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{{short description|Comic strip}} |
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{{Infobox comic strip |
{{Infobox comic strip |
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|title= Frazz |
|title= Frazz |
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|status= Running |
|status= Running |
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|first= April 2, 2001 |
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|syndicate= [[ |
|syndicate= [[United Feature Syndicate]] |
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|publisher= [[Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC|Andrews McMeel Publishing]] |
|publisher= [[Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC|Andrews McMeel Publishing]] |
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|genre= |
|genre= Slice of Life / Social Satire |
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'''''Frazz''''' is a [[print syndication|syndicated]] [[comic strip]] by [[Jef Mallett]] about [[janitor|school custodian]] Edwin "Frazz" Frazier and the school and students where he works. The strip debuted on April 2, 2001,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/04/02|title=First Frazz by Jef Mallett for April 02, 2001 {{!}} GoComics.com|last=Mallett|first=Jef|date=April 2, 2001|website=GoComics|language=en|access-date=August 21, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2011/02/the_riffs_inteview_frazz_creat.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130010200/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2011/02/the_riffs_inteview_frazz_creat.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 30, 2011|title=The 'Riffs Interview: 'FRAZZ' creator Jef Mallett on art, childhood -- and inspiration at the 10-year mark|last=Cavna|first=Michael|date=February 27, 2011|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 21, 2019}}</ref> and {{as of|2019|lc=yes}}, appears in over 250 newspapers and is read by tens of thousands online each day.<ref name=":7">{{cite web|url=https://www.stand-magazine.com/the-art-practice-of-paying-attention-an-interview-with-frazz-creator-jef-mallet/|title=The Art & Practice of Paying Attention: An Interview with Frazz Creator Jef Mallett|date=March 14, 2019|website=Stand Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=August 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821004148/https://www.stand-magazine.com/the-art-practice-of-paying-attention-an-interview-with-frazz-creator-jef-mallet/|archive-date=August 21, 2019}}</ref> |
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'''''Frazz''''' is a [[print syndication|syndicated]] [[comic strip]] by [[Jef Mallett]] that, on the surface, is about [[janitor|school custodian]] Edwin "Frazz" Frazier and the school where he works, but which, according to Mallett, is really about discovery.<ref name = Bass/> The strip debuted on 2 April 2001.<ref>[http://www.allbusiness.com/services/business-services-miscellaneous-business/4691917-1.html "Fifth anniversary nears for "Frazz'", ''Editor & Publisher'' (March 23, 2006)]</ref> |
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== |
==Premise and themes== |
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In the comic, Edwin "Frazz" Frazier works as a school janitor at Bryson Elementary School.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.bikeraceinfo.com/preferences/frazz.html|title=Frazz|website=www.bikeraceinfo.com|access-date=August 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2019/08/26 |title=Frazz by Jef Mallett for August 26, 2019 |publisher=GoComics |date= |accessdate=August 31, 2022}}</ref> Frazz mentors the students of the school, particularly Caulfield, a genius who hates school because it fails to challenge him.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0">[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/04/04 Frazz Apr 04, 2001]</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Mallett has explained that the strip is about discovery, and not merely learning. Frazz's job is just the surface. He reads everything from [[John Milton|Milton]] to [[Hiaasen]] to bike racing magazines, he writes, he races, he’s an athlete, and he’s a songwriter, discovering the value of a day job. When songwriting started going well, he kept his custodian job because it was the perfect environment for discovery through the energy and interest of the students.<ref name=Bass>[http://www.lansingbusinessmonthly.com/article_read.asp?articleID=4314 Bass, Adrian, "Joy in learning, joy in work" ''Greater Lansing Business Monthly'' (April 2009)]</ref> Many of the characters are based on his childhood experiences at school, and at home as the child of an educator.<ref name |
