Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for April 03, 2012

This is one smart young woman.

Toni’s a smart girl. She called it in one. Brad is VERY fortunate she saw through it.

Okay, TJs next plan – club her on the head and drag her back to your cave and make her your woman! It seems to be about Brad’s mental speed. Toni, on the other hand, needs to be hanging out with astrophysicists.

Orion

Toni needs to either accept, or cut bait and quit wasting anymore of Brad’s time.

Toni’s 1st panel body language not good. Brad peeking out in 3rd panel shows what might be premature hope. Okay, I don’t know where this is going.

Can’t wait for the answer…..

That poor guy.

They are both doomed. Toni got to cut brad some slack and brad needs to walk a way and take a break.

i’ll bet she says Yes.

She’s smarter than he gives her credit for and I agree, Dave928, I think she’ll say “yes”.

Maybe Brad should walk away. He did it once before when he told Toni that when she wakes up about Dirk to look him up. And guess what, after she dumped Dirk she made a point to look Brad.Maybe she need to have the potential lose of Brad wake her up and she will decide which side of the fence she wants to be on.

At least Toni has the brains and mostly the patience to understand.Why Brad listens to TJ, especially after the nude beach vacation idea nearly train wrecked their relationship.

Toni has a soft spot for fools — for now…

Make him write a 1,000 page essay called, ‘Why T.J. is my best friend? – An Exploratory Thesis’.

Brilliant!!!

I think by the last panel, that Toni is more sad than angry. Sad at the thought that Brad felt it necessary to pull this kind of a stunt. /// She will be somewhat forgiving, because she knows that TJ is such a smooth talker, he could sell ice cubes to an Eskimo.

The point is Brad wants to go forward and Toni doesn’t. She doesn’t want to commit today or ever. Just move on Brad, she was too good to be true anyway.

YES YES YES YES

Toni amazes! She recognized the hallmarks of an idiotic TJ plan instantly, and it looks like she may let dumb, dumb, dumb Brad live to tell the tale of how he nearly lost his true love thanks to TJ. TJ may snooker Little Annie Awful, but he’d better be careful around Toni Daytona!

It’s time they break up; I hope Greg is finding a way to put an end to this very unrealistic relationship, and introduce some new characters when Tony takes off.

OK, it’a a comic, but the comic which is trying to reflect real life situations. Love relationships out of mercy can’t last that long. It was a mercy, we all know that.

It was obvious to Tony Brad has fallen in love, suffered a punch from her ex boyfriend, and broke a leg when catching her. She is returning a favor.

Get him a dumb girlfriend just as he is and let them live a happy and a realistic relationship.

Yep – I called on this happening yesterday – Toni would see it as TJ’s scheme and call upon it. Now she has to face herself that Brad went that far to see where she stood on marriage and used April’s Fool as means of escape if it turns out she was still against it. She has to face the bully/controlling that she has become.

Toni says yes – pack up to move. Say April fools after he is out and the locks changed.

Toni is very perceptive, but everything is up in the air at this point. I’m thinking that she will tell Brad that he is not ready for marriage until he becomes his own person and quits being manipulated by TJ. But then who knows— except for Greg Evans…

The way he acts, I can understand why she doesn’t just accept. Her life as a free independant person would be changed into the life of somebody who constantly has to fight questions like: What did I do wrong? All I did was come home, fall asleep in in a chair, wake up and ask “what’s for dinner?”Run, Toni, RUN.

Does this guy even have a job?

I think she wants to be swept off her feet, so that she says yes. Perhaps she wants to see how determined Brad could be.

The thing to bear in mind is that this is Tuesday, and the scene is only just getting started. We’re not going to get a conclusion, one way or another, until Friday or Saturday.

My prediction: this little stunt has broken the ice, and Brad and Toni are actually going to talk about it. Whether it ends up with her accepting his proposal or them breaking up, I don’t know at this point; but one way or another, the holding pattern that they’ve been in is over.

@38lowell: Brad’s a firefighter, just like Toni; and TJ’s working in a fast food joint in order to irritate the boss. So, yes, “this guy” (whichever one you were referring to) has a job.

Would not surprise me if she said, “you did not escape…and ‘Yes’” to the proposal!

Next panel:

“Let’s play the joke on TJ. Get a ring….”

I hear John Lennon’s voice fading in, “I’m a loooooooooooooser…”

And AGAIN, a BIG A-men.

Remember, FOLKS this “Smart Young Woman” ALSO once bought into one of TJ’s IDIOT plans.

Hell, even He couldn’t BELIEVE She FELL for it……,

That is a good question, Brad.I bet though, if Toni thought it over she wouldnt mind the idea of marrying you too much.

My two cents worth, She’s going to say Yes.

looking back, making a joke about one of the most important decisions of you life may not be wise.

