Gasoline Alley by Jim Scancarelli for May 24, 2023

I have never seen Joel so rattled and even Becky is worried. What does Pipe have to say about our usually unflappable hirsute hero ?

I guess it’s refreshing to have a false death plot involving Rufus instead of Walt for a change?

Looks like Ruthless is doomed!

Call 999

I love the concern Joel and Becky have for Rufus!

my dire prediction of not following concussion protocol seems to be coming true! but quickly get the mayor first to give Rufus a kiss. If he still does not respond then call the ambulance.

Rufus is dead drunk.

Given the history of this feature over the past century (and the context of how its characters age and sometimes die), this was a most disquieting strip to read this morning.

I may be mistaken, but isn’t that question an homage to “Amos and Andy”?

He needs a doctor STAT!

Time to call Chipper,who still calls himself “a doctor’s assistant” even though he graduated a long time ago.

don’t even go there

Poor Joel !!!!! And, poor Becky !!!!! Both are horribly alarmed and worried about their buddy, Rufus. Of course Joel would be very concerned…. he always is kind, and gentle, and strives to do the right thing. Becky, too, in her own way is also a kind, gentle, right-focused sort of animal.

I think it is sad for Joel and Becky to have to feel this worry and pain. They both need to sit down and figure this out.

I am nearly 99% confident that our wonderful cartoonist, Mr. Scancarelli, would never have such a horrible tragedy occur to our hero and Becky. I cannot imagine the actual demise of Rufus would occur. Even though he can be very frustrating at times, and he is not always the nicest friend to poor Joel, and even though Becky does easily recognizes how she has far greater intellect than Rufus…….. neither of them, nor me…. nor us…. would want Rufus to pass on.

So Walt will outlive Rufus.

Time to start the dream sequence.

“Who’s Rufus?”