The Final Curtain?

In real-life A3G news, Monday's comments revealed rumors swirling around the future of the strip: both that the strip maybe be totally shelved by the end of the year, and that there is interest among Mark Trail artist James Allen to take over the strip. There's a great discussion going on at The Comics Curmudgeon about this, which I've seen a few of you weigh in on. I added my thoughts in the comments, and have reproduced them here:

This is extremely sad and inevitable news. As one of the bloggers on The Lovely Ladies of Apartment 3G, I’ve had really mixed feeling about snarking on the increasingly David Lynch-ian fugue state that is Apartment 3-G. Because, while there’s nothing quite so dreamlike or discombobulating as A3G right now, it does make me worry about Frank Bolle’s health. (And Margaret Shulock’s, for that matter.) Remember when we thought the “I Dressed in the Dark” makeover storyline might be a clever way of ushering in a new artist? That was five years ago.

So sad as it will be, it’s time to close this chapter of the strip. Hopefully, it’s not the last chapter. I would be really really excited to see this revamped by an all-female creative team. In lieu of that, Jared Allen is a clever, detailed artist that might just have the industry clout to save A3G from the final curtain. I’m certainly willing to stand in support of any way to keep this strip afloat, and would be glad to lend my deep knowledge of A3G history and writing services if that would help the cause. I’m that invested in Margo. And Tommie–honestly I’m more of a Tommie. We all are. That’s why we need Margo.

And then I added a second comment about how Jared Allen ≠ James Allen. James, I meant JAMES. Stupid, stupid!

Sad Day for the Funny Pages

Sad news. Brad Anderson, the creator of Marmaduke, died today. He was 91.

Marmaduke was not one of my favorite comics... it seemed like one big overplayed joke (Marmaduke is big and unruly). But actually, my family and I got huge amount of enjoyment out of watching Brad toil to find variations on that theme for more than 60 years. His labors were Herculean. And he seemed like a genuine guy. Thanks for the laughs, Brad.

Christmas Spirit

Merry Christmas

from Margo,

Professor Aristotle,

that other dude, and

your friends at LLA3G

I'm Back!

Hi everyone, it's Maggie! I'm back from getting married/my honeymoon. I was in Greece for two weeks! Really! Here's a picture of my and my newly minted husband in Santorini to prove it:

A big thanks to Megan and Casey who pulled double duty in my absence, and pulled it off despite some pretty bland material (except for the Lu Ann bubble bath of course--that, as always, was totally steamy). So let's see what kind of action I'm jumping into!

Uh. Lots of finger-pointing. I'm surprised Marty is having this "he's not sick, I just make him lunch sometimes" reaction, but she's probably picking up cues from her dad, who doesn't want to seem weak in front of his little angel. You know, because they're close. But only because mom is out of the picture. Otherwise they'd be as distant as the moons of Jupiter!

Incidentally, if this kiddie-pool-shallow introduction to PTSD has piqued anyone's interest, I recently read a great/tragic case study of decorated Iraq war veteran Chris Kyle in the New Yorker. I mention it because 1. I learned a lot 2. I never get through articles that long unless I'm on vacation.

Holy What-the-Heck

Oh my gosh guys! I'm finally back from Japan! It was my first time back since my study abroad in 2006, and I was glad to find that I still have a love of the culture.

But enough about me, how about Apartment 3-G right now?? Lu Ann: still nothing going on? M and M Agency: still mysteriously happening? Still no one admitting they don't know what the other M is? And two women of age featured in the strip! This is unprecedented and a little confusing. I guess the strip is finally responding to all those complaints of ageism. You know, how the strip is too fast moving and maddeningly current for older folks to enjoy. Finally, they have been thrown a bone.

On to today's strip!

Oh my holy what-the-heck. Look at this guy!! He's a rock star! I mean, that hair! That summer blazer! That... okay, mostly just the hair. But just look at it! Wow! I think we're looking at the next Rock Hudson, guys. Margo, snap that up! Hold on to him like grim death! We know you can!

