Crankshaft by Tom Batiuk and Dan Davis for September 27, 2024

“That’s a lovely sentiment, Ed, but those books are for the students in Les Moore’s English class. Here’s The Poky Little Puppy instead.”

So he’s going to learn that cultures which burn books are bad, bland and self-destructive. I think we’re all on that page by now.

Ed is expecting to read tips on grilling at high heat in that book.

Well said, Ed.

And who’s telling adults what they can/cannot read?

The same people telling them old Disney movies are not adequate for children

Need a camera!

How do you feel about being told what music you can or cannot listen to?

Someone mentioned that Batiuk is in the pantheon (like Wood and Wiseau) of “lofty ambition and clueless execution.” This is a great example. Ed makes the “profound” observation that he, an adult, should not be told what to read. But he isn’t, it’s school kids. And no one discusses why this is good or bad, only react. And usually in the most aggressive (or passive/aggressive, like Les) way possible.

How was Ed able to drive a bus when he couldn’t read the street signs?

I have never had anyone tell me anything I could or could not read as an adult. I have yet to find someone burning a book store because they were offering a book that may have been controversial. I have been to book stores that have hidden or did not carry certain books by certain authors. I recall stories about books by Rush Limbaugh that some book stores kept hidden even though they were best sellers. This also happens with other conservative authors. I do not know whether any liberal authors get the same treatment.

Lil’s house must be made out of fire resistant material

Panel 1: “Hmmm… Maybe I can kill him when his back is turned, before he kills me with vapid boredom..”