Family life comic strips are the ultimate mirror of our daily routines, quirks, and the little absurdities that make home life so entertaining. In this comic review, we’re diving headfirst into 20 laugh-out-loud moments from the beloved “Pickles” series by Brian Crane. From forgetful grandparents to snack-time misadventures, these comics are charming proof that family is the best source of comedy.
About the Artist: Brian Crane
Brian Crane is the celebrated cartoonist behind “Pickles,” a comic strip that has warmed hearts and tickled funny bones since its debut in 1990. His lovable senior couple, Earl and Opal Pickles, offer a humorous look into the joys and challenges of aging, marriage, and multigenerational family life.The gentle, often sarcastic humor in “Pickles” makes it a standout in newspapers and online comic platforms alike. Brian Crane continues to bring light, laughter, and love to audiences worldwide through everyday moments told with wit and warmth.
#1 Who Even Are the Flournoys?
Nothing screams holiday cheer like writing cards to people you can’t remember. This comic nails the awkward honesty of aging, forgetfulness, and the social pressure of festive etiquette.
#2 Christmas Spirit Hanging by a Thread
When the decorations go up but the spirit doesn’t, leave it to a precarious tree to provide a wake-up call. Earl and Opal’s banter about not “feeling it” until gravity does the trick is comedic gold.
#3 Text Me, I’m Right Here
Opal’s urgent dinner request, sent via text from five feet away, captures the peak of modern family communication. Her logic? It sounds more serious in bold font.
#4 Old Spice, Wisdom, and Fleas
When Nelson’s been up to no good with Grandpa, Opal doesn’t need a tracking app—she’s got her nose. The punchline? It’s all in the scent.
#5 Winter Light and Dusty Truths
Admiring the poetic beauty of winter light quickly turns into a dusty dose of reality. Sometimes family life is all about bringing magic… and allergens.
#6 The Costco Chip Conundrum
One simple request for chips turns into a Costco-sized surprise. This comic hilariously captures the upsizing culture of modern grocery runs.
#7 Remote Control Shenanigans
Falling asleep with the remote still in hand? That’s Earl’s special talent. Apparently, he can mute people in his dreams. Relationship goals?
#8 The Fanny Pack Dilemma
A fanny pack fashion debate takes a bizarre twist when Earl tries to hide it under his shirt. The result? Double the cringe, double the laughs.
#9 Opal of My Eye… Couch Potato of My Heart
Sweet nothings, Pickles style: Earl’s romantic memory gets a slight twist, turning “opal of my eye” into “potato of my couch.” Marriage in a nutshell.
#10 Who Let the Grandpa Bark?
Trying to get the dog to speak backfires when Earl responds. Roscoe the dog gets an A+ for effort, but the star of the show is clearly Grandpa.
#11 Glasses Lost and Found
When your glasses are on your head but you give up looking altogether, it’s peak senior logic. And the kid wisely decides not to get involved.
#12 I’m Expecting (Christmas)
Opal’s “big news” has Earl fearing the worst—until he finds out she’s just hyped for Christmas. That sigh of relief? Very relatable.
#13 Grandpa’s Good Luck Commission
Nelson wants to rub Grandpa’s head for luck before asking for a raise. But Earl doesn’t work for free—he wants a cut. Hustle recognizes hustle.
#14 Are You Your Best You?
A profound life lesson is immediately interrupted by a reminder to clean the kitchen. Moral of the story: the women in your life will keep you humble.
#15 Opal, My Google
Earl’s struggle with spelling ends with the sweetest mic-drop: Opal is his Google. She’s confused, he’s sincere, and we’re all laughing.
#16 The Gift of Furnace Filters
Romance evolves in long-term relationships. Forget jewelry—these two are gifting each other furnace filters and trash bags. Practical is the new passion.
#17 My Back Feels Great, But…
Lying on the floor for back pain is all good until guests arrive. Earl’s commitment to comfort vs. Opal’s social expectations = eternal sitcom energy.
#18 Chicken of the Sea Surprise
Opal makes Earl a tuna sandwich. He hates tuna. But when she calls it “chicken of the sea,” he’s suddenly fine. Branding really does matter.
#19 The Five Second Rule Debate
Earl drops a cookie. The dog stares hopefully. But Earl claims the “five-second rule”—and wins. Roscoe, however, is not impressed.
#20 Growing Up & Shrinking Down
As Nelson grows and Grandpa shrinks, they meet somewhere in the middle. This one delivers equal parts humor and heart.
Final Thoughts
Family life comic strips like “Pickles” deliver the kind of humor that’s warm, wise, and wonderfully weird. Whether it’s a Christmas card gone wrong or a fanny pack gone rogue, these strips turn mundane moments into unforgettable laughs.
Credit: All comics featured are by Brian Crane.
📌 Official Website: picklescomic.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/PicklesComic
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/picklescomic
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