Don't Be Silly

First of all, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that we Ladies of the Blog recently received a gift from one of our fans. Remember a couple of weeks ago Margo said something bizarre that I said would be perfect stitched onto a pillow?



Thanks to loyal commenter Ken, that off-hand comment has become a reality, as well as a handsome throw pillow. He's even captured Nina's tiny T-Rex arms and Tommie's classic broken wrist finger point. Thanks, Ken!

On to today's strip!

HA HA HA, oh that Margo. "I just don't want to get paint on my favorite shoes." Ha. You know what? That phase would look PERFECT encrusted in gemstones on a diamond tennis bracelet. Right guys??

Happy 50th!

Hey everyone, it's Casey's day to blog about crazy Lu Ann's psychic adventure, but I just had to say something when I noticed this blog just got its 50th Follower! Whooo! The big 5-0!

We were stuck at 49 for a lonnnng time. I considered soliciting anyone who reads this blog but hasn't followed it yet. I considered asking my mom (already hit up my dad). But no, somehow based on merit alone that 50th follower came along. Thank you, #50. Thank you. And thank you to everyone else who followed us earlier and made 50 possible!

Not following us yet? Please do! If we hit 100, I'd probably be so excited I would buy everyone an A3G drink koozie.*

*actually, probably not, but maybe!

Off the Grid

Sustainable architecture happens to be something I've written and read extensively, and being a LEED Accredited Professional, I can tell you that site selection is a very important aspect of green building. Proximity to existing amenities and public transportation, minimal impact on the natural environment, and reuse of previously developed spaces can really help. Sooooo building in a pristine valley in the middle of nowhere is usually a no-no, but the site is often up to the client. Fascinating, right?

Anyway, I guess what I'm really trying to say is, if you guys could make out or tumble down that hill or do anything but stand around and talk shop, I'd really appreciate that.

Sick at Home

Hi everyone, it's Maggie! Sorry for the extended absence. I just haven't been able to shake this cold. Turns out that I'm borderline anemic (damn flirtation with vegetarianism!), which, in addition to not enough sleep, is why I haven't been convalescing. Jeez. Is that how you spell that? Oh well. A couple of cheeseburgers and a Z-pack and I'll be good as new.

In the meantime, I've just been sitting on the couch watching the Food Network in a daze, hoping they'll inspire me to cook up some Campbell's beef vegetable soup. Hey everyone, how does Giada stay so skinny? and elfin? and annoying? I find it ingratiating that she pronounces every food according to the language it comes from. It makes me feel like I've been mispronouncing "gratin" all these years.

But enough about me! What are my ladies up to?

Oh, LU ANN STILL CAN'T GET OVER HER FUCKING HAIR. I turned off Paula Dean for this?? I could be learning how to make a mayonnaise-based meatloaf right now.

And again, Margo has something cryptic to say. "One way or another, anything can be undone." Sounds Margo is talking about more than hair, but if so, what could she be referring to? Is she going to try to ruin the wedding and "undo" Jack and Doris' engagement? Because yeah, then seriously no one is ever going to want you to be a bridesmaid again ever. Ohhh, Doris. I can't believe you were so foolish to ask in the first place.

Criminy!

Ohhh hohoho. Hey kids: never try to redesign your blog at work. Apparently, Surf Control blocks certain images on Internet Explorer, so I had no idea there was anything but a white background for the template I chose on Friday. Serves me right for blogging on the job. Hope this new design looks a little less offensively garrish.

Vote for a New Look

Hi guys! I'm going to be away for the holiday weekend. Hopefully won't miss too much red hot art gallery action. In the meantime, here's some food for thought. I'd like to re-theme the site with some of the best panels from last year. The problem is: I have too many favorites! I'm trying to group by storyline. So let me ask you, dear readers: what do you think the best storyline of the year was?

Margo Does India!

Bobbie the Bobble Merrill!

