Earl and Opal Pickles Cartoons A Comic Review of Classic Humor
Earl and Opal Pickles cartoons are a timeless treasure in the comic strip world. This cartoon review dives into 10 of the funniest and most relatable strips featuring the beloved retired couple. From leaf blowers to lost glasses, Brian Crane’s witty reflections on aging, relationships, and the absurdity of everyday life make this series a must-read for fans of wholesome humor.
Brian Crane launched Pickles in 1990, capturing the daily antics of Earl and Opal Pickles — a quirky, loving elderly couple navigating retirement. Crane’s work has earned accolades like the National Cartoonists Society’s Best Comic Strip award and the Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year. Known for his gentle humor, expressive illustrations, and insightful reflections on aging, Crane masterfully balances wit with heart. The strip has appeared in hundreds of newspapers worldwide, resonating with readers of all generations thanks to its universal themes and charming characters.
Laugh Along with Earl and Opal’s Hilarious Golden Years
#1 A Clean Start… or Not
In this hilarious strip, Earl vows to start contributing more to household chores. Opal looks mildly surprised (and skeptical), but Earl assures her he’s about to “turn over a new leaf” — only to fire up a leaf blower in the living room. Classic Earl! The punny twist and chaotic mess make this a perfect example of the comic’s style — unexpected, literal humor with just the right touch of absurdity.
#2 Overprepared for Love
Earl’s attempt to be the world’s most prepared husband is both adorable and irritating — at least to Opal. He offers her everything from sunscreen to blood pressure meds during a walk in the park. While his efforts are clearly well-meaning, Opal’s exasperated “I’m fine!!” screams relatable marriage energy. It’s funny because it’s true, and it highlights Earl’s tendency to go overboard while still being oddly endearing.
#3 The Dog House Dilemma
Earl learns a valuable lesson in listening — or not. When Opal says she doesn’t feel good, Earl responds with, “You look fine,” followed by a rapid-fire analysis of her wrinkles and weight. Needless to say, it doesn’t go well. Realizing his blunder too late, he volunteers to “show himself to the dog house.” A perfect mix of foot-in-mouth humor and self-awareness.
#4 Sticker Shock at the Grocery Store
Opal’s caboose becomes the center of a scene at the supermarket when Earl notices a sticker on it. What starts as a benign attempt to help turns into an accidental public performance as Earl tries to remove it. The surrounding crowd gets a little more than they bargained for, especially when Opal announces, “Move it along, folks. Nothing to see here!” It’s one of those laugh-out-loud strips that leans into physical comedy.
#5 Fanny Pack Feelings
A tender yet funny moment unfolds when a grandchild finds Earl’s fanny pack and questions its purpose. Opal mocks it at first, calling it “full of junk,” until she finds a photo of herself inside. Suddenly, her tone shifts — and so does ours, from giggles to “aww.” It’s a subtle but powerful look at the enduring love between Earl and Opal, wrapped in humor.
#6 Dog Wisdom (and Regrets)
Earl shares life lessons learned from dogs — mainly, be who you are and be content with it. The punchline comes from the family dog, who wishes he wasn’t “fixed.” The strip seamlessly combines wholesome grandparent-grandkid bonding with a cheeky adult joke that flies under the radar. It’s a testament to Brian Crane’s knack for multi-layered humor.
#7 Where’s My Glasses?
Earl frantically searches for his glasses — only for Opal to point out they’re already on his face. But Earl’s reply takes the cake: “Not those glasses.” Turns out he wears one pair just to help him find the other! This one’s a crowd favorite, especially among readers who constantly lose their own stuff. It’s silly, clever, and all too real.
#8 A Sofa Situation
Opal calls the fire department — not for a fire, but because Earl has managed to get his arm stuck in the sofa. When asked what they said, Opal dryly answers that she’s waiting for them to stop laughing. This gag brings physical comedy to the forefront and delivers one of the more ridiculous visuals in the series. Earl’s helpless face seals the laugh.
#9 Bonkers in Love
Earl asks Opal if she regrets marrying him. Her answer is a romantic comedy in a single punchline: “You drive me bonkers… but I like being driven bonkers.” It’s tender, self-aware, and funny — the perfect balance that makes this strip shine. You get the sense that love isn’t perfect, but it’s still worth the ride.
#10 Missing Parts
Two older gents share a bench and complain about aging. Earl laments that his body parts are wearing out, but the kicker? His friend responds that what’s worse is when they “disappear altogether.” As he lifts his cap, revealing a bald head, the joke lands with perfect timing. It’s a simple, visual gag — but also a philosophical punch to the gut (in a good way).
Final Thoughts on the Pickles
Earl and Opal Pickles cartoons are a masterclass in aging with humor, love, and just enough crankiness. Brian Crane’s characters are charming without being cheesy, and every strip walks the fine line between heartfelt and hilarious. Whether you’re young and curious about aging or older and already living it, the Pickles duo will give you plenty to laugh about.
Credit: All comics featured in this review are the brilliant work of Brian Crane, creator of Pickles. His lighthearted, observational humor has brought smiles to millions. You can explore more of his work at:
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