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I love FBoFW, but today's reprint from...gosh I don't even know how many years ago just rubbed me the wrong way. What I love about FBoFW is how real it is. And I don't know about you...but the small boys I know won't let anyone do anything for them that they can't do themselves. It's something you notice as a parent as the difference between boys and girls. Not unequal, just different. And that's why I didn't find this re-print cartoon to be worthy of remembering. It doesn't stirke me as true to life, or as representing a scene that I can relate to. Maybe it's a question of craft.... I like the first two panels...but don't get the second two...

Anonymous Canadian fan

I've always read fbofw. Now that I live in Europe, it's my little dose of "back home" every morning and I cherish it.

Liz is the one I most identify with - though as I step across the same portals of adulthood, I'm relating more and more to Elly.

In a way then, I guess it's all coming full circle. I want the happy ending for Liz (and April and Meredith and Robin...) but I'm finding it a real delight to see the old strips too.

Lynn, I hope you enjoy your retirement! You and your team have brought countless people alot of pleasure over the years.

Audrey, Scotland

I'm hoping that the constant re-runs might mean that Lynn is re-thinking the Lizanthony wedding. Marrying someone because you've known him all his life and your parents like him is not a good reason, if it's the only reason and it seems to be.

She doesn't seem to love him. Liz started worrying as young as age 10 or 11 that she would never have a boyfriend, because I think a couple of her friends did. She thought there was something wrong with her that she didn't have a boyfriend.

Anthony came along, and now Liz had her boyfriend. They broke up and got back together a couple times through the end of high school, but in looking back over the strips concerning their relationship, Liz never seems to have been particularly excited about him. But in high school, it's much easier for a girl to have a boyfriend to go to dances, parties, etc. with. But that's high school.

In college and after it seemed like Liz only thought of Anthony when she had broken up with one of her boyfriends, and again it seemed to be that he was her fall-back guy, the one she could always go back to when everyone else had gone, but that she wasn't that excited about him.

Elly and John kept talking him up to her and telling her how great she was and hinting they should get back together, right up to the time Anthony got engaged to Therese.

Liz still seems to be someone who feels if she doesn't have a boyfriend/partner/husband, there's something wrong and incomplete about her life. She's still young by 2000's standards---it would be nice to see her develop a backbone and say that Anthony isn't the one for me, I'm going to go it alone for a little while until I find out what I want and who I am, besides someone who wants to have a husband.

Why couldn't she, when she got home after the engagement and started to text her friends about it, have been thinking about how happy she was (it could have been done in a non-treacly way!) instead of thinking it's payback time because she was in a couple of their weddings. Then there was the comment to Warren about "the token that says I'm taken".

She just sounds like someone who is relieved to be getting married to someone who is reasonably OK, not a criminal or sociopath, because otherwise she would be an old maid, which seems like a very 1950's attitude and not befitting someone who's minor in college was women's studies.

If Liz is married she won't have to go to family gatherings alone. She won't have unfortunately broken up with someone near New Year's so that she has to get a gay friend to escort her to the party when he'd probably rather be with his boyfriend/partner.

Anthony won't have to raise Francoise alone, and since he seems to have no friends (as opposed to people who gush to others about how great Anthony is, but probably find him too boring to actually talk to), he will have an adult to hang out with. Of course he's the one that wanted a child and pressured Therese into having her, when she didn't want kids. But being a single dad is hard; might as well marry someone to help out.

If Liz and Anthony are in love and enjoy each other's company (as opposed to making a marriage of convenience which this is looking more and more like), couldn't they at least show it a little bit? All they seem to show is relief that they're no longer alone. They don't have to be overly gushy, just show some mild endearments occastionally. They never even seem to laugh or have fun together. They enjoy being with Francie, but they don't seem to enjoy being with each other that much.

Also if the idea was to wear Grandma Marian's gown and get married while Grandpa Jim is still around so he can see her in it, what's the idea of modernizing said gown beyond all recognition? Liz isn't so darned stylish and fashion-forward otherwise--a wedding gown with sleeves wouldn't look too out of place on her! (As long as the sleeves didn't have holes in them from age or something.)

Norah, Seattle WA

I'm loving the "retro" strips with a young Michael - possibly because I have a 2 1/2 year old son and it is giving me an indication of what lies ahead in the next 6 months-1 year!

