185. Mark Marek Cartoon

January 11, 2010

Q: There was a carton about a mean guy who was down on his luck and unable to get a job. He interviewed for a corporate position to fire people. As the employer droned on about how stressful it was he was cut off with “fuck that! how much does it pay?” He eventually became extremely successful, hired other like-minded guys and provided termination as a service around the world. I believe it was Mark Marek who created this work of genius. Which issue was it in and can I find it for purchase?

A: According to Cartoon Carol: “Hold onto yer hernia-belts, buckaroos; this one is an ODDITY. It appeared TWICE in the Poon, drawn by two different artists. The first appearance of ‘Little Inspirational Stories’ written by John Bendel was in August 80 (Anxiety issue) in the Funny Pages, with art by Spain. Then it turns up again, in Feb 84 (All Comics issue) as ‘Little Inspirational Stories #472’ with cartoonier art by Bill Plympton. The script is identical, with an added final caption, ‘And so Hal cleaned up despite a cruel personality handicap that might have stopped a lesser person.’ I suppose there might be a third version drawn by Marek, but I’ve never seen it. I guess the real question here is Why?” Thanks once again, Carol!

Comments

Hold onto yer hernia-belts, buckaroos; this one is an ODDITY. It appeared TWICE in the Poon, drawn by two different artists. The first appearance of "Little Inspirational Stories" written by John Bendel was in August 80 (Anxiety issue) in the Funny Pages, with art by Spain. Then it turns up again, in Feb 84 (All Comics issue) as "Little Inspirational Stories #472" with cartoonier art by Bill Plympton. The script is identical, with an added final caption, "And so Hal cleaned up despite a cruel personality handicap that might have stopped a lesser person." I suppose there might be a third version drawn by Marek, but I've never seen it. I guess the real question here is Why?

—Cartoon Carol

January 14, 2010 7:34 pm

I think that one is actually a documentary of the past 30 years.

—Tessie

April 3, 2011 2:59 pm

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