Bittersweet

Like thousands of others, I grew up reading the daily comic strips in the paper, and with the internet age, was able to follow my favorites online. But over the years, only one comic strip stood the test of time, maintaining a superb level of quality, with the artist bringing characters to life in such a way that they seemed to be part of my family. That strip is “For Better or For Worse” by Lynn Johnston.
Sometime last year, Lynn decided that it was time to retire, and we’ve known for some time now that FBOFW would end – the characters and stories frozen in time. Michael and Elizabeth are now grown and married, and Elly and John just have April at home. Grandpa Jim and Iris are still with us, as well as the many family pets. It’s a satisfying end to the main story line, if bittersweet, because we’ll always want more, and we’ll always wonder “Whatever happened with . . .”
But Lynn has given us a partial reprieve. Starting September 1, 2008, she’s starting over at the beginning. We’ll learn how the Pattersons adopted Farley, and April isn’t even imagined yet. She’s going to resurrect old strips and sometimes let them run as they were 20+ years ago, and with some she’ll add new material, and add to the story. It’s a do-over – a chance to re-live and improve the original material, but now with years of experience behind her and the characters fully developed. What an opportunity!
Thank you, Lynn, for letting us share in this part of your world and best wishes for a new beginning. It’s been a pleasure!