Now that she knowsthe truth, she can help Brad throw the puppet master under a bus. I wonder if Brad will ask how she knew it was TJ’s idea? For all he know’s, the only TJ plan she’s ever had knowledge of is the scheme that involved Dirk and Tiff.

I have a feeling TJ is about to receive a very rude awakening. Toni and Brad are going to do a little play acting to teach him a lesson. We may have seen TJ’s last scheme.

Busted!

Brad is so afraid of his own gf, it isn’t funny. Not exactly the basis for a healthy relationship.

I’d like to marry Toni but unfortunately I am engaged to Daphne on Scooby Doo.

“okay, I’ll marry you.”“Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa”“April fools!”

She needs to call his bluff and say YES!!!! LOL.

If you don’t like it, then don’t read any of this week’s strip. Some people (everyone) likes this arc because we have no clue what is going to happen.

I’m with those that remember that Toni has also fallen for really dumb TJ plans. Not long ago in Luanniverse time, either.He really spices up the strip, doesn’t he?

would serve him right if she said " Well it was a bad plan but under the circumstances…Yes I’ll Marry You." 5 minutes later after he looks so stupidly happy. “Oh by the way…APRIL FOOLS”

TJ is going to pay for this one.

“I love you, Brad, but I refuse to talk about marriage.” WTH? I really can’t take Toni seriously any more. She’s putting Brad through H-E-double hockey sticks. If this ain’t gonna work out, fine, end it. If it is gonna work out, get on with it.

Toni may say “Yes” just to turn the April Fool TJ’s way.

Joke’s on you TJ!

Brad, you can be sooooo dumb! Stop listening to TJ. But I love what he"s doing to Weenie World!

My hope: Tony does realize the lengths to which Brad would go to get “positive closure” (from his viewpoint) on the relationship. But she also realizes that Brad needs to get out from under TJ’s scheming clutches. And the only way to do that effectively is for her to marry Brad, move in with him and force TJ out of the house. As a consolation, she’ll sublet her place to TJ so he can live by himself.

This is the second time she has caught on to one of TJ’s dumb ass schemes. Last time she forgave. We shall see how tolerant she is this time.

I’d say Brad’’s off the hook with Toni…THIS time. After all, she’s been there, done that herself. Don’t forgetToni let TJ talk HER into getting in Anne Eiffel’s face.

Toni sees how susceptible Brad is to outside influences. So she will rescue him from TJ’s bad influence by making Brad evict him so she can marry him (Brad). She’s a firefighter— she saves people.

I see Toni forgiving Brad, she knows his heart and loves him. BUY — TJ has just become the target of Toni’s undivided attention, he better take a firm grasp on his “male package” because he his about to be kicked in it. Maybe a full frontal attack at WW to knock him down a few pegs or will it be Her and Brad saying that she said “YES” and that they are moving in together and he has to move out.

Ugh! These panels are too short! Can’t wait for tomorrow. Hope Brad escaped safely. Wonder what’s gonna happen to TJ :)

Self-righteous indignation and petulance from Toni? Gee, what is that, the fourth time this week?

You know what, Brad? Toni’s not a good person.

Dump her and find someone who won’t walk all over you.

Tony Soprano was more easy-going and tolerant than Toni Daytona.

I am still getting rather more and more displeased with Toni’s actions at this point. It all seems filled with “attitude”. Initially, attitude about even discussing marriage, then attitude about saying it was April Fool’s Day, and now attitude about being involved in a plan created by TJ. To me, the ATTITUDE that would be more appropriate… given Toni’s lack of interest in even discussing marriage WOULD have been to laugh about it and be a bit kinder and more considerate. Quit making the guy squirm.

I rather see TJ mess around more with Ann Eyesore.hope to see that story line again. I wonder what ever happened with that trip to Hollywood with Louann’s Friends?

Toni’s experienced TJ’s plans from the wrong side, but she was smart enough to wise up after one time.

Toni Daytona : A woman so vicious she scares Rottweilers.

Evans sure likes to trash men. Jerks like Dirk, con men like TJ, good decent guys cast as wimps. What does Evans have against showing men as decent, strong, and smart?

I hope she says yes.

Toni has a lot to think about before she says “Yes”. Brad’s dominance by Nancy, Nancy’s dislike of Toni, TJ’s influence on Brad, Brad’s immaturity, Brad’s lack of confidence, and probably several more qualities. ALSO, Toni has her own baggage relating to Dirk and his influence/control of her. She doesn’t want that either. So, she’s uncertain what type of man she’ll be happy with long term – maybe a combination of Dirk & Brad..Again, too many issues to settle before she agrees to be married. Reminds me of “Gone With the Wind”. Scarlett: “I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.”

See Greg run. Run Greg, run.

(yeah, I used this on Big Nate last week but it was good then and it’s good now, so there)

Flawed characters keep it interesting. Yelling at the TV or the comics page for the characters to do the right thing? Fun, but do you really want that?

