Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson for April 18, 2022

sure, André

When I was a little kid, I read the a book in the Bailey Street Kids series which featured a “troll” (or suspected troll) with the power to magically silence any noise-making machine. She was the antagonist, but I always wished I had that power.

Now I’m thinkin’ we’ve got a job for the muffler right here and right now!

There was supposed to be an ordinance in San Francisco against loud motorcycle motors. Ha! They seem louder than ever. And, how to you catch them. If you call to report them, the cyclists are gone before you hang up the phone.

Petey’s body could fit in his friend’s head.

When does Cat, the converter come by?

I appreciate Mo’s versions of Richard’s work—Mo seems to developing his own style, too— but it’s great to see an original RT I haven’t seen before.

Surely all yard tools will some day be rechargeable electric ones?

Wish I could’ve called The Muffler last Friday night on the neighbors.

Silence? You talkin’ silence? Hold my beer!

I want the power to instantly remove weapons and clothing, down to the underwear, of violent protesters and invading armies. I would leave them their shoes. Watch how fast everyone would get peaceful.

My comic book hero was The Mumbler.

Shades of Don Martin.

“!!!!?”

“No, ‘!!!!’!”

“You’ve got an extra ‘!’ in there…”

Interesting idea, an entity that is a sound.

What goes FSHPINK?

Gas leaf blowers are illegal in Washington DC. Unfortunately, people still use them. I hate the noise, but I like my neighbors. Any suggestions? I have the sign provided by the city in my yard that says they are illegal, provided by the city.

I don’t think you can go “FSHPINK” in a kid’s comic.

Only Petey could be so conflicted.

Andre is going all meta with his “word balloon” comment that can be taken so many ways!

And how does one pronounce !!!! anyway? I like to be able to say my superhero’s name!