a couple to avoid conflict….. BUT, how a couple DEALS with that conflict is going to shape the health of the relationship. Thus far… their conflict resolution this time looks great.

Yet…. dun, dun, dun…..there is a new damn phone call coming in on Gunther’s damnable cyborg connection. What pray-tell will it be this time? Gunther’s Mom? Les? Bernice? Pru? Big Al? Rosa? (bland) Quill? And, how the hell will this person on the cyborg connection device mess up the Gunther-Bets interaction?

But, seriously…. in my opinion…. virtually all of this is Gunther’s fault for having (what I consider) very poor phone use manners. He needs to be FAR more aware of how he sounds during his 1/2 conversations, AND he needs to realize like a whole bunch of other people do… that they do not have to exhibit a Pavlovian response every time the damn phone rings. Turn it off!

It took me a while to see that the bell was from his phone, and not his thing. Was thinking the site was getting a bit risque.! But, alas, his phone will be his undoing.

Ummm. Hey, Gun…that last statement…..

I think it would be funny if the call is from Tiff ready to take photos of her clothes on Gun’s sewing mannequin. Bets comes along because they are a “thing” and because she is “jealous”. Anyway as they are finishing Les comes home to find Gunther coming out of his bedroom laughing with both Bets and Tiffany saying how much fun that was.

Aaargh! Just when you think, “finally!” Gun’s phone rings…

it’s Rosa telling him to come get their son.

AHA!!! “Cosplay Day at the Fuse!” I knew it! I just knew it!

SHERIFF MORDECAI, the strip colorist, has offered that there are only three skin tones used in the Luann strip. It is apparent that Bets natural “tone” is to be the middle one.

If these strips are appearing in the proper order, all I can say is these people have really quick and extreme mood swings, even for cartoon characters. One minute they’re having a stare down like two cats each daring the other to move first, then………

…………HEY! PRESTO!!

Everything’s all happy-fine, and they’re strolling along amicably talking about all the fun they have together. Apparently Gunthie did not have his phone on, or didn’t get any calls when they were on those other dates. (Except the first one of course.)

Whoa. Settle down on the innuendo and for the love of your manhood, Gun, do not answer that phone. If Brad can be that lucky there is hope for this guy.

I don’t like her, for some reason she reminds me of a Janice from friends

Maybe Gunther took pictures of Tiffany’s used clothes and posted them on the internet for sale. He will build her a website and she will become an internet mogul (a lot of them never completed college).

Clearly, Gunther explained the situation to Bets’ comprehension and content. Now she’s going to get increasingly irritated and jealous (as most people would) by Tiffany’s business demands. These are a 20-year-old’s version of a 30-year-old going out with a guy/girl who is a stockbroker or something like that, who cannot be yanked away from his cell phone because of those big deals going on across the globe.

Uh-oh, another ‘emergency’ call!

Did Bets get lighter? See April 12th.

Well the double entendres are flying off the shelves today. Let’s review the bidding; as bridge players are wont to do. Bets has a “thing” for “Gun.” She wants to have a “thing” together. “Gun” has a “thing” that now “belongs” to Bets. But they do look all cutsie-poo in panel 4. Oops. Then Gun’s thing goes off? (Too funny!!!) Classic vaudeville! Hilarity indeed is ensuing, Luann1212.

I suppose Bets would have to pick a nickname for Gunther, but “Gun???” I mean, that is a connotation so far from the way “Gunnie” has been portrayed in the strip, lo these many years. We’ll have to see how the other females in the strip respond to the “Gun.”

Worst. “Dirty talk” foreplay. Ever.

Ew.

“My thing is yours, Bets!” Gunther says w/ a bell emoji coming from his pants.

I know it’s just his phone ringing, but the visual sure makes it look like Evans may have been implying something else!

Honestly, tho, why on earth is Gunther getting so many calls? People his age do not voice call and mostly see it as rude when others call them unless it’s an emergency. They use apps on their smartphones to text and communicate.

Anyway, I like Bets, but she needs to drop the prosecutorial edge whenever Gunther flounders. Building trust in a new relationship means not assuming the worst about your date and grilling them until they prove their innocence.

On the other side, tho, Gunther is doing a lot to undermine trust by paying so much attention to his phone, giving Bets signals that she is not a priority to him. It’s more and more of an insult each time he does it.

You’re on a date, Gunther. Put down the phone and be with her. Your friends are supposed to be the ones wondering where you are when a new relationship is beginning, not your date! If you can’t devote all your attention to her for a couple hours, what is the point?

She set aside this time to be with you. Respect that or stop wasting it.

Silence that phone, Gunther, before you get derailed.

Who wants to bet stupid answers the phone?

