Comics: Meet the Artist
Berke Breathed
Cartoonist, "Opus"
Friday, November 21, 2003; 1:00 p.m ET
After a mysterious 10-year absence, America's favorite penguin is back. Pulitzer Prize-winnnig cartoonist Berkeley Breathed brings "Opus" back to the comics pages on Sunday, Nov. 23. On Breathed's Web site, only this cryptic message explains the sudden and unexpected return: "We can't, at this time, go into detail as to what he's been doing during his mysterious missing decade, although Opus is deeply embarrassed about the rumors, especially the one naming him as the catalyst behind the unfortunate break-up of J Lo and Ben. It will all become clear soon."
Breathed will join Post Comics page editor Suzanne Tobin online Friday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss his new cartoon, his past cartoons ("Bloom County," "Outland"), and just where exactly Opus has been hiding. He will also discuss why "Opus" will appear only in print and not on the Web in any format.
Submit questions either before or during the discussion.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Suzanne Tobin:
Welcome, comics fans, to a very special edition of "Comics: Meet the Artist." Today our guest is Berkeley Breathed, who we are thrilled has decided to return to the newspaper comics pages with his Sunday-only strip, "Opus." Berkeley is joining us from his studio in Southern California, just down the street from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. Welcome, Berkeley, and thanks for joining us Live Online.
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Berke Breathed:
A public notice: There’s an ad in People Magazine today for my new picture book “Flawed Dogs” and it makes a statement that, quote:
“The only aging singer/celebrity nitwit attached to THIS picture book is Lulu the dog”.
The ad will also run in USA Today on Monday, and there’s a rumor that the attorney’s for the fabulous new childrens’ author Madonna are preparing to sue. I’d like to say right here for the record that I’m sure there’s other aging singer/celebrity nitwits out there putting their names on picture books besides Madonna, and they have a right to share the insult. Fairplay would suggest that she should open her legal action to be a class action suit on behalf of all the aging celebrity nitwit authors that might have been offended. My lawyers have asked that I not say anything, especially the comments above.
--Berkeley Breathed
Aging Non-celebrity Nitwit Author
Now. Besides Madonna, does anyone have any comments or questions about my comic strip “Doonsebury”?
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Fairfax, VA:
First - Welcome Back!!! You and your cartoon crew have been sorely missed.
Second, you commented on the Johnny Hart/BC flap over Islam in today's Post. Hart's strip did seem to cross a line, and his rather tepid denial didn't help his cause any (anyone else with clear/pure motives would have probably profusely apologized for any apparent slight). Regardless of his intent, is it fair to beat on him when Doonesbury, Boondocks, and countless editorial cartoons can be just as nasty if not more so? Or is the problem more of his trying to sneak a rather pointed editorial message into what's sold as a purely humorous cartoon?
Berke Breathed:
The good news about Hart’s Islam-is-poo strip is that at least you know a real human has shown up for work, with his strip. The paper is littered with cartoonists too, well, deceased to actually participate in their own strip. It’s a pity because there’s a rather agitated bunch of very alive cartoonists that are waiting for their space to show us what a little passionate cartooning can be.
The other side of the le Affaire Hart is his disowning of his gag. This is the part where he insults his audience, which he might want to avoid. I’m all for bigotry in the public square for people to respond accordingly… but they need to own it. Either Johnny is fibbing or he needs to get back in touch with his inner id. I’m surprised that Garry Trudeau urged everyone to leave him alone. We’re in the business of not being left alone. It’s a fascinating bit of insight into the artist behind the feature and by God, let’s get into it. It’s the very bit of life that the comic page is needing as it gets consumed by The Jim Davis’s of the world and their writing staffs.
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Suzanne Tobin:
Cartoon Raises a Stink, (Post, Nov. 20)
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Falls Church, VA:
Hi. Long-time poster, first-time fan. So, run out of money, did ya? Or do you just have something you felt really needed to be said. By a penguin.