Hey, Ottodesu – I’ll tell you what’s unsettling: The agonizing screams of an amphibian nobody responds to.

Brad you did not escape. I think she will say yes

Brad is a moron for listening to anything TJ sez….

104 comments WOW!

More than that, Dave. Greg Evans has managed to turn Toni Daytona from a sweet, smart girl into someone selfish and thin-skinned. Along the way he’s sent the message over and over that Brad is stupid and spineless. He’s damaged both characters and insulted his readers.

So my guess is that she says something like "So what would you have done if I had said “Yes” to your proposal".Which would of course put him right back on the spot, but in a positive way this time.Remember that she really does love him.

I see this as a time for an April Fools joke on TJ!!!

Paybacks a word that sounds like Itch!

TJ was right that if Brad forgot Valentine’s Day, he did need to do something – just not that. . . .

I disagree. Especially in a cartoon universe.

She will accept then it’s April Fools on Brad.

If Toni’s so smart, why does she understand so little of where her heart really is – or where Brad’s is?

So her last name really IS “Soprano” …

mebbe toni gonna say " april fools"…LOL

agree – Brad, just enjoy the ride.

There is such a thing as not rushing things, and making a foolish decision, and there is such a thing as a relationship being stuck, and not going anywhere. TJ was on the right track. It’s time for Toni to decide what she wants once and for all.

Fast food restaurants exist to give us what we want, not what’s most healthy. Pop radio exists to give us free music, not the best. And cartoonists exist to give us happy endings and laughs, not stress and drama.

So, make with the engagement Evans, and gimme a large order of fries, too!

Amen to that, DJD, and I want a seat at the wedding.

I can’t get a fix on her attitude in the last frame. Is she being condecending or understanding?

bad plan or not, tj was trying to help his friend. he knows the two of them belong together and need to move their relationship up another notch. okay marriage proposal with an april fool’s escape hatch was about as stupid as one could come up with (other than the ring in champagne which the girl can swallow) still his heart is in the right place. of course, it looks like toni might be ready to rip that heart out.

If I was Toni and Brad, I would not be too quick to step to TJ so quick. TJ is pretty formidable when it come to manipulation and may say to Brad that you are too gutless to move this relationship forward with Toni and obviously need help. TJ could come back and challenge Toni’s love for Brad and say step up and step away.

next panel: toni: “ok. let’s try this again. ask me to marry you, with out the april fool.” brad: bunny-in-a-bear-trap look/blood drained from face/not so well-hidden sheer panic attack.

2nd panel: toni: “oh, and we’re pregnant.”

TJ could easily flip this around and say I am tired of you leading Brad on without discussion. You need to step up or let Brad go free to find someone else.

“I’ll marry you.”“Finally!”“April Fools!”“Aww…”“April Fools!”“Get on with it!!!”

@Dave53

When TJ hears Brad whine about Toni 24/7, it is my business. I just told him to step up and be a man. How long is he supposed to wait to “discuss” marriage? Is Brad supposed to wait for you to go date a “Nicer” Dirk, which is what I suspect? If I have to pick up the pieces, it is my business. I know manipulation when I see it and Brad is my bay.

Most likely she will scold Brad for following TJ’s obviously flawed advice. She seems more disappointed in Brad than angry with him.

I hope so!

boy

Yes! Toni’s experience with TJ’s type of scheming has made her much wiser, and hopefully this last debacle will result in making Brad a bit smarter.

Even if Toni says “yes,” Brad will have to realize that he needs to gain more maturity— not just to be a husband to her, but also to be a father-figure to her niece, Shannon.

I only wish I could have been able to follow this comic from the beginning, but I was not aware of it until the local paper (Star-Tribune of Minneapolis) began running it around 1999.

I hope she says yes. If not, I agree with others. As much as I like Ms. Daytona, I think she’s had him on a leash long enough.

As far as I can recall, I started reading “Luann” when there was a storyline involving Aaron Hill being injured in a car accident while riding with a drunken friend. Are there any long-time readers who know what year this happened? Please help me out!

Been there; done that-I gave a friend the opposite advice-now he’s single again

I like the line’after you kill me drag my body home so I can kill TJ’

And Dave928, I think you’re right. She says yes

She’s gonna say YES!

She’s gonna say YES!!

Possibly TJ’s idea was to get Toni to think more on the subject. It’s out in the open now and perhaps she’s going to wonder a lot more than recent times..She did threaten to quit the Fire Department if they didn’t hire Brad back. He is important to her, so why would she be against getting more serious with him?.TJ is smarter that he wants us to see him.

Here’s a win-win. Toni you already know you are going to marry Brad so just allow him to buy you a ring. Brad will be happy, but make it clear that it will be a 2 year engagement!