Is another artist drawing the strip?

If you're wondering what's up with FBorFW, well, you're not alone! FBorFW has become a mix of selected strips from the past and newly drawn panels. The strip's current storylines will be interlaced with Patterson family remembrances until sometime in 2008 when Lynn is able to tie up the remaining storylines facing the present-day characters. Earlier story arcs will be expanded upon and relived by a current generation of fans and introduced for the first time to a new generation.

Initially, Lynn's syndicate (Universal Press Syndicate) wished to have the story start again from the beginning, with content originally published in 1979, (much the same way that Peanuts is currently being re-run in many papers) but Lynn came up with the idea of adding present-day content alongside the earlier content, to help introduce readers to material they may not be familiar with. This blending also offers Lynn the opportunity to share more details of her characters, and their earlier stories, with her audience.

This has never been tried before in the comic industry, so we're still working out all the logistics - and we're calling it a Hybrid!

So, we're looking at earlier strips mingled with new content?

Yes. Lynn's original drawing style was much simpler and less detailed, so the earlier strips stand out by comparison!

We've touched up some of the artwork, but you're seeing vintage FBorFW!

Are the present-day Pattersons going away completely?

Your favourite characters will still make appearances, until their stories have been concluded. You will continue to see new material in the strip regularly until that point, when the strip will begin running again from the start, with expanded storylines and new Sunday content being frequently added.

But...what's going to happen to Grandpa? Liz and Anthony? April's band??

Lynn will still show us glimpses into the present-day lives of the Pattersons, and the major storylines will be resolved. She won't leave you hanging!

Ok, I think I get it! Lynn will finish the major storylines and then continue to make us laugh with some new art while looking back on almost 30 years of family life. Is there a way to share how I feel about FBorFW?

Of course!! Visit Elly's Coffee Talk to see what others are saying, and to share your thoughts. We look forward to hearing from you!

Here's what's been in the news lately (you'll need Adobe Reader):


Lynn Johnston Says 'For Better' Comic Will Still Have New Content