On a short leash

I kinda like the design of this one. Your eye jumps immediately to the right-hand side to read the dialogue, only to be pulled back along the tethered rope to discover the Mrs. keeping an eye on things. In my case, I've been married for almost 150 (dog) years. Or something like that. Cartoonists aren't too good at math.

My web comic pick of the week has the opposite effect. Nicholas Gurewitch started his comic strip, The Perry Bible Fellowship, about seven years ago ... but it's really taken off in the past year. The first book collection of PBF is even outselling most syndicated comic strip collections these days. Web comics aficionados will already be familiar with PBF. Be forewarned: Gurewitch skates constantly close to the thin line of good taste. But, let's be honest, that's a big part of what makes his writing so hilarious. And his art includes some of the best illustration being done in humorous comics today. -- casey

Does Santa accept PayPal?

One thing about Thurbear: He loves to stir up trouble and sit back to enjoy the chaos ... or in his case, to watch the fur fly. But in the case of Santa, Inc., it's kind of true ... it's actually a little like ... webcomics. There are a lot of good ones out there, making you happy, not making a dime. If you get a chance, check out The Sticks by Bill Bettway over on Comics Sherpa. He's really good, and as far as I know he's drawing comic strips purely for the love of the craft at this point ... at least until some syndicate finally discovers him. -- casey

When you care to send the very beast

This particular cartoon is less about being a comic strip gag and more about establishing the character of Thurbear. The way I picture him is that if he ever became popular and there were a million cutesy-pie stuffed versions of him gracing children's bedrooms that he would probably shoot himself. Right after he shot me. -- casey

A "unique" sense of humor

What is it that tickled Thurbear's funnybone and disgusted everyone else? I purposefully left the action "offscreen" so each of you could fill in the blank with your own imagination -- some of us more warped than others. -- casey

It's Thurbear Thursday!

It's Thurbear Thursday! Welcome! --- What does Thurbear Thursday mean? -- Who knows! It doesn't really matter ... at least to this little bear who always has ulterior motives. But upon further reflection, I've decided maybe it's not such a bad idea. We should all have a special day of our own, don't you think? I'll make mine Saturday. It sounds the best with my name. Casey Shaw Saturday. But don't call me on my day to congratulate me. I"ll be sleepin' in. -- casey

New comic strip starting

Hey, all! It's been awhile since we've updated usaweekend.com with fresh cartoons ... but here's great news: Starting Thursday, we're going to be posting a new comic each week again. And unlike the previous panel cartoons which also appeared in USA WEEKEND's print magazine, we're going to try something new -- an online comic strip. Check back each Thursday for the latest from Thurbear, created by USA WEEKEND's own Casey Shaw.