Bets started out looking like a black woman. I wish she would remain so. We are living in the 21st century, and mixed relationships should be accepted by the reading audience. The 1960s was long ago.

Let’s face it folks, Gunther is smart, witty and with a bit of effort – a Catch for any girl! You go, Gun!! Ignore the phone and plant a big on on Bets! NOW!!!

Gunther!!!!! Don’t answer it!!!!! Turn your phone off NOW!

Gunther’s phone rings again:

.

“Gunther, can I kick your phone?”

.

“Sure, Bets, I’d love that”

.

“OK, here goes…”

.

“OWWW, GEEZ, crazy woman!!! – what the heck did you do that for???”

.

“You said it was OK to kick your phone.”

.

“Cripes! I thought you said you wanted to kiss my phone…”

You’d think Gun would have used those brains of his to leave the bloody phone home on his dates with Bets!

Same tee shirts. Would be more thought provoking if they had switched…she in his, he in hers.

Leave your thing in your pants, Gun.

Didn’t think I would be reading about Gunther’s thing today!

“RING” – Will G & K jump to another arc?

Don’t answer that phone!!!

BetsGun? Gunbets? uh oh. …GetsBun?

and for the love of God, Gunther, TURN YOUR CELL PHONE TO SILENT!!!

@willow_cougar: According to the US Census, there were 40,491 interracial married couples in the US in 1960, despite many state laws that prohibited it. On July 11, 1958, newly weds Richard and Mildren Loving (ironic name) were asleep in their bed in the state of Virginia when police broke in and arrested them for violating that state’s laws prohibiting interracial marriage. In 1963, the couple asked the ACLU to help them fight the laws, and in 1967, the US Supreme Court ruled that state laws prohibiting interracial marriage were unconstitutional.

Please stop hating on those of us who were alive during the 1960s. Contrary to popular belief, we are not personally responsible for everything wrong in today’s world. Some of us even marched in Civil Rights marches.

Rant over.

I think Bets has a serious crush on Gunther and this is part of the reason why she becomes so jealous when another girl calls him (Luann, Tiff). She hasn’t known Gunther for very long and she has this mistaken view that Gunther is some kind of girl magnet who has a lot of experience. She will soon discover differently.

Woah. Is just my screen…. or is EVERTHING now in BOLD print?

I just hope he’s not thinking with his thing end.. ;0)

Better try turning that ringer to silent sometimes…

I predict (hope) that these too will be holding hands by the end of the week……. and……..that Luann will eventually spot them (holding hands) and realize that Gunther is now off limits to her.

Care to rephrase that, Gun?

Only 1 hope. When with Bets, cut phone to off position or face endless headaches.

“My thing is yours” could so easily be misunderstood.

So Easily …

Bets is CUTE.

In the old days, Bets could simply touch his phone hand and ask, “Do you really need to answer that right now?” Dang, kids today don’t know that dating could be fun.

I like that Gunther has a great nickname. Should be a confidence booster.

I would prefer Bets being darker—as when she was introduced. It really doesn’t matter anymore and makes it clear to the few for whom it does matter.

Great exposition to let us know that they have been together a few times.

This actually made me laugh out loud. Oh Gunther, do you even KNOW what you’re saying? And I wish Greg would make Bets as dark as she was in the beginning. Come on. We’re all grown-ups here. We can handle a mixed race relationship.

Again??

As long as she can leave her jealousy and other drama at the door…

“Ask not for whom the bell tolls…it tolls for “Gun’ …”

“Gun” has a violent tinge…how about “Gunth?”

cue the ominous music

At least he shaved for her.

How did Bets change colors? I know I should have asked some time ago but I thought the explanation would have come out. Did I miss it?

Bets has seized the initiative! And this could be a relationship, if Gunther actually understands what he is saying!

But it is the nature of this strip for such things to fail….

Bets could gently takes Gunther’s left hand and thus preventing him from reaching into his pocket to grab his phone.

Don’t answer…

this whole “phone call constantly interrupting and getting misinterpreted” thing is getting tedious.

It it just me- or did Bets morph into a Caucasian since we first met her?

Wasn’t she drawn as African-American initially back in February??

His ding-a-ling seems to be ringing.

This I like.

Were’s Luann and Bernice?? Gunther needs some help.

Yeah well his phone just rang. How much you wanna bet it’s Tiffany???!!!

“My thing is yours, Bets.” Channeling George Takei: ohhhh, myyyyyyy!

JUST SILENCE THE DAMN PHONE. He can always leave it on vibrate if he’s worried about emergencies. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ANSWER NONESSENTIAL PHONE CALLS WHEN YOU’RE SPENDING TIME WITH ANOTHER PERSON.

Romance

Oh, that was supposed to be his PHONE ringing!