The “how old is that cat?” got me wondering, so I went back in time… even though Arlo & Janis started in 1985, the earliest on GoComics starts the series in June 1994 and I’m seeing MaryLou’s first appearance there, on the 21 June strip – when Gene is introduced to MaryLou’s boyfriend and Janice declares that MaryLou is “trouble”! First time I’m seeing Ludwig is 18 July, which means Ludwig would be 27 if the strip kept up with real time. However, since Gene appears to be 12 or 13 in ‘94 (Janice references “raising a teen” in Jul 94), I’m pretty sure he’s NOT 40 now, so A&J must be in its own time continuum.
Comic strip time isn’t real time. Gene was in elementary school when this strip started, and Ludwig was already around. We don’t have his exact current age now either but he seems to be a couple of years out of college. Mary Lou had Meg in her mid-teens and Meg seems an age to be in elementary school. Put all that together and Ludwig is maybe 18 or 19. Which is old for a cat, but not unnaturally so.
Thank you for explaining that! It looks like a younger version of Janis! I thought Janis got young all of a sudden, just for a minute, and I didn’t understand.
One of my favorite songs is “Children” written by Joe South. We are all Children, no matter how old we are. Sometimes small things make us argue, such as traveling, time schedules, just a “snippy or snide remark.” Luckily whatever Gene & Mary Lou’s argument was, it can be settled by something that can remind you of what your job really is, family, children, love, compassion, and forgiveness. “Pride goes before destructionA holy spirit goes before a fallDon’t you know that we’re all childrenAnd it’s all for one and one for all, mm”
Tyge almost 3 years ago
Well!! Apparently that settles that!
I wonder what Janis is hearing through the wall that now allows her enjoy a restful night??
Robin Harwood almost 3 years ago
How old is Ludwig?
alasko almost 3 years ago
Ludwig is timeless.
nosirrom almost 3 years ago
Janis may be sleeping peacefully now and hopefully the guest room bed is quiet.
janis nerowski almost 3 years ago
Ludwig the VI ?
someotherotherguy almost 3 years ago
Too subtle for me. What’s the joke?
Tom_Tildrum almost 3 years ago
The untold story: There have been lots of Ludwigs.
jr1234 almost 3 years ago
Sweet :D
chief tommy almost 3 years ago
Who is snuggling with Ludwig
gigagrouch almost 3 years ago
Never go to bed angry
dv1093 almost 3 years ago
They’re sorry – I’m confused.
trainnut1956 almost 3 years ago
It’s possible. One of my cats lived 21 years.
Sojourn almost 3 years ago
the strip has been ongoing since 1985, so that cat must be over 36 years old and Gene must be at least 44 LOL
stoshk almost 3 years ago
The “how old is that cat?” got me wondering, so I went back in time… even though Arlo & Janis started in 1985, the earliest on GoComics starts the series in June 1994 and I’m seeing MaryLou’s first appearance there, on the 21 June strip – when Gene is introduced to MaryLou’s boyfriend and Janice declares that MaryLou is “trouble”! First time I’m seeing Ludwig is 18 July, which means Ludwig would be 27 if the strip kept up with real time. However, since Gene appears to be 12 or 13 in ‘94 (Janice references “raising a teen” in Jul 94), I’m pretty sure he’s NOT 40 now, so A&J must be in its own time continuum.
Ed The Red Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Comic strip time isn’t real time. Gene was in elementary school when this strip started, and Ludwig was already around. We don’t have his exact current age now either but he seems to be a couple of years out of college. Mary Lou had Meg in her mid-teens and Meg seems an age to be in elementary school. Put all that together and Ludwig is maybe 18 or 19. Which is old for a cat, but not unnaturally so.
mountainclimber almost 3 years ago
My Tabitha sleeps with me like that — until 5am when she gets hungry and starts nibbling on my fingers. I like it.
ncorgbl almost 3 years ago
It’s a shame I can’t give you more than one ‘Like’, Jimmy.
Sevvie Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Thank you for explaining that! It looks like a younger version of Janis! I thought Janis got young all of a sudden, just for a minute, and I didn’t understand.
MuddyUSA Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Obviously, the kids do not understand privacy.
I'm Sad almost 3 years ago
Comic strip years must be like space years.
raybarb44 almost 3 years ago
Now, I can finally go to sleep……
DawnQuinn1 almost 3 years ago
Two words can solve the vast majority of conflicts. “I’m Sorry”
Cincoflex almost 3 years ago
She heard the apologies; that’s all she needs.
flushed almost 3 years ago
Luddy….feline ambassador of peace.
hk Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Shhh, mom is happy.
Searcy9320 almost 3 years ago
One of my favorite songs is “Children” written by Joe South. We are all Children, no matter how old we are. Sometimes small things make us argue, such as traveling, time schedules, just a “snippy or snide remark.” Luckily whatever Gene & Mary Lou’s argument was, it can be settled by something that can remind you of what your job really is, family, children, love, compassion, and forgiveness. “Pride goes before destructionA holy spirit goes before a fallDon’t you know that we’re all childrenAnd it’s all for one and one for all, mm”
nancywilson51 almost 3 years ago
thank you—the hair was driving me nuts!!!!
unkl bob Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Sorry? See yesterday. Panel one.
locake almost 3 years ago
Usually when Janis is shown smiling, many commenters will attribute it to sex with Arlo. It is nice to Not see those comments for a change.
Thanksfortheinfo2000 almost 3 years ago
Finally a night with out cat hair, eh, Janis?
morningglory73 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Mom is happy. Good night.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace almost 3 years ago
And once again, dear children, all is well with the world.
Scoutmaster77 almost 3 years ago
Love conquers all…
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] almost 3 years ago
Janice’s intuition tells her all is now right with the world.
Spoonbone almost 3 years ago
This was so sweet, it made me tear up a little.
writemom almost 3 years ago
A sweet innocent child and a pet… enough to melt the parents’ hearts and remind them what is really important in life. Beautiful!
RonBerg13 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Ludwig is as old as his tongue and little bit older than his teeth.