Berke Breathed: Why, you ask, do I return? Complicated question. The world went and got silly again. Who would have thought. I left it boring in 1995. Somebody should have warned me that we'd have a president landing on an aircraft carrier in a zoom suit like Tom Cruise. I'm sorry. I'm not getting left on the beach after that one.
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Portland, OR:
Hey Mr. Breathed, long-time fan, first-time caller. I have a few questions. Is Opus returning to his stellar role of tuba player in a rock band? And isn't Billie and the Boinkers just a sell-out from Deathtongue? Is this some sort of Sammy Haggar/David Lee Roth crap? Has the band returned to its roots, or are we going to see a boy-band next? Us groupies need to be kept in the loop.
Also, is Bill the Cat going to make another run at the presidency? And if so, can the Iraqi problem be solved with hairballs (strategic of course)? And will he be contending as a Democrat, or will he be representing the pasture again? Remember, you are on the record.
-B.J. from Portland
Berke Breathed: My apologies folks, but I signed a non-disclosure deal with myself. Ya gotta tune in and see. But it’s always a good idea to remember that when we’re doing our job right—any artist really—we’re folding in the experience of our own life neatly if not seamlessly into the work. I’m not the same knucklehead I was in 1989. I’m an all new knucklehead. A knucklehead with small children… which, you know, is the worst kind. Look what happened to Dave Barry. Opus will be at once, new and the same….Like each of us as we glide down the different hallways of time in the labyrinth of our lives. It’s incredible just how poetic one can be when there isn’t time to edit it out.
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Alexandria VA:
While I can't say that I'm not disappointed in the print-only decision, I can attest that it will be a huge incentive for papers to go along with the half-page format, since the ones that have good online editions will get a corresponding boost in circulation from people returning to print subscriptions--or at least, after six years of reading the Washington Post online, I'm going to be subscribing to the print edition shortly, just to see Opus in action again.
(Thanks for bringing our favorite puffin-cum-penguin back, and for the years of great times we already have to look back on.)
Berke Breathed: Yes, sorry for the lack of digital versions of the new Opus. But the net has complicated things. We're not making it easy for papers to run us.. so many refuse. A cartoon tree falling in a forest that no one sees...etc. As soon as we get in every newspaper in the English language, we'll get to the web.
Strips just look better when you can smell the color ink.
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Keller, TX:
As far as I can tell, you've only done a couple of major interviews during the past couple of years _ and they both start with how hard it is to find info about you. Why are you such a mystery man?
Berke Breathed: It's awe-inspiring how people that live boring lives can be so endlessly fascinating when they keep their mouth shut and their head down. Its more fun this way.
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Chicago, IL:
Greetings,
Gene Weingarten claimed that he has seen the return strip. He claimed it was extremely funny.
Should the rest of humanity be worried, or can we trust Mr. Weingarten's standards?
Berke Breathed: Gene Weingarten may be a deeply disturbed man, but that doesn't mean he doesn't know his comics. Actually, it may explain why. Who knows if its funny. One thing I learned while editing my books: there's no consensus on which strips worked and which didn't. None. Although Hart's comic with the Islamic outhouse may actually find a consensus. God bless him... at least everyone's discussing the page after many years.
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Apex, NC:
I have been a fan since my sister was a grad student at UT, and she would send me your strips from the Daily Texan. Way back when, I loaned my cherished copy of Academia Waltz, never to see it again. Any plans for a reprint? I cannot thank you enough for all the years of your humor! Great to have you back!!
Berke Breathed: For my embarrassing juvenile cartooning years, get thee to Uclicks (google it, that ain't the spelling). Although I've managed to remove the obvious scandalously stupid strips... the early years are all there in all their pimpled glory. Its sort of paying my dues to see these.
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Washington, DC
What do you think of today's political comics such as "The Boondocks"?
Berkeley Breathed: Arron McGruder cites me as a major influence, which is always flattering of course. He's a terrific talent and his graphics sing... but I wonder, sometimes, if he misses a delicate lesson from Bloom County... one that I learned after painful missteps with... uh, outspokenness. Let's just say that if a comic strip tree falls hard in the forest and no hears it because they're wincing... does the Pope, then, you know, poop in the woods. Okay, the metaphor collapsed but you get my meaning.