Catfight at 3G!

Taser Lady Super Force!

Technically, Taser Lady Super Force is over a year ago, but I just can't bring myself to take it off the list. Use the poll at the top of the side bar to vote, or let me know what you think in the comments. Thanks!

Tommie Exaggerately Checks Her Watch and...

WHOA, Margo and Lu Ann are so pissed, their thought balloons didn't even come close to making it past the censors! Tommie's no dummy, she's getting out of there! The other two are so distracted by their dark thoughts that they won't even notice that Tommie was only in the apartment for all of three minutes.

In real life news: I'm just about to drive out to Springfield, Ohio to watch my sister graduate from Wittenberg University. She's my pride and joy. Go Bets go! I'll try to post on Saturday if I have access to a computer.

NOOOOOOOO

Well GREAT. Just great you guys! I bet you're about to stroll over to the art gallery aren't you? I've only been waiting for this moment for weeks now, and now everything's going to culminate just when I have my vacation planned! I can just tell. Bobbie has gotten her hair yellowed for the occasion, and the Professor will be dressed like the Red Mask of Death.

Well, really, the action seems just as likely to culminate now as it did two weeks ago, or a month in the future, or back in December... but I just bet I miss it!

That's right, I'm going on vacation. If I can get a plane out of Newark in this weather, that is... I'm leaving you in my good friend Casey's capable hands. She is arguably funnier than me, and much less forgiving, so I can't wait to hear how she lays into these characters at this pivotal moment. If you feel so inclined, drop her a line in the comments. It always encourages me to see how funny my readers are, maybe it'll buck her up too!

HOLY CRAP HOLY CRAP

Oh man! Way more important than Bobbie's trivial musings on the direction her husband is facing at the moment, my friend just texted me to say I got plugged by the Comics Curmudgeon! Not only that, but it turns out that I SCOOPED HIM! I scooped Josh Fruhlinger! Ahh! I'm awesome! No but really, thanks for plugging me Josh, I enjoy your blog very much and oh my god, this must be what it feels like to inject pure heroine into your system. Actually, it's probably not like that at all... not at all. Still, this is a high. Better than Bobbie's sleeping pills. Better than Alan's dope.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go call my mom.

Back from Sunny Florida!

Hi everyone! It's me, Maggie! I'm back from Gainesville with no tan to show for it. I had a lovely time though. If you're ever in the Florida area and you need an architectural photographer, may I recommend Robert Pepple? He's a gem and a lot of fun to work with, which I think is important because I'm a Millennial. Check out this fork sculpture we made!

Perfectly. Balanced.

I want to give a big thank you to my friend Casey who contributed three fine posts in my absence that either met or excelled my standards for humor and punctuality. Plus she told not even one embarrassing story about me. That's friendship.


But now I'm back and behind schedule, so let's see what's going on with Margo today!

Ooh. We all thought Margo was inheriting big money, but it sounds like all she gets is stuck holding the bag with the Mills Gallery. I don't think it's any secret that the Mills Gallery is pretty much a money pit. Art isn't really a hot commodity in this economy, and the last time the Gallery had an exhibit was almost two years ago. Actually, Margo's been in charge of the Gallery since Eric tromped off to Tibet, so I don't know why she's being so "WHY ME?!" about it, except that now she's financially responsible for all the debt she's racked up over the past year. All those two martini lunches are coming back to haunt her.

Meanwhile, jeez, would you turn around and face your mother when you talk to her! I don't think my mom would talk to the back of my head for this long.

White Christmas

God, it is white out today! Can't see more than three feet in any direction for the whiteness. Martin, do you think this is the best day to be driving your all white car, with white leather interior and white reflective windows? Maybe he drove that on purpose to sneak up on Margo. It didn't work out so well, with the dialogue devolving into a PSA for not accepting car rides from strangers or your dad. Always set up a password with your parents, kids.