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<!-- Possible useful text from News Observer: "The strip's success, he believes, is owed in part to the philosophy he takes in creating it. After spending most of his career as an illustrator and art director in the newspaper business, Mallett tired of what he believed to be the industry's pandering to the lowest common denominator. So he developed his strip for a smart audience. |
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| ⚫ | "You don't get dumb people reading the newspapers. You get the smarter people, the college graduates, the movers and shakers. So I thought, I'm going to put out a comic for the smart people."" -->Mallett has explained that the strip is about discovery, and not merely learning. Frazz's job is just the surface. He reads everything from [[John Milton|Milton]] to [[Carl Hiaasen|Hiaasen]] to bike racing magazines, he writes, he races, he’s an athlete, and he’s a songwriter, discovering the value of a day job. When songwriting started going well, he kept his custodian job because it was the perfect environment for discovery through the energy and interest of the students.<ref name="Bass">[http://www.lansingbusinessmonthly.com/article_read.asp?articleID=4314 Bass, Adrian, "Joy in learning, joy in work" ''Greater Lansing Business Monthly'' (April 2009)] {{dead link|date=January 2015}}</ref> Many of the characters are based on his childhood experiences at school, and at home as the child of an educator.<ref name="Enquirer">[https://archive.today/20130122042428/http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/01/04/tem_tem1comicb.html "Here's a look at the five new comics joining our pages", ''Cincinnati Enquirer'' (January 24, 2004)]</ref> Frazz is, at least attitudinally, based on Mallett himself.<ref name=":3">[http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20090416/OPINION03/904160410/1383/OPINION0308 Rubin, Neal, "Lansing cartoonist's talks with troops rewarding", ''Detroit News'' (April 16, 2009)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716223354/http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20090416/OPINION03/904160410/1383/OPINION0308 |date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref> During a 1996 book tour of schools to promote a children's book he wrote and illustrated, Mallett noticed that the kids wouldn't quiet down for their teachers or principals, but would for the school janitor; he or she was "the man", existing on a separate plane between the students and adults.<ref name="Guzman" /><ref name=":4" /> |
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Mallett says he is influenced by [[Bill Watterson]], [[George Booth (cartoonist)|George Booth]], [[Jim Borgman]], and [[Garry Trudeau]].<ref name=":1" /> |
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In a 2011 interview, Mallet said that his wife, Patty, does the [[lettering]].<ref name=":1" /> |
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==Recurring characters== |
==Recurring characters== |
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'''Frazz''' – The [[eponymous]] character, Edwin Frazier,<ref name |
{{anchor|Frazz}}'''Frazz''' – The [[eponymous]] character, Edwin Frazier,<ref name=":7" /> is a thirty-year-old<ref name=":6">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18245-2005Jan18.html|last=Weingarten|first=Gene|title=Chatological Humor|work=WashingtonPost.com|date=January 28, 2005}}</ref> songwriter and janitor of Bryson Elementary. A [[Polymath|Renaissance man]] with endless curiosity,<ref name=":3" /> Frazz is always ready to teach children and adults more about the world around them. Because he doesn't look down on them, the students look up to him, and he also has the respect of the adults, with the possible exception of Mrs. Olsen, who remembers what "a handful" he was when he was in the third grade.<ref name="Guzman" /> Drawing inspiration from his daily school life, his songs soon become extremely popular. Frazz no longer needs to work thanks to his hit songs, but keeps working at the school because he loves the kids there.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/04/03|title=Frazz Apr 03, 2001}}</ref> Frazz loves triathlons,<ref name=":3" /> bicycling,<ref name=":2" /> jogging, swimming, basketball, songwriting, and talking with the students. Among the students, he has a spot in his heart for Caulfield especially, as he is always spurring him to mischief (often unintentionally), and makes excuses for Caulfield's "bored genius" behavior. Mallett describes Frazz as being "me but a lot cooler",<ref name=":1" /> saying he is "the voice of reason, the voice of experience and, frequently, the voice of temptation."<ref name = Bass/> |
