I admire good writing. I love the effect the right words can have. “When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve…” Beautiful. The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance also is powerful writing.
I also appreciate song lyrics because they say so much in such a short time. “Some people stay far away from the door if there’s a chance of it opening up.” Brilliant imagery that describes so many of us. Despite what Voltaire said, I think nothing has the power to move us like a song.
But for true brevity, it’s hard to beat a cartoon. You got one shot, one sentence and a simple graphic, to make a stranger laugh. I’m sure there is a reason so few people do it well.
Dave Coverly, creator of Speed Bump, impresses me with his uncannily accurate, sometimes off the wall but always right on takes on modern life. His vegan clown that only makes balloon vegetables, for example. Or St. Peter complaining that someone is stealing his pens. Dave has graciously agreed to a Q & A, which will appear here starting Monday. In the meantime, check out his work.
For example:
