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I find it terribly presumptuous of Warren to think that he can just pick up where he left off (notice I said "he," not "they."). I never really thought they had a real romantic relationship, just a vague interest in each other.

I agree that it seemed dishonest of him to bring her back to Mtigwaki ealier just to expose Liz to the fact that Paul was cheating no her, although in the same vein, I suppose it wasn't his place to say anything.

Liz seems as settled in her relationship with Anthony as I have ever seen her and I would hate to see something bad happen to it on their second try.

I guess we'll just have to see where this goes.

Vera K, NY NY

What an arrogent jerk Warren is! A big user and opportunist. Liz is better off without him and should be thanking her lucky stars that they never had the chance to start a relationship.

Nikki J, Modesto CA

Why, why, why, does Elizabeth always have to get sandwiched in the middle of these guys who don't seem to know what they want, or who they want? This poor girl - she starts to get involved with someone and then someone else comes along to mess everything up! Warren - go back to your little airplane and fly away. Meet people - maybe you'll find someone that can tolerate your indecisiveness. I actually like Anthony now - he's stable, friendly, and has all the qualities that a good father and husband should have. Stick to your guns, Liz!

Susan, Syracuse NY

As Arrogant As Always, Warren has just dropped in from (literally) out of the blue and seems to take it for granted that Elizabeth's life will immediately revolve around him! NO! NO! NO! And crashing "for a day or two" to Warren will be tantamount to a lifetime lease. Don't let him steamroller you, Liz! He can sleep in his car or rent a room. Or a kennel as befits a dog-in-the manger.I'm not saying that Anthony is the perfect fit, but Warren the Wonder is DEFINITELY on the "A" list of Jerks-We-Have-Known. Stand up for yourself and kick him OUT!!!

Linda S, Phoenix AZ

I've been meaning for months to say how much I've been enjoying the hybrid. I was ever so hesitant when it started, but I love the background that's been filled in and the meaning that the old strips give the new strips.

Another thing that I wanted to say was how much I love the extended biographies that are being added to the Who's Who section. The Fiona biography made me see her in an entirely different light.

I hope to be reading FBOFW for many more years.

Miranda, near Cleveland

Let's bring Lawrence back! I want to know how he is doing! Is he dating anyone, has he gotten married, does he have a family? There is no reason he should be denied these pleasures!
And how about Shannon? Its been awhile since she stood on the cafeteria table and gave those students a piece of her mind. What is she up to these days?
Please Lynn, use these characters to teach Merrie and Robin that in today's society it is not acceptable to treat people as if they are less than human simply based on their sexual preference, skin tone, or mental capacity.
You rock Lynn! Keep up the great work!

Genoa E, Adams MA

How dare Warren reenter the picture and assume Elizabeth will welcome him with open arms! And even more daring to think he can use her apartment as a place to stay while he is deciding what to do when he "grows up". If he ever stood a chance in my mind,he has just blown it!!!

Jan B, South Carolina

NO!!! Anyone BUT Warren!!!
Please!

Luanne R

The first thing I thought when I read today's strip was "How DARE he?" The second thought was "I hope Liz bops Warren in the nose." Metaphorically speaking of course.
Warren needs a "crash course" in how treat a lady because he sure doesn't have a clue at this point.

Tracey R, Cincinnati

Thank You for expanding on the character of Warren at a time that will be critical for the Elizabeth/ Anthony story line. I have always felt the relationship was "at his convenience" even more than a traveling job warrented (pun unintentional)and it shows how a steady person like Anthony is the better choice for Elizabeth.
I disagree with all the people commenting here that Anthony boring and dull just because he is responsible and puts his child as a priority and has a steady job.
Keep to your own ideas, I have loved them for years and still have the first books you autographed for me In Winnipeg back in '83.

THANK YOU for For Better or For Worse.

Michelle C, Brandon MB

Is this the real world?

Why would Liz open the door at 10:00 pm without asking who was on the other side? Not safe for anyone, especially for a young lady living alone. + Does Warren REALLY think Liz would let him stay at her apartment after all the water that has gone under the bridge? He was the poor excuse for a human being who flew Liz back to school knowing full well that Paul would be with Susan. (another "charm", Paul). In Warren's little mind he is in a relationship with Liz....oh puleeze....send for Anthony....quick!

Geri C, New York

Is it really necessary to sacrifice the character of every one of Liz's former "boyfriends" on the altar of Anthony? Not to mention that having them all turn out to be jerks doesn't say a whole lot for her ability to judge people. It was bad enough that you did it to Paul, but couldn't you just have let Warren fly off into the proverbial sunset and let at least one man escape intact?

Anna, Providence RI

Since we're all acting as though these are real people in a real-life situation, I feel the need to comment.

A)Liz needs to get therapy to figure out why all of the men she chooses either cheat on her or become needy and pushy

B)I think it's interesting that we, as readers, are meant to recognize how pathetic and inappropriate Warren is now behaving. We can finally give a "you go girl," to Liz, who, it is quite clear, will tell him off and shove him out the door. I'm wondering if we are also meant to see the irony in the situation.

C) Why is Liz being single not considered (apparently by _anyone_) an option? Considering her age and her less-than-stellar dating record, it might be good for her to figure out ON HER OWN what she wants in life and why. This goes DOUBLE for Anthony who, at the ripe age of...what, 27, 28...has managed to marry, have a kid, have an emotional affair on his wife, get a divorce, and fly rather seamlessly into another relationship.

Jenny Y, Virginia

Lynn Johnston,

I had been worried that you had put together Anthony Caine and Elizabeth Patterson so quickly, that Anthony would not have the chance to see how Elizabeth has poorly treated her boyfriends in the past. I would much rather have Anthony choose Elizabeth, knowing what she is like, than this idealized view of Elizabeth he may have had. He should know the Elizabeth who drove away Eric Chamberlain with her constant nagging. He should know the Elizabeth, who avoided meeting Constable Paul Wright's parents, by intentionally setting things up to jump into a helicopter with Warren Blackwood right in the town where Paul Wright's parents lived, and without either man knowing they were going to have to confront each other.

It seems obvious to me that Elizabeth is going to let Warren Blackwood stay the night, and the natural plot progression after this would be for Anthony Caine to discover she did this, and make the wrong (or right, depending on your point of view) conclusions. As she says, she shouldn't do it because she is seeing Anthony and she is quite right. But, it is even more right, I think, for Anthony not to go into marriage with Elizabeth having blinders on to how cruel and thoughtless she can be.

In a real romance, people marry knowing each other's flaws, and I am delighted that you are taking this path in the Anthony and Elizabeth romance.

Paul S, Oro Valley AZ

Hi, Elly!
Oh, PLEASE, oh, PLEASE, get RID of this sleazy loser Warren!! I can't believe the nerve of him, barging in out of nowhere and expecting Liz to welcome him with open arms into her life and bedroom!! How ungallant of him, and how trashy and unlike Liz it would be if she did so. I know a lot of readers hate the idea of another set of childhood sweethearts get together, but so what? The best marriages come out of relationships where the couples were friends FIRST. Things don't always have to have a dark ending; reality is not always negative. Thank you!

Margaret D, MD

I don't like Anthony either. I want Liz to meet someone else, someone who is free of x wives and children. Warren is selfish, tho was a great twist in the plot and I didn't expect him to reappear.
Liz deserves a Knight on a white horse, someone she falls madly in love with and who in return in wild and passionate about her. Come on FBOW get with it, give us all a great love story!

Jude USA

Lynn,
I love your strip, but more than that, this coffee talk is the work of a genius!
I am a faithful reader and love the input and comments from other readers. I am a mom of 3, and a graduate student in psychology and your strip gives a real-life account of life. I like how you don't sugarcoat or shy away from issues. Lawrence's story, Elizabeth's assault, sibling rivalry, pet death, moving to a new house, Grandpa's strokes... those things happen everyday.
Thank you for going the distance and portraying day to day life. I will remain a faithful reader as long as I can. I am in the process of collecting all of your books so I can put them on the shelves in my future office to use as references with my clients.
Keep up the good work.

Julie S, Indiana