Shoe: A Comic Strip's Journey

The world of comic strips is vast and varied, offering a unique blend of humour, social commentary, and relatable characters. Among these enduring publications is "Shoe," an American comic strip renowned for its witty observations and anthropomorphic avian cast. Created by the talented cartoonist Jeff MacNelly, "Shoe" first graced newspaper pages on September 13, 1977. The strip chronicles the daily lives of a group of birds who run a newspaper in the fictional town of Treetop, East Virginia. The strip's longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal, continuing to entertain readers even after its creator's passing.

The Genesis of Shoe

The "Shoe" comic strip was the brainchild of Jeff MacNelly, a cartoonist with a keen eye for satire and character. MacNelly wrote and drew the strip from its inception in 1977 until his untimely death in 2000. His final contribution, the strip dated July 9, 2000, marked the end of an era for many fans. However, the legacy of "Shoe" was not to end there. Following MacNelly's death, the strip was continued by a team of talented artists and writers, including Chris Cassatt, Gary Brookins, Ben Lansing, and Susie MacNelly, Jeff's widow. This collaborative effort ensured that the "Shoe" universe continued to expand and delight.

A Global Footprint

While "Shoe" is an American creation, its humour and characters resonated internationally. In 1987, the comic strip found a new home in Norway, where it was published as a monthly comic book under the name "Sjur" for six issues. These Norwegian editions featured reprints of the newspaper strips. Further expanding its reach, "Shoe" reappeared in Norway in 1989, this time under the title "Krax," as an extra feature within the "Calvin and Hobbes" magazine. This international presence highlights the universal appeal of MacNelly's creation.

Critical Acclaim

The quality and impact of "Shoe" were recognised by its peers within the cartooning community. In 1979, Jeff MacNelly was awarded the prestigious National Cartoonists Society's Reuben Award for the year. This award is a significant honour, celebrating excellence in cartooning and acknowledging the artistic and comedic achievements of its recipients. The Reuben Award underscored "Shoe's" position as a standout publication in the crowded field of newspaper comics.

Key Characters and Their Quirks

The heart of "Shoe" lies in its memorable cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and quirks. The strip's premise revolves around the daily operations of a newspaper, providing a fertile ground for comedic situations. Some of the prominent characters include:

• P. Martin Shoemaker (Shoe): The titular character, often depicted as the editor or a prominent figure at the newspaper.
• Perfesser Cosmo Fishhawk: A character frequently involved in humorous predicaments, often the butt of jokes, and an aspiring novelist.
• Roz Speckelhen: Known for her laid-back, sarcastic attitude, Roz often delivers sharp punchlines and observations, particularly in her role at a diner.
• Loon: Often portrayed as an air-headed or naive character, Loon's misunderstandings lead to comedic moments.

Memorable Comic Strips and Humorous Scenarios

The "Shoe" comic strip is celebrated for its clever wordplay, relatable situations, and often at-the-expense-of-others humour, particularly directed at Cosmo. Here are some instances that highlight the strip's comedic brilliance:

Shoe Did Not Appreciate Cosmo's Story

This classic two-panel gag exemplifies "Shoe's" masterful use of wordplay. Shoe initially compliments Cosmo's submitted work, stating, "there's nothing like a good story." A delighted Cosmo thanks him, only for Shoe to clarify that he meant Cosmo's submission was far from being a good story. This twist, where apparent flattery is used to deliver a cutting remark, showcases Shoe's typically snarky nature and Cosmo's gullibility. The visual of Cosmo's dejected face in the second panel perfectly captures the humour of the situation.

Roz Interacts with a Teenager Using a Fake I.D.

Roz, with her characteristic sarcasm, encounters a teenager attempting to use a fake ID. However, the teen's intention isn't to buy alcohol, but to secure a senior discount at a diner. Roz's deadpan reaction and call-out of the absurd scenario highlight the strip's ability to subvert expectations and find humour in the mundane. The artwork effectively portrays the teen's misguided attempt, making the joke even more effective.

Cosmo's Undesirable Life

In a moment of self-pity, Cosmo confides in a bartender about his detested job, weight, and lack of a love life. The bartender's response, suggesting Cosmo look on the bright side, is a setup for a joke. The punchline reveals that no one would want to steal Cosmo's identity because his life is so undesirable. This strip taps into relatable feelings of dissatisfaction, finding humour in shared human experiences, even if it's at Cosmo's expense.