Love all the FBFW strips and keeping up with what Liz and Anthony are getting up to.

Charlotte B, West Vancouver

I've got to throw in my two cents about the recent rerun strips with Michael as a child.

First of all, I don't believe these strips are from a back-to-back period. These are some "classic" strips taken from different years. I'm sure there are stories leading up to some of the events we've been reading about, so we all should keep that in mind.

Second, Michael is the first child... things are always different with your first. You can't prepare yourself for what a young boy does... you just have to go with it. Obviously Lynn has created a family that has learned over the years. John and Elly grew as parents as Liz and April came into the picture.

Third, I wonder why so many people think Michael is a brat. Sure, he did some interesting things in the strip, but most boys are like that. I can remember getting into trouble for things that I knew better about... but hey, I was a kid!! We all have to learn someway.

Jim I, Bloomington Indiana

Lastly, I seem to recall reading that the strip would begin sliding into stretched timelines - we weren't staying exactly with the day-to-day events. I may be wrong on that, but perhaps we're going to see more of those stretches coming in... but I may be wrong about that.

Lynn, you keep doing what you're doing. You have no one to answer to except yourself. Don't let the negative comments take you down... you're awesome!

Thanks to the whole team, too!!

Jim I, Bloomington Indiana

I don't blame the kid for a minute; eat up all the yucky stuff as fast as you can and follow it with a great big gulp of milk. In fact, he should be rewarded with extra dessert.

Congratulations on portraying real life!

Karen, Cincinnati OH

Totally agree with Erin's assessment of Anthony in Thursday's Coffee Talk. Certainly hope during the reruns of Michael, where we only see his bratty side, that plans are being made for Elizabeth realizing how wrong Anthony would be for her. Of course, in real life, young women often make that type of mistake in their first marriage - equating passive/agressive manipulative, controlling men as safe and secure. As Therese learned the hard way, it is disasterous.

Marsha, Reno

Now I remember why I stopped reading for a while when Merrie was a baby. Every single frame depicted her as a brat, and at the time I had a baby in the house and I wondered why she never depicted Merrie as adorable! I guess old habits die hard, because apparently Mike is a brat too. It would be nice to see Elly relax and enjoy her children, but maybe people didnt do this in the olden days. I still wonder sometimes if people notice that Elly is unhappy and sometimes violent. Also, why why why did her nose get so big? I hope in the final strips that Elly's nose could get a little smaller, LOL She could maybe start using "nose down" or some rosacia cram, maybe she is an alcoholic and goes into rehab, because the nose growth is common for alcoholics! Yes, why didnt I notice this before. That would explain Ellys depression and inability to parent her kids properly, and nose growth!

Jane, California

I would like to thank Lynn for the storyline on Elizabeth and Anthony. Having read about them over the years, I find it refreshing to see them finally getting married. The fact that having a woman marry a single father is a testament to how the world is today. I am not and never have been a single parent but I want to Thank you Lynn for acknowledging all of the single parents in this world. Being a parent is hard work but it is doubly difficult to be a single parent. My sister was a single parent and she married a wonderful man. Thank you so much for telling their story.
I will miss reading the day to day storyline but I am looking forward to what is coming. All the best to you and Thank you!!

Nikki V, Corbeil ON

Hello Lynn, Hello Elly, as an aging Grammy raising a 14 yr. old grandson, the most relaxing time I have is reading FBOW. I've been going through the ups and downs with your family for years. always finding something to relate to. The relationships are so true to life you find yourself anticipating with every strip. Elizabeth's upcoming wedding and Grandpa Jim have me on pins lately. through the years you have shown us many characters, (never shy) you introduced us to Lawrence Poirier, you took us through Elizabeth's sexual harassment, the baby that was born with 6 fingers(Believe it or not my own brother Eric was born with 6 fingers on 1 hand). you've also taken many loved characters from us (just like life) Elly's Mom, Farley and now we know our Dear Jim is ready. Lynn it has been a roller coaster ride-and I love coasters!!!! Thank you- a fan for life Teresa

P.S. I just love Shiimsa

Teresa H, Florida present (born in Indiana)

Had to laugh at today's strip where Elly gets after young Michael for eating like a pig. Obviously her own table manners have deteriorated over the years because we readers have often commented on Elly's own messy eating style when she's just chowin' down!