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Logan Circle, DC:
I heard that the launching of a new strip was done to attract interest for a possible movie. True/False? They're already making a bloated budget movie based on the comic strip "Over the Hedge" by Michael Fry and T. Lewis.
Berkeley Breathed: Happy to shoot this one down. An Opus movie is years away. If I was out to promote that with the new strip, i could improve my timing. I'm out to have some fun for once. ... something i can't say I did in all the years i worked in the past. It was simply...deadlines. A single big strip a week is now a joy. Lets hope you can tell I'm having fun. Lord knows, you can tell many of the antique creakers on the page today betray the secret that their creators--if breathing-- would rather by sitting by the pool.
I should add that many do not... and they'll be the page's salvation. Let's just clean the house of the former.
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Washington DC:
You've already voiced your opinion of Garfield (both in this chat and via a certain orange tabby that Milo introduced us to decades ago). What other comics that are out there do you feel need to go? What strips do you really like?
Berkeley Breathed: Oh lets just fire the first shot of the revolution that needs to happen if the comic page isn't going the way of buggy whips. Call your local editors and tell them to turn off their phones for a few days and wipe away all the ancient strips drawn by distant relatives, corporate hacks or long dead cartoonists off the page. I name Garfield because it squats on a huge piece of real estate that some of the exciting new graphic artists out there could go to town with. Its drawn by a company! Go! Be gone! Die dear fiscal kitty. Give the space to "Out of the Gene Pool" or any of the other hard-working whack jobs that the page needs.
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Bowie, MD:
Berkeley, I'm so glad you're back! I've really missed The Far Side all these years.
Berkeley Breathed: Yes, thank you, but I don't draw Far Side. I draw Calvin and Hobbes.
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Hillsborough, NC:
I'm a transplanted NM-ican.
Have you already inked a lot of strips? When did the clock start for you?
Berkeley Breathed: Good question. I'm in the middle of Opus episode #5 right now and I need America's help with panels #1,2,3 and 4.
I need several examples of what could be described as The Most Romantic Newlyweds in History…at the time of their nuptials, at least. Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn is a dandy example. Antony and Cleopatra would be superb if they hadn’t simply shacked up together.
No, Liza Minelli and David Guest don’t count. Throw some ideas this way. If I use anyone’s suggestions, they’ll get a free sleep-over with Michael Jackson at the Neverland Childrens’ Slumber Time Ranch here in Santa Barbara.
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Washington, DC:
Sorry, but I have to ask. My friend Amy says it's "BRETH-ed", like in some sonnet. I always thought it was "BREETHED" single sylable, like the past tense.
Can you please clear it up?
Berkeley Breathed: Jiiiiim DA-'vis
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Salt Lake City, Utah:
I need a copy of "A Wish for Wings That Work" either VHS or DVD. Where can it be found?
Berkeley Breathed: Hopefully in the rubbish pail. We can do better than that and we will with an eventual Opus film.. but I'm glad you enjoyed it. I presume your family was on speed when they watched it. I would imagine it helps.
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Rockville, MD:
Do you think that the comic section is just for adults or is there room for strips aimed mainly at children ages 6-10? I remember starting to read the simpler strips like Scamp and then Li'l Abner way before I actually understood it.
Berkeley Breathed: One of the silliest fictions is that the page is essentially a childrens page. Someone actually did a survey to find out, and as i recall, about 105 million people read the pages daily in America. Only 17 million are children. I'd hate to lose the kids with comics that get too oblique... but this also isn't Mr. Rogers. Editors sometimes forget this.
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Orange, Virginia:
Certain newspapers of late--including, alas, the Post-- have gotten a little over zealous in their pulling of strips which they deem inappropriate. Was there any language included in your syndication deal protecting your new efforts from similar fates?