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{{anchor|Caulfield}}'''Caulfield''' – An eight-year-old named by his parents after [[J. D. Salinger]]'s [[Holden Caulfield]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=VA&p_theme=va&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0FAD78EC6E0A4009&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D |title=New comic strip debuts in today's Advocate |author=Pat Hathcock |work=Victoria Advocate |date=May 5, 2003 |access-date=January 4, 2008 |format=fee required|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006021427/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=VA&p_theme=va&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0FAD78EC6E0A4009&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D|archive-date=October 6, 2012}}</ref> Caulfield is a genius, but hates school because it fails to challenge him.<ref name=":0" /> He spends a lot of time in detention<ref name="Guzman" /> for speaking out in class, but whiles away the hours talking with Frazz. Caulfield chooses a literature-themed costume every [[Halloween]], such as [[Dorian Gray]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2003/10/31|title=Frazz Oct 31, 2003}}</ref> or Gregor Samsa from ''[[The Metamorphosis]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2013/10/31|title=Frazz Oct 31, 2013}}</ref> often stumping most of the teachers but being quickly recognized by Frazz. Mallett regards Caulfield as "the hero of the strip ... He won’t give up that joy of learning for the sake of a test score, for quiet approval, for the easy A".<ref name =Bass/> Caulfield is African-American, and Mallett says it was a "conscious decision ... to have a Black hero in my strip."<ref name=":7" /> |
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'''Caulfield''' – An eight-year-old named by his parents after [[J. D. Salinger]]'s [[Holden Caulfield]],<ref>{{cite news |
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|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=VA&p_theme=va&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0FAD78EC6E0A4009&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D |title=New comic strip debuts in today's Advocate |author=Pat Hathcock |work=Victoria Advocate |date=2003-05-05 |accessdate=2008-01-04 |format=fee required |
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}}</ref> Caulfield tried to convince Mrs. Olsen that he was from a disadvantaged background, but his father is finishing his PhD in pharmacology, and his mother is a civil engineer.<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/08/23 Frazz Aug 23, 2001]</ref> Mallett regards Caulfield as "the hero of the strip ... He won’t give up that joy of learning for the sake of a test score, for quiet approval, for the easy A".<ref name =Bass/> Caulfield is a handful. He is a genius, but hates school because it fails to challenge him.<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/04/04 Frazz Apr 04, 2001]</ref> He spends a lot of time in detention for speaking out in class, but whiles away the hours discussing books or logic with Frazz. His fresh perspective on the world brings interesting, often startling revelations to the comic. Caulfield chooses a literature-themed costume every [[Halloween]], often stumping most of the teachers, but which Frazz invariably gets. Mrs. Olsen decides one year to remove all of the books Caulfield has checked out over the year from the library. She says it's a good plan until Frazz mentions that it "narrows it down to triple digits." She refines the statement, saying it's a good plan, not a foolproof one. Caulfield's costumes have included: |
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*Scout from ''[[To Kill a Mockingbird]]''<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/10/31 Frazz Oct 31, 2001]</ref> |
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*Santiago from ''[[The Old Man and the Sea]]''<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2002/10/31 Frazz Oct 31, 2002]</ref> |
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*[[Dorian Gray]]<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2003/10/31 Frazz Oct 31, 2003]</ref> |
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*The Frog from ''[[The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County]]''<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2004/10/30 Frazz Oct 30, 2004]</ref> |
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*The Greek god [[Zeus]]<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2005/10/31 Frazz Oct 31, 2005]</ref> |
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*[[Chief Bromden]] from ''[[One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (novel)|One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest]]''<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2006/11/02 Frazz Nov 2, 2006]</ref> |
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*A [[Tralfamadorian]] from ''[[Slaughterhouse Five]]''<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2007/10/31 Frazz Oct 31, 2007]</ref> |
