The Sincerest Form of Mockery
More Homer & Jethro and Reader Q&A
Hello, Bizarro readers.
Today’s blog post includes the latest cartoons, a rejected sketch that became my favorite gag of the week, and a classic New Orleans tune by Clarence “Frogman” Henry.
The cartooning never stops here in the studio, and I’ve just uploaded a new batch of gags about bobblehead toys, clowns, clones, punk rock musicians, and more snowpeople.
Looking Ahead & Looking Back
You’ll find out what these genetic researchers are up to in mid-June.
Our throwback graphic is a poster made for Kelly’s Bar, a beloved local watering hole. If you find yourself in Pittsburgh, Kelly’s is worth a visit. Although Hell With the Lid Off is no more, they still offer house-made bar food plus classic beers and cocktails at reasonable prices. Adding to their cool retro vibe is one of the best jukeboxes I’ve ever encountered.
The poster was silkscreened by our friends at CommonWealth Press, whom I’ve worked with many times over the years.
I also adapted the design for a t-shirt.
Around the Studio
Last week, I showed off my collection of Homer & Jethro records, and I forgot to include this 1954 issue of Hillbilly & Western Hoedown magazine.
Not to mention an autographed copy of their Crazy Mixed Up Songbook (publication date unknown).
Bizarro Q&A
Last week Dan Piraro and I made a video chat to observe the 15th anniversary of our first collaboration. We did it without a script (or even an outline) and unfortunately, we were less than clear about who does what on the comic.
Quite a few folks had questions. The first note I received was from my longtime friend, Larry B, a comics fan and music connoisseur. He wrote:
From the video, I gather that Dan has presented the Bizarro comic for nearly 40 years, and you've contributed ideas for approximately 15 years, but are you steering the ship as of the last three?
I've always wondered if Dan, or you, or Dan and you, come up with the idea, and then you illustrate the panel?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Here's the scoop:
1985:
• Dan launches Bizarro. Next year will be the feature's 40th birthday!
2008:
• Dan and I meet, and I start submitting gags in the form of rough cartoon sketches.
2009:
• My first collaboration was published, followed by about 150 more through 2017.
2011:
• I begin to work with Dan by coloring the Monday through Saturday panels and continue through mid-2014.
• (May) My first week as guest cartoonist, writing and drawing a full week of Bizarro cartoons
• (December) My second guest cartoonist week. Here’s our press release.
2014:
• While continuing to contribute gags to Bizarro, I launch WaynoVision.
2017:
• Dan invites me to take over the Monday - Saturday Bizarro panels so he can work on other projects while continuing to do the Sunday Bizarro comic.
• I stop doing new WaynoVision comics in December.
2018 - present:
• I write and draw the Monday through Saturday Bizarro panels. Dan reviews sketches before I do the finished art and sometimes offers suggestions for improving the gags.
• Dan continues to write and draw the Sunday Bizarro.
2021: I add The Pipe of Ambiguity to Bizarro's Secret Symbols
The Signature Reveals All
An easy way to determine who did what is to look at the signature:
If it's signed Dan Piraro, it's all Dan's work.
Dan Piraro w/Wayno means that I wrote the gag for Dan to draw.
Wayno & Piraro indicates that it's all my work.
Now you know! I hope that makes sense.
Thanks to Larry for the excellent questions and for prompting this newsletter segment.
Dan and I promise to be more coherent next time we do a video chat
Message from Mars
I’m sending big thanks to Mars Bonfire, the composer of "Born to Be Wild," for sharing this cartoon on his Facebook page.
As always, I thank you for your readership and support.
Feel free to send your comments and questions. Your input improves the newsletter.
All the best from your cartoonist,
Wayno
