A Comic Review of Pickles Comics by Brian Crane
Grandparent Comics by Brian Crane is a charming and hilarious comic strip that revolves around the quirky daily lives of Earl and Opal Pickles, their grandson Nelson, and a pair of disinterested pets. This review showcases 20 of the best Pickles comics that poke fun at aging, parenting, memory lapses, marriage quirks, and the beauty of multi-generational life all with a light-hearted, relatable tone that keeps readers smiling.
About Brian Crane
Brian Crane launched Pickles in 1990, and since then, the comic strip has become a beloved staple in newspapers and online comic portals worldwide. Inspired by real-life family antics and everyday observations, Crane masterfully captures the humor in aging, marriage, and grandparenting. His talent has earned him several awards, including the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award for Best Comic Strip.
#1 A Joke About Jokes.
When a study claims older folks struggle with jokes, Earl takes it personally — so Opal tests him with a riddle about baby oil. His straight-laced response earns a blank stare, proving the study right. A genius setup that pokes fun at literal thinking and aging brains.
#2 I Can Hardly Do Things.
Opal declares a powerful mantra about doing hard things. Earl’s twist? “My mantra is I can hardly do things.” It’s classic Pickles: positive affirmation hilariously undercut by senior realism.
#3 A Special Christmas Gift.
In a sweet holiday scene, Earl finds a “present” left by Muffin the cat. The kicker? It’s “for you,” Opal gleefully announces. If you’ve ever had a pet and a partner, this one’s a wince-worthy laugh.
#4 Paper UFO Engineering.
Nelson asks Earl to make a paper airplane. What he gets is something less aerodynamic and more… unidentified. Grandpa’s design flops but lands a laugh, proving not all crafts are created equal.
#5 Spider in the Tub.
Opal casually joins Earl in the bathroom — until she spots a spider and screams. Earl’s shaving trauma is so relatable, it hurts (with laughter). Another gold star for domestic slapstick.
#6 Vacuum Logic.
Nelson freaks out thinking a vacuum sucked out his brains. Grandpa reassures him it’s just a red mark. But when Nelson gets excited about making more, Earl’s deadpan reply is comedic gold.
#7 Fuddy-Duddy Vocabulary.
Nelson can’t understand Grandpa’s old-timey words. When Grandma explains, she ends up sounding just like him. It’s a perfect example of how quirks are contagious in close families.
#8 The Burping Judge.
At the dinner table, Nelson lets out a solid “burp!” Opal’s shocked, but Earl casually gives it a 7 out of 10. Grandpa humor at its peak — unapologetic and oddly supportive.
#9 Forgetting the Important Thing.
Earl goes to buy a paper. Opal adds a few more items… and he forgets the one thing he set out for. This one’s painfully real and absolutely hilarious.
#10 Coloring Outside the Lines.
Nelson won’t let Grandpa use his new coloring book because he “colors outside the lines.” Ouch. Burned by a grandkid — and rightly so.
#11 Crumbs as Territory Markers.
When asked why dogs mark territory, Grandma compares it to Grandpa’s potato chip crumbs. If you live with a snack-loving partner, this strip will hit a little too close to home.
#12 Colonoscopy Confusion.
Earl’s going in for a colonoscopy, and Nelson sincerely wishes him luck. Earl’s response? “I’ve been passing all morning.” Grandma’s mortified reaction seals the laugh.
#13 Dust-Free Birthday.
Asked what she wants for her birthday, Opal says anything she doesn’t have to dust. As she vents about household clutter, Earl turns into a human dust cloud. Dusting: 1. Marriage: 0.
#14 Egg-cellent Conversation.
Earl asks what’s for breakfast. “Eggs.” How would he like them? “Yes, please.” It’s subtle, surreal, and effortlessly funny — the kind of humor only Pickles nails.
#15 The Gift of Absence.
Opal thanks Earl for disappearing while her friends visited. Earl agrees — absence makes the best gift. The deadpan delivery is timeless Pickles energy.
#16 Make You Miss Me.
Earl says his life goal is to be missed when he’s gone. Opal flips it, accusing him of trying to make her sad. This strip walks the tightrope between love and sarcasm like a pro.
#17 Lost Keys vs. Lost Checkbook.
Opal confesses she lost Earl’s car keys. He’s relieved — now he can admit he lost the checkbook. Classic marital strategy: offset blame with humor.
#18 Close to Compliments.
Nelson praises Grandma for her homemaking. Earl agrees… and admits he’s almost told her how much he appreciates her. It’s funny, tender, and very on-brand for Grandpa.
#19 Connect the Dots.
Nelson draws on Grandpa’s bald head, creating a duck out of freckles. Grandpa snoozes through the whole thing. If you’ve got a mischievous kid and a tired elder in the same house — this one’s art imitating life.
#20 Name That Actor.
Earl tries to recall an old TV actor. He throws out names like Sid Caesar and Rod Serling, all wrong. Then he’s told his memory’s bad. The irony is chef’s kiss.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — 20 brilliant Pickles Comics by Brian Crane that capture the hilarity and heart of intergenerational family life. Whether it’s a failed memory, a shared joke, or a passive-aggressive marriage moment, Brian Crane wraps it all in warm, relatable humor that keeps us coming back for more.
Credit: All comics featured are the creative work of Brian Crane, the brilliant mind behind Pickles. His award-winning artistry continues to bring joy to readers of all ages. You can explore more at PicklesComic.com, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
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