For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for March 26, 2022

yup, Michael, big surprise… just like it was originally for other FBorFW readers 2oish years ago that newspapers started canceling the strip

did your paper censor this 30 years ago?

What I remember about this storyline the first time was Mike’s expression. As Lawrence told him his secret Mike was scowling the whole time. He did not like what he was hearing.

My guess is that he is not including girl dogs, since the new puppy is a female.

GASP! is it a thing also in Canada?

I still remember how Lawrence’s parents reacted when he “outed” himself to them.

At least, Mike proved to be an understanding friend—a sign that he IS growing up!!

I lived in Toronto when this was 1st published and the Toronto Star did publish it. From the letters to the editor that were written about the comic in the newspaper, it was mostly seen as a really positive storyline. But not unexpectedly, it created anxiety attacks with some people who thought it was dangerous because they saw it as “condoning homosexuality” to young people.

This is the set of strips I remember clear as day. I’d never seen anything like it before at my young age at the time. I remember Lynn really putting us in with Lawrence’s vulnerability and fear- she made him come off as sympathetic, and Mike come off as mortified and confused.

Times have indeed changed. Now he is welcome to the wide world of marriage, community property, divorce lawyers and alimony. …woo hoo?

As a bisexual, I’ve been waiting for this moment in color. It’s one of the best things Johnston has done.

Lynn’s Comments:

I worked on the “Lawrence story” dialogue with my brother-in-law. He had said these actual words to me. His input was invaluable.

The politicians in Texas are shi**ing themselves.Good.

Remember, Lawrence can do no wrong.

GOOD FOR YOU LYNN JOHNSTON!!! Great story arc!!

cue the ominous music

Well, he could still get married.

My friend Paul just had his 40th anniversary with his significant other Joe.

The puppy Mike! Lawrence has fallen in love with the puppy, like his parents have!

Is he an only child?

I remember this storyline & the huge ridiculous controversy.

“I’m in love with my mom…”

I hope that Lawrence was able to get married (if he wanted to) It’s hard to read this now.. 30 years later.. and know everything that happened around marriage. And to know that in the US we are headed right back there.

I love the fact that this came out on a Saturday which left everyone to stew about it for two days.

and there it is….

It’s with you, Mike.

When there are continuing stories in this strip, Saturday’s cliff hanger was always topnotch…and Lynn succeeded yet again! I love it.

And there it is!

Cue the thunderbolts!

And BOOM goes the dynamite!

Hey, remember those 80’s sweaters with jagged patterns? https://www.emmiol.com/mens-jagged-jacquard-knit-sweater-product217437.html

This is my first exposure to this strip and sometimes I forget how old it is. Case in point, my first reaction to this was “what does that have to do with whether you’ll ever get married?” Questioned answered as soon as I came to the comments section, lol!

Anybody remember an Edward Albee play,THE GOAT?

I know how he feels, I was only a couple years older than Lawrence was when this first appeared.