Loon Drops His iPhone Down a Wishing Well

Loon, the "air-headed" character, provides comedic relief when he accidentally drops his iPhone into a wishing well. Instead of despair, Loon calmly decides to wish for his iPhone back. The humour lies in the unexpected twist: the initial impression is that Loon is making a traditional wish, but it's revealed to be a practical solution to his own mistake. The reader is left to wonder if his wish was granted.

Roz Celebrates Cosmo's Globally Unknown Status

Another instance of clever wordplay occurs when a diner patron asks Roz if Cosmo is a "local unknown writer." Roz corrects the woman, stating that Cosmo is "unknown worldwide," implying his failure as a novelist. This sharp retort, delivered with Roz's signature wit, is at Cosmo's expense but generates significant humour through its bluntness. The reactions of Cosmo and the patron, both unamused, contrast with Roz's own satisfaction.

Cosmo's Braking Problem and the Loud Horn

Cosmo seeks help from his mechanic, Irv, regarding his car's braking problem. Irv's solution is not to fix the brakes but to install a louder horn. This darkly humorous response suggests Irv's inability or unwillingness to address the actual issue, offering a superficial fix. Cosmo's bewildered reaction underscores his perpetual bad luck and the strip's tendency to highlight unfortunate circumstances.

Loon's Misinterpretation of a Signature

Loon's naivety leads to a hilarious misunderstanding when he's asked to sign a loan application. Instead of his name, Loon provides his astrological sign, Capricorn. The individual processing the application is baffled by this simple error, which is humorous due to Loon's confident, yet incorrect, execution of the task. It’s a prime example of Loon living in his own world.

The Academy Awards Win an Emmy

This strip satirises the self-congratulatory nature of awards shows. Roz and Shoe watch a news report about the Academy Awards winning an Emmy. Shoe's dismissive comment about "nepotism" and Roz's agreement reflect a shared cynicism towards the perceived absurdity of such accolades. The strip finds humour in the meta-commentary on the entertainment industry.

Cosmo's Novel Puts Readers to Sleep

Cosmo's aspirations as a novelist are met with further comedic misfortune. He receives a call from a blind individual who read his book in braille. While initially pleased, Cosmo learns that the novel was so boring that the reader's fingers fell asleep while reading it. This devastatingly honest feedback highlights Cosmo's lack of literary success and provides a sharp, humorous blow.

Cosmo's Pilot Working From Home

In a nod to pandemic-era humour, Cosmo is on a flight where the pilot announces they will be "working from home." This surreal announcement, especially given the context of flying an aeroplane, creates a moment of dark comedy. The implication of remote operation, with no professionals aboard, leaves passengers (and readers) to imagine a potentially terrifying scenario, all while framed within the strip's characteristic wit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shoe

Q1: When did the "Shoe" comic strip first appear?
"Shoe" first debuted on September 13, 1977.

Q2: Who created the "Shoe" comic strip?
Jeff MacNelly created the "Shoe" comic strip.

Q3: Is the "Shoe" comic strip still being published?
Yes, after Jeff MacNelly's death in 2000, the strip has been continued by Chris Cassatt, Gary Brookins, Ben Lansing, and Susie MacNelly.

Q4: What awards did "Shoe" or its creator receive?
Jeff MacNelly won the National Cartoonists Society's Reuben Award for "Shoe" in 1979.

Q5: What is the main premise of the "Shoe" comic strip?
The strip follows the daily lives of anthropomorphic birds who run a newspaper in the fictional town of Treetop, East Virginia.

Conclusion

The "Shoe" comic strip, from its debut in 1977 to its continued publication, has cemented its place in the landscape of American humour. Jeff MacNelly's creation, with its sharp wit, relatable characters, and clever wordplay, continues to entertain generations of readers. The strip's ability to find humour in everyday life, often through the misfortunes of its characters like Cosmo, ensures its enduring appeal. Whether it's a commentary on societal norms, a clever pun, or a moment of pure absurdity, "Shoe" remains a beloved classic.