Berkeley Breathed: Ah, we all must submit to the editing of our little darlings.. but the price is almost ALWAYS paid by the editors. Its actually a bum deal for them, not that they ever realize ahead of time. Boondocks got pulled from the Wash. Post for a week. You'd think they'd kidnapped one of the Bush daughters. Aaron got more mileage from being yanked than he ever would have.
So I'm on the record: please, editors: CUT ME
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Glasgow, Scotland:
No online edition!
In that case are any British papers featuring the strip.
Berkeley Breathed: Gosh... you better get busy letting your local Brit paper know. See how this works, everyone? No free lunch folks. Put your computers away.
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Oakton, VA:
Possible romantic newlyweds:
Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee
Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton
Berkeley Breathed: Okay, when I said that the comic page wasn't necessarily for kids, you obviously took it too seriously. Look what's on everyone's mind. No wonder "Blondie" doesn't move product like it used to.
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Romantic newlyweds:
Napoleon Bonaparte & Josephine
Berkeley Breathed: GOOD! One guest night at Michael's Romper Room for you. More.
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Rockville, MD:
Berkeley, if you were to suddenly find yourself drawing "The Family Circus," what would be the first change you would make?
Berkeley Breathed: In this instance, it could use a touch of Boondocks.
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Harrisburg, Pa.:
Children read the news section; adults read the comics.
Opus has to appeal to adults, at least initially. Most 10-year-olds had diminished reading skills when Opus last appeared. How do you intend to reach out to the young and get their minds off of reading for current events classes?
Berkeley Breathed: Nudity. It works for Hollywood.
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Arlington, VA:
I love your children's books, either starring Opus, Edwurd Fudwupper, or any others. I give them to my friends' children when I can. I wish they were easier to find. I hope that with "Opus" they will make their way to the forefront of the shelves. Will you continue to write new ones?
Berkeley Breathed: The celebrites--nitwit or not--have taken over children's publishing just as they have politics: the two places where you can get away with not having nearly any intellect initially. But there's no competing with them. I'd say all non-celebrities should gracefully back out of both spheres until they get so hopelessly ruined that we're allowed back in.
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Falls Church, VA:
So? Are you using inks and paints only or will you be touching up the newsprint only comic strip in Photoshop?
I bet Opus won't mind if you could digitially enhance his physique.
Actually, how long does it take you to do one strip and/or quit in despair after finding that you can't outsatirize reality?
Berkeley Breathed: Ah, photoshop. Normally a geek tech question.. but it speaks to why Opus is returning: they let us paint our comics now on a computer. Which means they can look better. Which means those of us who care need the space. Hence, the request for a half page. Let's see if we can bring artistry back to an artform that had the nation's best some years ago. Technology has opened the door again.
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Baton Rouge, LA:
I think Opus needs a girlfriend.
Berkeley Breathed: Stay tuned.
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Berkeley Breathed: Had a splendid time, everyone. As I bow out and finish the strip which many of you just helped me write, I'd like to encourage--again-- anyone that cares about our aging funnies artform.. that they encourage their local editors to ignore the whiners and cut the deadwood from the page and bring in the artists we lost to Hollywood and the comicbook industry years ago. When "Blondie" can't be retired gracefully in this millineum, the genre has a problem and the page is threatened to be eclipsed by.. well almost every other artform. Editors need to hear this.
See you all in the funny papers.
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Washington, D.C.:
Is it true that the Washington Post owns Opus and all of the rights to Bloom County?
Berkeley Breathed: Boy are YOU wrong. Don Graham, is that you wishing out loud again?
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Suzanne Tobin:
Thanks, Berkeley, for taking time to visit with our readers. For those of you who asked about whether Gene Weingarten was lurking in the chat, I spoke to him on the phone and he was not. As for getting new strips into the newspaper, please, please, please, call our comics hotline at 202-334-4775, email us at comics@washpost.com or send us snail mail at Comics, The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, DC 20071 and let us know what comics YOU want in the paper. It may seem like a small gesture, but if we get enough requests, the powers that be DO really pay attention to them. Tune in two weeks from now, when the creator of "Frazz," Jef Mallett, will be our guest.
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