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*[[Mildred Montag]] from ''[[Fahrenheit 451]]''<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2008/10/31 Frazz Oct 31, 2008]</ref> |
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*[[List_of_Catch-22_characters#Other_characters|Lt. Mudd]] a/k/a "the dead man in [[Yossarian|Yossarian's]] tent" from ''[[Catch-22]]''<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2009/10/30 Frazz Oct 26-30, 2009]</ref> |
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*The [[Devil]] from ''[[Faust]]'', specifically [[Randy Newman's Faust]]<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2010/10/28 Frazz Oct 26-29, 2010]</ref> |
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*''[[The Road Not Taken]]'' <ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2011/10/31 Frazz Oct 31, 2011]</ref> |
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*''[[The Pit and the Pendulum]]'' <ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2012/10/31 Frazz Oct 31, 2012]</ref> |
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*Gregor Samsa from ''[[The Metamorphosis]]'' <ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2013/10/31 Frazz Oct 31, 2013]</ref> |
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*"The Man" from ''[[The Road]]'' <ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2014/10/29 Frazz Oct 31, 2014]</ref> |
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| ⚫ | '''Miss Jane Plainwell''' – The first-grade teacher at Bryson Elementary, and Frazz's romantic interest.<ref> |
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| ⚫ | '''Miss Jane Plainwell''' – The first-grade teacher at Bryson Elementary, and Frazz's romantic interest.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705271803,00.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723194929/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705271803,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 23, 2012|title=Comics for the young at heart|work=Deseret News|location=Salt Lake City|date=December 21, 2008}}</ref><ref name=":7" /> Like Frazz, Miss Plainwell is also an athlete. She inspired 4th-grade teacher Mr. Burke to exercise more often, and trained and ran with him in the Detroit 5K. She majored in journalism, and worked at the sports department of a newspaper, before she decided to teach at Bryson Elementary, wanting to work with a "more mature audience".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2002/09/19|title=Frazz Sep 19, 2002}}</ref> She has a pet [[greyhound]] named "Mario", which she adopted after he retired from racing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2007/04/27|title=Frazz April 27-28, 2007}}</ref> Miss Plainwell is modeled on Mallett's wife.<ref name=":7" /> |
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'''Mr. Burke''' – Mr. Burke is the fourth-grade teacher at Bryson Elementary, the best teacher there and Frazz's best friend.<ref name = Chronicle>[http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/092902/fea_223-1548.000.shtml "'Frazz' takes readers back to school", ''Augusta Chronicle'' (September 29, 2002)]</ref> His one-on-one [[basketball]] matches with Frazz are filled with brilliant discussions—and very little scoring.<ref name = Guzman>[http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/30849529.html Guzman, Rene, "'Frazz' sweeps through the comics with cool smarts", ''San Antonio Express News'' (October 11, 2008)]</ref> Burke started out obese, but has slimmed down due to a Frazz-inspired exercise program. He is revealed by the students to have had an Afro during high school. |
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'''Mr. Burke''' – Mr. Burke is the fourth-grade teacher at Bryson Elementary, described as one "we all would have loved to see at the front of our classroom".<ref name=":7" /> He frequently plays basketball with Frazz, and these games are used in the strip to allow two adults to talk about "relatively adult things" with very little scoring.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=Guzman>{{cite news|last=Guzman|first=Rene|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017193415/http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/30849529.html|title='Frazz' sweeps through the comics with cool smarts|work=San Antonio Express News|date=October 11, 2008|url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/30849529.html|archive-date=October 17, 2008}}</ref> Burke started out obese, but has slimmed down due to a Frazz-inspired exercise program.<ref name=":7" /> |
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| ⚫ | '''Mrs. Olsen''' – Mrs. Olsen is the third grade teacher at Bryson Elementary, and the teacher from hell.<ref name = Chronicle/> She is frequently the object of tricks and practical jokes by Frazz and Caulfield,<ref name = LATimes/> and Caulfield's questions/comments in class often drive her to distraction. She had enough of Frazz when he was her student years ago, and would just as soon he leave for good.<ref name = Guzman/> Another side of her character is seen when Caulfield gets a summer job in her garden (a summer 2005 sequence in ''Frazz'') and they come to have a sense of respect for each other |
