Brian Crane is the creator of Pickles, a comic strip that captures the humorous side of retirement, aging, and everyday life with warmth and wit. Launched in 1990, Pickles has become a beloved fixture in newspapers around the world, thanks to its universally relatable characters—Earl and Opal Pickles. The couple’s playful bickering and quirky personalities reflect the real-life experiences of older adults and grandparents.
Crane’s clean, expressive cartooning style enhances the charm of his storytelling. His ability to extract humor from the simplest of interactions—whether it’s losing Wi-Fi, forgetting laundry, or fussing over pets—has made Pickles a multi-generational favorite. In 2001, Crane received the prestigious Reuben Award for Best Newspaper Comic Strip from the National Cartoonists Society.
Pickles continues to thrive online and in print, proving that great humor never goes out of style. It’s the kind of comic that makes you smile, laugh, and maybe even reflect a little. With decades of work behind him, Brian Crane has firmly cemented his legacy as one of the most beloved humorists in modern comics.
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#1 The Nose Hair Trimmer Prank
Earl receives a nose hair trimmer as a late Christmas gift from Opal. When he tries it, he screams like it’s torturing him—only to smile and say, “Just kidding.” It’s a perfect example of the playful tricks long-time couples love to pull on each other.
#2. Cat Hair Catastrophe
Earl asks what’s on the keyboard, and Opal explains she’s using aerosol spray to clean off dust, crumbs, and—mostly—cat hair. The punchline reminds pet owners everywhere of how easily their furry friends take over every surface.
#3. Who Wore It Best?
Earl can’t find his jumpsuit and accuses Opal of throwing it away—only to find her wearing it, praising its comfort. The humor lies in their bickering and Opal’s sneaky fashion choices.
#4. The Gravy-Scented Old Book
Earl marvels at the smell of an old book, only to learn it’s actually a recipe book Opal spilled gravy on. His final line about licking the pages adds the perfect bizarre twist
#5. Half-Clean Sheets
Opal wants credit for washing the sheets, but Earl doesn’t notice. She jokes that next time, she’ll only wash her half. It’s a classic married-couple moment, built on relatable domestic comedy.
#6. Guns Out, Forks Out
Earl proudly shows off his arms with “Sun’s out, guns out,” only to reveal he’s been hiding spoons under his sleeves. This comic subverts expectations with visual humor.
#7. Sarcasm Vacuum
Opal sarcastically complains about doing all the work, but Earl misses the sarcasm entirely. It’s a comic about how long-time couples can still miscommunicate hilariously.
#8. The Wi-Fi Ritual
Earl suggests Opal raise her phone and spin around chanting to get Wi-Fi. When it fails, he casually comments “It doesn’t always work.” Absurd solutions to modern problems make this one shine.
#9. Caramel Trap
Opal offers Earl a bowl of ice cream, changes her mind, and takes it back after he adds caramel. The back-and-forth highlights their passive-aggressive love language.
#10 The Deodorant Dilemma
Opal serves Earl ice cream and says she shouldn’t eat it. Earl agrees to take it, but then she decides to eat it herself. A perfectly timed twist that makes Earl the unwitting victim again.
Summary
If you’re craving gentle laughs, relatable senior moments, and classic couple banter, these 10 New Pickles Comics by Brian Crane That’ll Instantly Brighten Your Day are exactly what you need. From marital spats to Wi-Fi woes, each panel delivers timeless humor with heart. Dive into more feel-good cartoon chaos at www.thehumorside.com!
