Gil Thorp by Henry Barajas and Rachel Merrill for September 08, 2023

Aww! Jami saved a couple of sparklers from his time as a laborer in the fireworks factory.

Meemaw is looking down from heaven, hoping Gil burns himself on the candle.

Thanks for all the good stories, lessons and happy memories.

Mimi with a bottle but no Ericka???

Where’s Tod Andrew’s? Larry Cutter? Luhm?

Gil is the most fit 85 year old I know. He should run for Mayor of Milford.

Maybe that bonfire Doc Pearl said they couldn’t have was a cake with all candles on it

Hope I look that good when I’m 65.

I guess Dr. Arnold Brett, PhD, is still dead.

Have I really been reading this comic strip, first in black and white print in the newspapers and now on line, for that long?

Is wish GoComics would run a Classic / Vintage series for this strip.

It’s nice the ants also joined the party and lined up for cake.

Well, most of the first 64 years were happy.

I think the peacock earned a spot in the group photo.

Hrakkky birthday!!!

I was in great shape when I hit 65. I could do 285 pounds on the incline press for 5 reps.

I had bad knees by then, so couldn’t run, but I walked a great deal – 4 or 5 miles at a time.

But… I’m 80 and a half years old now and I’m telling you that with a very few exceptions, it’s all downhill from 65, despite your best efforts.

No matter what you do or try, you do grow older, and I’d say that after about 70, the slightest little thing will do you in… like a back injury. It is very difficult to recover from injuries and illness after 70.

But… some people are doing very well when they hit 80, so don’t give up after 65… you could end up being one of those folks who are fine when they turn 80 years old.

Yes! There I am, right in the front row. I’m definitely becoming a main character.

Gil looks like he is having a flashback.

Hmm, seems like someone is missing from this party. Who could it be. Oh, I know. IT’S ME! And speaking of missing, I hope you’re not missing out on today’s Mopped Up Thorp.

https://moppedupthorp.wordpress.Com/2023/09/08/happy-anniversary-to-not-the-brightest-bulb/

wheres paul Findlay and emmet tays and clambake and kareem abul jabbar and the girl who even smells pretty

Good opportunity to say thanks to Henry for putting some new life into this comic. Milford has fast-forwarded in time to 2023.

Sure, there are obviously those who disagree…every day…but even short plotlines like the source of Keri’s PTSD, or longer arcs like the vape sales, are planting Gil Thorp et al in a present that’s relevant. (OK, Rubin’s butter knife was also a pretty realistic current-day plot, even with as much fun as Snark Nation still has with it.)

Yes, the plot jumps around a lot. That’s a current trend too. It probably started with Pulp Fiction, but you see it in shows like Game of Thrones. As a reader, I appreciate it that Henry thinks we’re paying attention and doesn’t have to recap the previous day’s action every day. And, some things that happen aren’t full-blown plot arcs; they’re just things that happen.

And, best of all, snark opportunities are still available, with Henry even playing along a little.

Thanks, Henry. Glad readership is up…it’s nice to think Gil is getting set for another 65 instead of fading away like Steve Canyon and Modesty Blaise.

Is this when Luke pops out of the cake?

And out of the cake pops Beth, wearing a few bar coasters!“One stiff Old Fashioned, coming up! And a whiskey cocktail!”

Hey the janitor even showed up.

Sorry I missed the party, but I had a full schedule of pool cleanings today that coincidentally coincided with the time of this event. And in another coincidence, all of the women who aren’t in attendance are the ones who needed an emergency “cleaning”.

Gil looks on in disappointment, realizing that he wasted his life in this strip.

“I wanted chocolate frosting!”

Happy belated 65 years, Gil!