Well guys, it's been fun! I'm off to sunny Florida on a business trip for most of this week, but one of my friends suggested I try installing a guest blogger while I'm out. After all, we can't afford to miss a day of this action-packed plot! My longtime friend and sometimes commentator Casey will be filling in for me while I'm gone. It's her first time blogging so... please be gentle.

Back from C'ville

Hello everybody! I'm back from my trip to Charlottesville, Virginia. We were doing a photo shoot at a building my company designed at UVA. Charlottesville was lovely, the campus was beautiful, and there were plenty of nice restaurants, but being an alum of the College of William and Mary, my official position is that Charlottesville sucked and all the students looked way dumb. (sorry, Frook)

It looks like I didn't miss too much during my trip, except for one particularly exciting exchange between Ruby and Tommie:

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Tommie! Don't give up on life! You have so much to live for! Like............. your job?

"I feel lonely and unloved. You know what I mean?" Tommie's sigh of defeat and soul-crushing expression says "YES, YOU KNOW THAT I DO, WHY DID YOU EVEN ASK"

Let's move on, shall we?

So we're moving from the B plot to the C plot, featuring a car pulling up to her building. Normally I'd be excited to see Margo again, but she keeps hanging out with boring ol' Lu Ann. Still, it's good to see Margo make her father bobble with dispair, just like the old days. Stay tuned...

A Short Interruption

I'm going to be traveling for work for the next few days--my first business trip! I hope it's as glamorous as I imagine. However, I won't have access to the internet, so I won't be posting for the next few days. I just pray that we're going to cool down on all the red hot Bobbie-Professor-Ruby action and switch to our B-plot, which is... I don't know, Margo and Lu Ann getting along? Tommie feeling icky about death? No one dating anybody? Hmm.

Be good, kids!

Sorry About That!

Hey everyone! I'm back. Sorry for the long absense, and right as things were heating up with this weird middle-aged love triangle! Sheesh. So let's get caught up, people!

Saturday September 26, 2009

Ruby's visible unhappiness and sarcastic comment go completely unnoticed because it SO doesn't occur to the Professor that there's a problem with being "just neighbors."

Panels from Sunday, September 27, 2009

While Ruby continues her Spurned Neighbor act without an audience, Bobbie pretty much asks the Professor point blank for sex. Of course, this is kind of a conflict of interest, since he's kind of her doctor, kind of, so he'll graciously decline I imagine.

Monday, September 28, 2009

OR NOT! In a big surprise to no one, Doctor Professor has no conception of doctor-patient boundaries. In fact, according to Apartment 3-G standards, he's already made it to first base (a firm and hearty handshake).

Tuesday September 29, 2009

Not much to say here, except that Bobbie is certainly looking very upper east side in that bluish overcoat.

Wednesday September 30, 3009

And finally, let's start boozing while we can! Bobbie will not let up on the sauce. This might be second base in A3G... I have to think this out.

Sorry again for the absence. Mostly it was work-related, but I also spent the weekend out of town in New York City, partying like an A3G girl! Though now that I think of it, the last time I saw any of them go out for fun was New Year's Eve 2007. Plus I think I'd die if I ever saw the ladies visit where I was staying in Koreatown (with the ethnics).

Calling All Voters!

Blogger.com is having trouble uploading images right now, and there's not really much to say about today's comic (except that the evidence just keeps piling up about how callous Lu Ann's family is).

Instead I'd like to promote my boyfriend Zack, whose design made the finals in the Design It: Shelter Competition sponsered by the Guggenheim and Google Earth! He's one of ten finalists chosen from 600 entries, so I'm really proud of him! (I was proud of him anyway, though)

And guess what? You can help him win the People's Prize by voting for his design! And when I say, "You can" I mean "Will you, please please please?"

Click here to vote for Zack's entry, "ZBOX: Transformative Folding Space." You can also learn more about the competition, Zack's design, the other (passable) (dumb) (bland) entries.

Don't forget: vote early (before October 10) and vote often (from any computer you can)!