A
comic strip written by Jef Mallett. It centers on the main
character, and his interactions with the students at an
elementary
school he works at. It compares quite favorably, both in
style and
tone, to
Calvin and Hobbes.
For the most part, Mr. Mallett draws the comic by hand, using a
computer for coloring. His wife, however, does the lettering. She has
much better handwriting than he. It started in April, 2001
The Characters
- Frazz Songwriter, philosopher, cyclist, and janitor
at a Bryson Elementary School. He took the job when times were lean,
and kept it because he liked the interaction with the kids. He
alternates between being an authority figure and playmate. Be sure
to look at the logos on his t-shirts.
- Caulfield Brilliant yet bored, Caulfield is eight years
old. His boredom with school causes all sorts of mischief. He is
also Frazz's best friend among the students, spending lots of time
discussing life and literature.
- Mr. Burke Frazz's best friend, and the school's best
teacher. He and Frazz play one-on-one basketball, with a
consistent record of tie games, playing more for the company and
conversation.
- Miss Plainwell The first-grade teacher, and Frazz's love
interest. They had an awkward courtship, both interested in the
other but lacking the courage. Lately, it has been going
well. Mr. Mallett is somewhat surprised that she looks like his wife.
- Mr. Spaetzle The school's principal. He has a doctorate of
education, but is still somewhat naive. Under him, the school runs
well, but he still wishes he could be Frazz.
- Mrs. Olsen Caulfield's teacher, and the closest thing the strip
has to a villain. Basically, she has burned out, and is
not counting the days until retirement. The patience she lacks in
the classroom she has in spades for her garden.
- Clutch Frazz's cycling partner. Professionally, he's an ER
nurse.
- Lyle Frazz's guinea pig and muse. Named for one of his
songwriting heroes.
Frazz seems to prefer knowledge over ignorance, books over
TV, bicycles over SUVs, and exercise
over inactivity. Where else could $3,500 road bikes, The
Picture of Dorian Gray, and the word "callipygian" all find a
home in the funny pages.
Definitely my new favorite comic!
Sources:
http://www.comics.com/comics/frazz/index.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A4113-2003Nov21.html