Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane are a delightful exploration of the humorous side of aging. This review showcases 10 standout comics that highlight the endearing quirks of the Pickles family. Each strip offers a witty take on everyday moments, making it a favorite among readers of all ages.
About Brian Crane
Brian Crane, born in Twin Falls, Idaho, and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, is the creator of the beloved comic strip Pickles. Launched in 1990, Pickles has been syndicated in nearly 1,000 newspapers worldwide. Crane’s work has earned him prestigious accolades, including the National Cartoonists Society’s Best Comic Strip award in 2001 and the Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year in 2013
The strip centers around Earl and Opal Pickles, a retired couple navigating the humorous aspects of aging, family life, and modern challenges. Crane’s art style is characterized by clean lines and expressive characters, capturing the nuances of everyday life with warmth and humor. His storytelling resonates with readers, offering a lighthearted yet insightful look at the golden years
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1. The Bald Truth
In this heartwarmingly funny comic, Nelson proudly presents his drawing of Grampa—but with a few “improvements.” He adds hair, shrinks the nose, and spares Grampa’s tummy, barely. It’s a cute exchange full of honesty, sensitivity, and generational love wrapped in humor. This Pickles Comic Strip by Brian Crane perfectly captures the sweet, awkward charm of family moments, especially when kids try to make adults feel better—with brutal honesty and a touch of kindness.
2. Sunblock Smackdown
Grampa brags about his new sunglasses that block “150%” of harmful rays, and then promptly loses track of where he’s talking—because he can’t see. Nelson gently points out his location, and Grampa just rolls with it like a true senior superhero. This comic plays on classic aging humor with warmth and wit, making Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane the go-to for anyone who loves sharp observational comedy with relatable, everyday mix-ups.
3. Slammin’ Breakfast
Earl expects a restaurant-style breakfast, but Opal has other plans. Instead of pancakes and eggs, she slams a cereal box on the table with a sarcastic “Bon Appetit.” Earl’s final panel punchline — forgetting he’s not at Denny’s — adds hilarious insult to injury. This comic is a great example of how Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane thrives on the amusing disconnects in long-term relationships.
4. Secret Tattoos
Nelson asks Grandpa about tattoos, and the answer is surprisingly sneaky — eyelid tattoos that look like open eyes. Grandpa claims it helps him fake being awake, especially in church. The setup and delivery are flawless, combining absurdity and wit with an all-too-relatable situation. Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane nails the art of grandparenting humor once again.
5. Contact Lens Trade-Off
Opal admits she gave up on contact lenses not because of discomfort but because she had more important things to do — like letting the cat in and out repeatedly. The joke hits home for pet owners and retirees alike. Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane delivers an everyday situation with delightful exaggeration and dry wit, proving the mundane can be laugh-out-loud funny.
6. Curly Hair Crisis
Nelson despairs over his curly hair, wishing it were “normal.” Opal, ever the wise grandma, explains there’s no such thing. She comforts him by reminding him he’s unique, just like everyone else. This strip is a wholesome reminder of self-acceptance and individuality, packaged with a gentle punchline that makes it both touching and funny. Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane perfectly balances life lessons and humor.
7. Driving Grandma Crazy
Nelson has big dreams of becoming all kinds of drivers. Earl encourages him until the conversation swerves — Nelson asks what else Grandpa drives, and Earl replies, “Your grandma crazy.” It’s a classic Pickles moment: innocent curiosity leads to a hilariously candid response. This comic captures the family dynamics and playful banter that fans of Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane adore.
8. Pants on the Move
Opal sees something strange — Earl’s pants crawling across the floor. Earl brushes her off as crazy, only for her to later realize her meds might be the real culprit. The final panel with a smug cat nearby adds the perfect twist. Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane excels at these moments where the absurd meets the ordinary in the most amusing way.
9. Fabric Store Fatigue
Earl is caught in the fabric store, a place he’d clearly rather not be. Opal seeks his opinion, but Earl’s strategic answer — whichever gets him out faster — earns a solid laugh. It’s a universal scenario where humor meets marriage reality. Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane turns this everyday exchange into comedic gold with perfect timing.
10. Remote Mayhem
A confused hunt for the TV remote spirals into chaos as Opal and Earl juggle remotes for DVD players, cable boxes, and streaming devices. The punchline — giving up and reading a book — lands with a relatable sigh. Tech confusion has never been funnier. Pickles Comic Strips by Brian Crane shows that even remote controls can be a source of classic laughs.