Too funny!

Jill S, Lawrence KS

I felt compelled to comment on the new (or old, depending on how you look at it) content of the strip. FBofW has always been my favorite comic strip. I love that the characters get older and lives change and love the suspense and the usual "feel good" aspects of it. I've read it ever since I was a little kid (I'm 31 now). However, I must admit, I absolutely can't stand the format now with the past intermingled into the present. I get so upset every day when it is the old style rather than new. I feel like the family was mean to other back then, everyone is always just yelling at each other, I don't like the drawing style, and just have a bad feeling after reading. Please please please keep it current and the way it has been, I loved it.

Melanie S, Plymouth

Why must Elly and John constantly berate Michael for acting like a typical kid? Yes, discipline is important, but it seems like a lot of their frustration and annoyance comes from their expectations that he act like a miniature adult.
We all lose our cool, at times, as parents, but not every offense is deserving of being called a pig (7/3's strip), having the child's arm twisted (7/2's strip), being screamed at (7/1's strip), or being grabbed by the collar and forcibly shoved into his room (6/26 strip).
Elly and John have consistently been shown as overracting to minor infractions. If that was typical parenting of 25 years ago I'm begining to understand why today's young adults often lack respect and understanding of the older generation- because that older generation never even attempted to respect and understand them.
What goes around comes around.

Amber S, Dallas TX

Hi Lynn,

While I've loved your strip for many years, I too am among the crowd that doesn't like the re-runs.

I keep checking each morning in hopes that you will give us a new edition. This week was disappointing. It would be great if you could finish your stories with fewer interruptions from the past and retire the strip with a clean break.

One of the things that's so hard about your 'blended' format is that your characters have matured and deepened over the years. It's quite a jolt to go back to the 2 dimensional personalities of years past. The current (boring, predictable) run of a young Elly yelling at a young Michael is a good example. The modern versions of your characters are so much more interesting.

Good luck with the transitions coming up!

Carley H, Denver CO

Oh my gosh! I had forgotten what a handful Michael was. And so funny! I didn't think that I would enjoy the "reruns" because I love to find out what is going to happen next, but I am really enjoying them. Thanks for bringing back the good old days.

Anne M, Kissimmee FL

I have loved this comic strip for years. My daughter was born in April 1991 and is the same age as "April". Although my daughter has autism, I love watching April grow and experience her version of childhood. I am delighted with all the Patterson family and their practical, real, and loving relationships. But I am not as smitten with the baby Elizabeth and young Michael memories. The strip stands well enough without that time warp thrown in. Overall a joy to read.

Jill, Maryland

i have to say at frist i wasn't in to the old strips and didn't think i would like them the same way as the new ones but i was wrong they still have the same chram and are just as funny as the new ones.

Mike is right if you don't want to tatse it eat it fast that or take a drink after ever bit.elly really should be just happy that he's eating it after all it is liver!

Bridget Q, New Glasgow NS

Can I point out something with regards to the whole neverending "Anthony is boring" discussion?

One thing of note in my own life and marriage is the fact that my husband and I have common interests, and we can discuss things together. Granted, we tend to discuss video games, science fiction and comics, but we have been known to discuss current events. We get interested in our discussions and in each other, as we look each other and listen to each other.

So, looking at the Anthony and Liz relationship, I'm baffled. They don't discuss anything, they don't seem to have interests or hobbies, heck, they don't seem to be interested in each other. I'm not saying they should share my interests, but I'd like to see them have some interests. Don't these people have hobbies? Don't they go out to movies or plays? Museums?

Let's face it: yes, it's a comic strip. A story. That means we, the readers, should be interested and captivated by what's going on. I don't see what's so interesting about two people who don't ever seem to do anything, or talk to each other, or face each other. This doesn't mean we demand to see them skydiving or bungee jumping.

Liz W, Ottawa

I too have always loved the Pattersons, but must say that strip after strip/week after week of a young Elly dissatisfied and constantly angry with her children is very wearing! If there's humor, i don't see it. Surely she must feel some joy/fulfillment/contentment...something positive sometimes.

Pamela K, Boston MA

Though we all can understand how the young Ellie feels in being a young parent, it feels like she has nothing positive to say to the younger Michael. Can you show a few comic strips between the ones where she is always yelling to more supportive loving strips?

Robbin N, Houston TX

It seems obvious from the strip re-published on July 3 where the off-putting eating habits of the Pattersons come from; trying not to taste Elly's cooking. What's less obvious is why she cooks unpalatable slop: to please her idiot husband who's too busy thinking about his own comfort to realize or care that being forced to cook the same greasy, tasteless refuse night after night has destroyed his family's taste buds. In short, they've been brought down to his pathetic level.

Paul J, Saint John NB

As a mother of a son, now 12, I am thoroughly enjoying the old strips from when Michael was a mischievous young boy. As my son shares the name of Michael as well as some of some of Michael Patterson's antics, many of these "blasts from the past" have been clipped and are displayed on my bulletin board. Even my Michael has has laughed as he recognized his own past in them. Thank you, Lynn!

Elizabeth, Weaverville

As a rape survivor, I'm still flummoxed that Liz is marrying Anthony, who, having saved her from an attempted assault by Howard Bunt, took her to a remote area and dumped all of HIS problems on her.

Duh, Anthony. Take her to talk to the cops. The cops. And maybe an actual counselor, eh?

Anthony is supposed to have all this common sense, but I'm not seeing it. Indeed, during that crisis, he acted really stupidly. If Liz had been bruised, for example, photos of her bruises would be admissible evidence, as long as they were taken RIGHT AWAY.

Argh. So not impressed.

Annie O, Pennsylvania

I sorry you think that life can be melded into a 30 year period. Sorry to say this but you can't bring the past into the present. Good Luck.

Joseph D, Mtntop PA

UNCLE! I can't take anymore! I've read the strip since I got married and watched the Patterson's grow as did my own family. We're still growing and moving forward. And although it's nice to look back occasionally, life's about moving on. BTW ... it IS a big deal that Michael was sent to bed without supper. What did that teach him other than his Mom has a bad temper and can't deal with him in a positive manner?

Ruby, Ohio

hey lynn.

as for your reruns, its cool to see a time before i was born (im 20) and what was happening before april came along! as for one reader's comment about a "where are they now" strip in the future, maybe even return to having hte cahracters write letters on their current activities? i would hate to see life freeze for them. april is my favorite character, and i hope she becomes a rockstar! something surreal but something we can all be proud of. im a musician myself, and would love to see april succeed and be the eccentric but sensible young lady become the artist she wants to be...maybe in honor of grampa jim?

ah that would rule! hope you give that some thought. other than that, i love your work!

Anonymous reader

There are many times when I have bought the paper just to read your strip. My children are all the same age as yours(except I stopped at 3) so your words have always been so appropriate.
I have a lot of favorites but one really stands out and was displayed at the State Park where I worked summers, dealt with them picking up the trash unfortunately left by others.
Your characters are so human, but also so wise and funny too. Thank you and keep up the good work.

Carolyn C, originally Maine, now NH

Lynn: Just wanted to thank you for years of laughs AND, more importantly, the first link between my husband and I. When we met in 2001, we were both long time singles. Sitting and reading the comics on Sunday and sharing our laughs or wishes for future story lines was one of the first things we found as common ground. It let us know that we had similar outlooks on life and similar senses of humor.
Note to Liz: I was 38 when I got married for the first time and even I had excitement in my voice and actions. Is Anthony really the right choice or are you letting Lynn take you down that route for the readers?

Thanks for all of your work Lynn!

Erin R, Henrietta NY

Old or new, I love for Better or For Worse. I'm happy to take it anyway I can get it! I'm looking forward to seeing Lynn's new "more joyful" style.

I love it all!! Keep up the wonderful work.

Pinki M, Houston TX

FBOFW has been my favorite comic strip since it started in our newspaper decades ago. In a lot of ways my life has mirrored the Patterson's. My daughter is the same age as Elizabeth. I was a working mother who had to care for a husband, home and dogs. Now, after retirement and a 31-year marriage, I, too, am going through a divorce. I wonder what changes are coming with Lynn/Elly that I will also experience.

Sandy H, Indianapolis

I've been reading the strip since Michael and Elizabeth were small. While the nostalgia strips are funny and touching, please-- more of the plans for Elizabeth's and Anthony's wedding!

Sue, Phoenix