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| ⚫ | {{anchor|Mrs. Olsen}}'''Mrs. Olsen''' – Mrs. Beatrice<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2009/02/01|title=Frazz Feb 1, 2009}}</ref> Olsen is the third grade teacher at Bryson Elementary, and the teacher from hell.<ref name="Chronicle">{{cite web|url=http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/092902/fea_223-1548.000.shtml|title='Frazz' takes readers back to school|work=Augusta Chronicle|date=September 29, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608040347/http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/092902/fea_223-1548.000.shtml|archive-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> She is frequently the object of tricks and practical jokes by Frazz and Caulfield,<ref name = LATimes/> and Caulfield's questions/comments in class often drive her to distraction. She had enough of Frazz when he was her student years ago, and would just as soon he leave for good.<ref name = Guzman/> Another side of her character is seen when Caulfield gets a summer job in her garden (a summer 2005 sequence in ''Frazz'') and they come to have a sense of respect for each other. She has a sibling, as she also has a niece. She is also of Scandinavian (probably Norwegian) descent, as she once cooked [[lutefisk]] for her class.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/09/14|title=Frazz Sep 14, 2001}}</ref> She is shown to be a hero at heart with the story arc starting the week of June 17, 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2013/06/17|title=Frazz 17th June, 2013}}</ref> although she wants to keep intact her public image of a crusty exterior and unsympathetic attitude. She is a composite of several of Mallett's teachers and one of Mallett's wife's teachers.<ref name=":7"></ref> |
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'''Mr. Spaetzle''' – The principal of Bryson Elementary.<ref name = Chronicle/> He craves the adoration the students heap on Frazz, and wants to be just like him. He wore nerdy glasses all throughout high school.<ref name = Guzman/> |
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'''Dr. Spaetzle''' – The African-American principal of Bryson Elementary.<ref name = Chronicle/> Mallet describes him as "frazzled... a good man who's reached his limits... and he aged up into administration."<ref name=":7" /> He craves the adoration the students heap on Frazz, and wants to be just like him. He wore nerdy glasses all throughout high school.<ref name = Guzman/> We learn that he earned a Ph.D. in education.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2022/05/11 |title=Frazz by Jef Mallett for May 11, 2022 |publisher=GoComics |date= |accessdate=August 31, 2022}}</ref> |
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'''Coach Hacker''' – The physical education teacher, interested only in team sports, with no interest in participatory athletics.{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}} Coach Hacker was an All-Big 10 defensive end in the 1970s,<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/09/25 Frazz Sep 25, 2001]</ref> but now is out-of shape and has been married five times. In a later strip, hoever, Coach Hacker is described as having been an all-conference defensive end for fictional "Southern State", and having played in the [[Cherry Bowl]]. The Cherry Bowl existed for two seasons in 1984 and 1985.<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2009/09/27 Frazz Sep 27, 2009]</ref> In college his nickname was "Man-O-War", but now it is "Jellyfish".<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/06/18 Frazz June 18, 2001]</ref><ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/09/26 Frazz Sept 26, 2001]</ref> According to Mallett, he "doesn't understand Frazz any more than he understands how to work a combination lock".<ref name = Guzman/> He is said to have eaten at Burger Bunker every single day for years. He is often very competitive with Frazz, comparing sports such as football and hockey against running and cycling. |
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'''Coach Hacker''' – The physical education teacher, interested only in team sports, with no interest in participatory athletics.{{Citation needed|date=April 2009}} Coach Hacker was an All-Big 10 defensive end in the 1970s,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/09/25|title=Frazz Sep 25, 2001}}</ref> but now is out-of shape and has been married five times. According to Mallett, he is "dim, a little mean, so closed down",<ref name=":7" /> and "doesn't understand Frazz any more than he understands how to work a combination lock".<ref name = Guzman/> Mallet has intentionally moved to including Coach Hacker very little, saying "every time Hacker showed up, the joke was the same each time... plus with all the [[Chronic traumatic encephalopathy|CTE]] brain issues around football, it's not funny."{{citation needed|date=December 2021}} |
