Growing up, I loved reading Bloom County.
The trials and tribulations of Milo, Cutter John, Opus, Bill the Cat, Steve Dallas and the rest of the crew just made me laugh.
And learn.
Bloom County might have ended it's run in 1989, but many of the themes are still relevant today.
(Just click to enlarge each comic)
Values!
Values. Values. Values. Every 4 years we are inundated with "Who has the best values?" and "Who represents what America really stands for?" Blah. Blah. Blah.
Values. It means different things to different people. And even within yourself.
Diets. Weight Control.
Tried everything and still find it tough to lose weight? This way is as good as any.
Whonk!
Computer Piracy.
Piracy. Computer viruses. Bad, bad things.
Hackers
Today's pirates and plunderers sit in front of computer screens.
Banking. ATMs.
The ATM made getting cash and going broke easier than ever.
Inclusion
Can't offend anyone. Must include everyone. Then we're all happy. Right, Snow White?
Men
Despite our metrosexual tendencies and the popular male grooming movement, some guys still don't budge.
Kissing
BLEAH!
Liberals
The Right-wing movement previewed in the early 80s.
Charity. Giving.
Non-profits do a ton of good but at the end of the day, they can't do it without your dough, mac.
Political Correctness
It just won't go away.
Journalism
Now, more then ever. The media is the story. And part of the problem.
Size Matters
Well, it does.
The Right Wing Agenda
Need to spot a Liberal? Just call out a few buzz words.
Humanity
Are we good or evil. The debate rages on.
Thanks, Berkeley for all the years of entertainment.
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Maybe I just have a soft spot for a fellow Texan or it was his razor sharp wit, but I loved Bloom County from its first days as a college 'toon! And I'm so sad that Breathed has mostly gone the way of Watterson, slinking off into obscurity, save for some childrens' books (which I'm just holding out for my little guy to be old enough for.)
There are a few who carry on the torch, but none quite so brightly. Stephan Pastis' "Pearls Before Swine," for example, is often fantastic, but can also tend to be fairly hit & miss. I also enjoy Darby Conley's "Get Fuzzy" which makes me think of Breathed's Bill the Cat often. I've noticed that Pat Brady's "Rose Is Rose" frequently pays homage to Opus' imaginary flights of fancy.