For millions of newspaper readers and online fans, starting the day with a cup of coffee just isn’t complete without a visit from a grumpy yet lovable old man and his sharp-witted wife. For the last thirty-five years, the comic strip Pickles has been a gentle, hilarious, and heartwarming staple of the funny pages. Created by the talented Brian Crane, this comic celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024, and it’s the perfect time to look back at why we love Earl and Opal so much.
In a world that often feels like it is moving too fast, Pickles offers a quiet place to rest. It reminds us to laugh at ourselves, to cherish our partners, and to find joy in the simple moments. Whether it’s Earl trying to get out of a chore, Opal putting him in his place, or their grandson Nelson showing them the wonders (and frustrations) of modern technology, the strip captures the essence of family life with perfect clarity. It feels less like a comic and more like a peek into the house next door.
The fact that Pickles has run successfully for three and a half decades is a true testament to its universal appeal. It doesn’t rely on shock value or political commentary. Instead, its humor is timeless. It speaks to anyone who has ever owned a stubborn pet, forgotten where they left their glasses, or shared a knowing look with their spouse across the dinner table. As we celebrate this major milestone, let’s take a warm and fuzzy trip down memory lane with the Pickles family.
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The Magic of Earl and Opal: A Marriage Made in Comic Strip Heaven
At the very heart of Pickles is the relationship between Earl and Opal Pickles. They are the perfect comedic duo. Earl is the classic curmudgeon—a retired plumber who would rather take a nap than go to a yard sale and who has a very specific (and often messy) way of doing things. Opal, on the other hand, is the vibrant and practical engine of the family. She keeps Earl grounded, often with a single raised eyebrow or a perfectly timed sarcastic remark.
What makes their dynamic so special is the deep, unspoken love that lies beneath all the bickering. Sure, Earl might groan when Opal asks him to fix a squeaky door, but he always gets around to it. Opal might roll her eyes at Earl’s latest harebrained scheme, but she’s always there with a sandwich and a listening ear. Their marriage is not a fairy tale; it’s a real, lived-in partnership that shows the beauty of growing old together. It reminds us that love isn’t always grand gestures, but often just sharing the morning paper in comfortable silence.
Creator Brian Crane has a genius for writing dialogue that feels authentic to a long-married couple. The jokes are never mean-spirited. Instead, they come from a place of deep familiarity. They know each other’s buttons, and they aren’t afraid to push them, but they also know exactly how to make each other smile. This balance is what makes readers root for them day after day. We see a bit of our own grandparents, or even ourselves, in their interactions.
Their relationship also tackles the realities of aging with grace and humor. Whether it’s dealing with forgetfulness, doctor’s appointments, or the changing world around them, Earl and Opal face it together. They show us that getting older doesn’t mean you stop having adventures or laughing at life’s absurdities. It simply means you do it with a bit more wisdom (and maybe a few more naps).
Beyond the Couple: The Wonderful World of the Pickles Family
While Earl and Opal are the stars, the supporting cast of Pickles is what makes the world feel so complete and relatable. Their adult children and grandchildren provide a wonderful bridge between generations. Their daughter and her family, including the ever-curious grandson Nelson, often visit, bringing the chaos and joy of modern parenting into the quiet Pickles household. Nelson, in particular, is a fan favorite, often serving as Earl’s foil and his teacher in the ways of the digital age.
Then there is the true scene-stealer of the strip: Roscoe, the family dog. Roscoe is a large, floppy-eared, and incredibly expressive dog who perfectly embodies canine behavior. He is loyal, food-driven, and often seems to understand human conversation far better than he lets on. The strips featuring Roscoe are pure gold for pet lovers. They capture the hilarious inner monologue we all imagine our pets are having, whether it’s begging for table scraps or judging Earl for sleeping in too late.
The family dynamic in Pickles is refreshingly positive. While they have their minor disagreements, the strip focuses on the love and support that binds them together. It shows the beauty of the “sandwich generation,” where grandparents are active participants in their grandchildren’s lives. It highlights the circle of life, with the older generation imparting wisdom (whether wanted or not) and the younger generation keeping them feeling young and connected.
