If you have ever wondered what it is like to spend your golden years with your best friend—while also being mildly annoyed by them every single day—then you need to read Pickles. This beloved comic strip by Brian Crane has been making readers smile since 1990. It focuses on Earl and Opal Pickles, a retired couple in their seventies who are just trying to enjoy the quiet life. Of course, things never stay quiet for long with Earl around. Whether he is losing his glasses (that are on his face) or starting a project that ends in disaster, there is never a dull moment in their home .
What makes Pickles so special is how real it feels. Brian Crane based the characters on his own in-laws and grandparents, which is why their conversations feel so authentic . The strip doesn’t just make fun of getting older; it celebrates the humor found in the everyday struggles of aging. From their dog Roscoe’s funny thoughts to their grandson Nelson’s innocent questions, the Pickles household is a place where laughter lives. If you need a good chuckle, here is a look at why these classic Pickles comics about retired life are absolutely hilarious .
10+ Pickkles Comics
Image Credit : Brian Crane
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The Everyday Chaos of Earl and Opal Pickles
One of the biggest reasons readers love Pickles is because it perfectly captures the dynamic between a husband and wife who have known each other for decades. Earl is a retired philosophy professor. He is bald, has a bushy white mustache, and is often described as a “couch potato” and a “curmudgeon” . In simple terms, he is a lovable grump who likes things his way. Opal, on the other hand, is the anchor of the family. She wears her signature purple polka-dotted dresses and is usually seen with her cat, Muffin, trying to keep Earl in line .
The humor often comes from their different approaches to life. Earl might try to “help” around the house, but his version of help usually creates a bigger mess. In one classic strip, Earl vows to start contributing more to household chores. Opal looks surprised but hopeful. In the next panel, Earl fires up a leaf blower—in the living room . This is the kind of literal, absurd humor that makes the strip so funny. It reminds us that even in retirement, we never stop learning (or laughing at) our partner’s unique way of doing things. Their bickering is never mean; it is just the sound of two people who love each other and aren’t afraid to say what they think .
The “Senior Moments” We All Love to Laugh About
As we get older, our brains might play little tricks on us. We walk into a room and forget why we are there. We spend ten minutes looking for the car keys that are already in our hand. Earl Pickles is the king of these “senior moments,” and his struggles are our gain because they result in some of the funniest panels in newspaper history.
Perhaps the most relatable Pickles comic of all time involves Earl frantically searching for his glasses. He tears the house apart, getting more and more frustrated. Finally, Opal calmly points out that the glasses are sitting right on his face. You would think that would be the end of it, but Earl delivers the perfect punchline: “Not those glasses.” He explains that he wears one pair just to help him find the other pair . It is silly, it is clever, and anyone who has ever misplaced something will relate to the ridiculous logic. These moments aren’t just jokes; they are a gentle way of laughing at the things that can be frustrating about aging. Brian Crane has a gift for taking these tiny annoyances and turning them into gold .
Family, Grandkids, and the Wisdom of Dogs
While Earl and Opal are the stars, the supporting cast of Pickles adds so much heart to the strip. Their six-year-old grandson, Nelson, is a regular visitor . Nelson sees the world with wide eyes, and his questions often highlight the gap between generations. He might try to show his grandma how to work her phone, only for her to remind him that she taught him how to use a spoon. It is a funny “checkmate” moment that reminds the younger generation that book smarts aren’t everything—life experience counts for a lot .
And then there are the pets. Roscoe the dog and Muffin the cat are drawn with thought balloons, similar to Snoopy in Peanuts . They watch the humans with confusion or sarcasm. In one comic, Earl complains that his body parts are wearing out. His friend on the park bench nods and says that what is worse is when they “disappear altogether,” lifting his cap to reveal a bald head . It is a simple, visual joke that lands perfectly. Through these interactions, Pickles shows that retired life isn’t just about the couple—it is about the whole family, including the furry members who judge us silently from the corner.
Why We Still Love Pickles After All These Years
It has been over thirty years since Pickles first appeared in newspapers, and it is still going strong. It appears in close to 1,000 newspapers worldwide and has won major awards, including the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award . But awards aren’t the real reason the strip endures. It endures because it makes people feel good. The late Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, once said, “I think it would be very comforting to have Earl and Opal for neighbors” . That is the perfect way to describe it. Reading Pickles feels like sitting on the porch with old friends.
Brian Crane, who started the strip when he was almost forty, says he plans to keep drawing as long as he is able . He finds inspiration in his own life, his children, and his many grandchildren. Because he writes about universal themes—love, forgetfulness, family, and food—the humor appeals to readers of all ages. Whether you are in your twenties or your eighties, you will find something to smile at. In a world that often feels rushed and complicated, Pickles reminds us to slow down and laugh at the little things .
Conclusion
If you haven’t spent time with Earl and Opal Pickles yet, you are missing out on some of the best humor about family and retired life. These comics are a masterclass in finding joy in the ordinary. They teach us that getting older comes with its fair share of challenges, but also with plenty of reasons to laugh . Whether Earl is getting his arm stuck in the sofa or Opal is rolling her eyes at his latest scheme, there is a warmth to their story that keeps readers coming back day after day.
So, the next time you need a pick-me-up, look up some classic Pickles comics. Let the misadventures of this quirky family remind you that love, patience, and a good sense of humor are all you really need to enjoy the ride .
