By one definition, “4th wall comic refers to a comic book where characters become aware of their own fictional existence and address the audience directly. This concept, known as the Fourth Wall, separates the characters from the readers, allowing them to comment on the narrative and its limitations.” By that definition, not all of these fit. In some of these, it’s that the cartoonist lets us acknowledge the cartoonist’s existence, while the characters remain unaware. Is there a separate term that should be used for that?
travelgirl sends this in: “I understand what a catenary is, but have no idea what that has to do with the punchline… guess my retirement years are catching up to me :) “
Mouseover text: “Some tires are marketed as all-shape tires, but if driven in a climate with both inverted catenary falls and triangle falls they wear out really fast.”
This is obviously a reference to the recent jewel theft at the Louvre, but in fact the Mona Lisa was the subject of a famous theft. From Wikipedia:
“The painting’s global fame and popularity partly stem from its 1911 theft by Vincenzo Peruggia, who attributed his actions to Italian patriotism—a belief it should belong to Italy. The theft and subsequent recovery in 1914 generated unprecedented publicity for an art theft, and led to the publication of many cultural depictions such as the 1915 opera Mona Lisa, two early 1930s films (The Theft of the Mona Lisa and Arsène Lupin), and the song “Mona Lisa” recorded by Nat King Cole—one of the most successful songs of the 1950s.”
I was lucky enough to visit the Louvre about 10 years ago with a friend from high school who was a professor of art at a midwestern university. On the way in, I asked him if we should get the audio tour. His response was something along the lines of “We don’t need no stinkin’ audio tour”. As we proceeded through the galleries I got educated painting by painting by my friend. There are, of course, many, many masterpieces in the Louvre. The only gallery that was really crowded – overcrowded, really – on that rainy January day was the gallery housing the Mona Lisa. We ducked in and out just to say we’d seen it.
Boise Ed sends this in: “I get how breaking up can make one feel insignificant, but why are they still sitting together five minutes later, and why is she still making small talk?”
Jack Applin sends this in: “In the world of Rabbits Against Magic, dimes are worth 5¢. I suppose that nickels are worth 10¢? Unfortunately, since the word “dime” comes from “one-tenth”, this means that a dollar is worth 50¢. Dear oh dear. On the other hand, he did correctly say “400% increase”, as opposed to the common but incorrect “500% increase”, so that’s worth something.”
CIDU is a non-political space. Please confine comments to the odd math shown, rather than the particular politician mentioned in the last panel.
Dirk the Daring sends this in: “Oddly enough, I totally confused. Those aren’t restaurant chairs. Why do they have a word of the day? And what has kerfuffle to do with anything? Does it have something to do with the other chair being empty? He had a kerfuffle with his partner? I dunno, I’m lost.”
Comics I Don't Understand 