By including these family layers, Pickles appeals to a wide audience. Kids can relate to Nelson, parents can relate to the challenges of raising kids, and seniors can relate to Earl and Opal. This multi-generational appeal is a rare and wonderful thing in comics today. It makes the strip a safe, happy space for the whole family to enjoy together.
Why “Pickles” Remains Relevant After 35 Years
In an age where most media is consumed on smartphones and tablets, the traditional newspaper comic strip has had to fight for survival. Yet, Pickles has not only survived; it has thrived. A huge part of this longevity is its ability to adapt without losing its soul. While the core of the strip remains the same, Brian Crane cleverly incorporates modern life into the gags. Watching Earl try to figure out a smartphone or react to a social media trend is endlessly entertaining because it reflects our own struggles with technology.
The humor of Pickles is also incredibly low-stakes, which provides a sense of comfort. We are bombarded with stressful news and high-drama entertainment constantly. Pickles offers a five-second escape into a world where the biggest problem is a lost remote control or a bird stealing seeds from the garden. This gentle, slice-of-life comedy is a form of mental rest. It allows us to laugh at the small stuff, reminding us not to take life too seriously.
Furthermore, the art style of Pickles is instantly recognizable and perfectly suited to the content. Brian Crane’s drawings are expressive and warm. The characters have a slightly rumpled, lived-in look that matches their personalities. You can tell Earl is a softie just by the way his glasses sit on his nose. You can see Opal’s kindness in her smile. The visual gags, especially those involving Roscoe the dog, are simple but always effective.
The strip has also found a massive second life online. While it started in print, Pickles has a huge following on social media and comic aggregator sites. Sharing a relatable Pickles comic is a way for people to connect with friends and family online. A comic about forgetting why you walked into a room or dealing with a grumpy pet is universally shareable, proving that the themes of Pickles are truly timeless.
The Man Behind the Magic: Brian Crane’s Gentle Genius
None of this would be possible without the creative mind of Brian Crane. What makes his success story so heartwarming is that he started Pickles later in life, proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Crane was working as a graphic artist when he created the strip based on his own observations of family life and, reportedly, his own marriage. This authenticity is the secret ingredient. He isn’t writing about old age from a distance; he is living it and laughing about it.
Crane’s genius lies in his ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. He has a sharp eye for the small, funny moments that happen in every household. He turns a trip to the grocery store, a conversation with a neighbor, or a rainy afternoon into a moment of connection. His writing is economical—every word counts—and his timing is impeccable. He knows exactly when to deliver the punchline for maximum effect.
Over the years, Brian Crane’s work has been recognized by his peers and the industry. Pickles has received the prestigious National Cartoonists Society Award for Best Comic Strip multiple times, a testament to its quality and consistency. But perhaps the biggest award is the daily readership and the loyal fans who have been following Earl and Opal for decades. The comic has spawned numerous book collections, allowing fans to revisit their favorite strips anytime they need a laugh.
Crane has built a legacy of kindness. In a media landscape that can often be cynical and sarcastic, Pickles stands out for its genuine warmth. It’s a strip created by a good-natured person, about good-natured people, and that feeling of goodwill radiates from every panel. It’s a reminder that being nice never goes out of style.
Conclusion: Here’s to Many More Years of Laughs
Celebrating 35 years of Pickles is about more than just marking time. It is about celebrating the values that make life rich: family, love, laughter, and the ability to not take ourselves too seriously. Earl and Opal have become beloved friends to their readers, a constant presence in a changing world. They have taught us that aging is an adventure, that marriage is a partnership, and that a good dog can solve almost any problem.
As we look forward to seeing what new adventures await the Pickles family, we owe a huge thank you to Brian Crane for sharing his talent and his vision with the world. He has given us a gift that keeps on giving—a daily dose of happiness. So, the next time you see Earl grumbling or Opal smiling, take a moment to appreciate the simple beauty of it all.
Here is to thirty-five wonderful years of prune juice, naps, Roscoe’s antics, and the enduring love of Earl and Opal. May they continue to grace the funny pages for many years to come, reminding us all to find the humor in the everyday and to hug the ones we love a little tighter. Happy anniversary to the whole Pickles family
