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I wish readers would stop criticizing this comic in the context of today's viewpoints on gender relations, child rearing, etc. This comic is set in a time when lots of women felt having a husband made their lives worthwhile, when it wasn't unusual for a husband to control the family's finances, and when children might be sent to bed without dinner when they were naughty. Lynn didn't create or promote these scenarios; they came from our lives. These things may be out of place now, but they weren't then. Stop blaming her for showing life as it was--good or bad.

Kerry, MN

When Lynn Johnston decided to "go back to the beginning" with her comic strip, it meant going back in time approximately 25 years. The old strips that show John acting like a chavinist are a sign of those times - attitudes about women working outside the home were less progressive then. I'm not saying these attitudes were right (not at all!), but the old strips need to be read in the correct context. I suppose that if people are only starting to read the strip now that the affect can be quite galling. However, I doubt that Lynn is publishing these strips as a political commentary or agenda - they are just part of the saga. Besides, it is Lynn's comic strip - she has the right to do anything she wants with it. Keep up the great work, Lynn!

Marne R, MN

In the context of this being a strip written in 2009, talk of rotary phones and women "hoarding" their extra $$ is ridiculous. However, whenever I feel that way, I try to remind myself that this story initially took place many years ago, at a time when I can remember my mom saving her "pennies" to buy special things for herself. I am really enjoying the new format, but do agree with those who say it would be nice, maybe once a month or so, to have an "update" strip on the gang as they could possibly be now.

Lori L, Penbrook, TX

Here's something I wonder about those who are reminding anyone who is the least bit critical of the strip that "it's just a comic strip": Are any of you the same folks who cried over the deaths of Farley, Grandma Marian, Mr. B, Grandpa Jim's health problems, or anything else that happened in the strip? If so, it wasn't "just a comic strip" to you then. Maybe we can all refrain from instructing one another how to approach the strip.

Katje B, Albany, NY

Oh my! Can I relate to Elly in today's strip. I also was a stay-at-home mom but felt like I wasn't contributing since I did not get a paycheck. When my children were school age (they are the same ages as Michael and Elizabeth) I went back to work part-time. Lynn, I really love your strip and I read it first thing every morning.

Barbara W, Redlands, CA

Hi Lynn, I was really sad when your comic strip ended, but it did end on a high note. Then, it began again, from the beginning...I told myself I wasn't going to read it...but I began to read about when the family was young, and I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed it. So...right on...(but I still don't want to read about the family dog's death again...that was so sad...not a "comic" strip at all). I then heard that you had been on a Medical Mission with the Christian Medical Society...we are good friends with the guy who leads those trips...Willie Hunger (before tha it was John Shannon)...and my kids translated many times for doctors who came to the Dominican Republic for those same medical caravans. My two kids were raised in the D.R., where my husband and I were missionaries for 18 years...the for eight more years in Spain. Anyway, thanks for your great work day after day..I hope you had fun doing it, because you made it fun for your readers!

Pat R, Ontario, CA

so what did happen? I am trying to figure out who is who and suddenly every thing changed. like Elly is younger, and the kids are too? what happened

Sheryl, NE

Lynn's explanation of the change can be found at
http://www.fbofw.com/behind_the_scenes/hybrid/

The final strip of the "classic" storyline provides additional insights:
http://www.fborfw.com/strip_fix/archives/003336.php