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| ⚫ | '''Mr. Uhrmann''' – A substitute teacher for Mrs. Olsen who is unflustered by Caulfield. He is described by Frazz as the only one of Caulfield's substitute teachers not to "throw up his hands and quit by 9:30". Caulfield calls him "The Uhrmanator".<ref> |
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| ⚫ | '''Mr. Uhrmann''' – A substitute teacher for Mrs. Olsen who is unflustered by Caulfield. He is described by Frazz as the only one of Caulfield's substitute teachers not to "throw up his hands and quit by 9:30". Caulfield calls him "The Uhrmanator".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2003/02/18|title=Frazz Feb 17-22, 2003}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | '''Mrs. Trevino''' – The second-grade teacher at Bryson Elementary. She cooks |
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| ⚫ | '''Mrs. Trevino''' – The second-grade teacher at Bryson Elementary. She cooks [[gordita]]s for her class every [[Cinco de Mayo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2003/05/05|title=Frazz May 5, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/09/12|title=Frazz Sept 11-14, 2001}}</ref> Mrs. Trevino has been phased away from the strip now that Ms. Plainwell (Mrs. Trevino's former best friend) and Frazz are in a relationship.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}} |
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| ⚫ | '''Clutch''' – Frazz's friend & fellow runner/cyclist. Works as an [[emergency room]] [[nurse]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2001/08/05|title=Frazz July 30 – Aug 11, 2001}}</ref> Clutch has been phased away from the strip now that Ms. Plainwell and Frazz are in a relationship.{{Citation needed|date=August 2019}} |
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==References to real life== |
==References to real life== |
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Many of the characters or locations in the strip are references to real-life people whom Mallett respects or other aspects of his life |
Many of the characters or locations in the strip are references to real-life people whom Mallett respects or other aspects of his life. In a 2008 interview, Mallett said that Bryson Elementary is named after one of his favorite authors, [[Bill Bryson]].<ref name=":4">[http://www.ileach.co.uk/post/jef_mallett/jef.html#top Palmer, Brian, "Washing Machine Post: The Jef Mallett Interview" ''Ileach'' (May 3, 2008)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820053132/http://www.ileach.co.uk/post/jef_mallett/jef.html |date=August 20, 2008 }}</ref> |
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*Frazz plays catch with Caulfield on Bobke's Bluff, referencing cyclist [[Bob Roll]].<ref> |
*Frazz plays catch with Caulfield on Bobke's Bluff, referencing cyclist [[Bob Roll]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://velonews.com/article/6143 |title=Barringer, Marc, "Q&A; Cartoonist Jeff Mallett on 'Frazz'", ''VeloNews'', (May 23, 2004) |access-date=February 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621092203/http://velonews.com/article/6143 |archive-date=June 21, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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*Caulfield tells Frazz that Mrs. Olsen believes reports that [[Elvis Presley|Elvis]] was seen working as a [[barista]] at the Water Street Coffee Joint in [[Kalamazoo]].<ref>[http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2008/01/frazz_features_kalamazoo_coffe.html Parikh, Jane, ""'Frazz' features Kalamazoo coffee shop", ''Kalamazoo Gazette''(January 18, 2008) ]</ref> |
*Caulfield tells Frazz that Mrs. Olsen believes reports that [[Elvis Presley|Elvis]] was seen working as a [[barista]] at the Water Street Coffee Joint in [[Kalamazoo]].<ref>[http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2008/01/frazz_features_kalamazoo_coffe.html Parikh, Jane, ""'Frazz' features Kalamazoo coffee shop", ''Kalamazoo Gazette''(January 18, 2008) ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111224065335/http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2008/01/frazz_features_kalamazoo_coffe.html |date=December 24, 2011 }}</ref> |
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* |
*Frazz once wore a shirt from nearby [[University of Detroit Jesuit High School]].<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2012/05/19 Frazz May 19, 2012]</ref> |
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*In one strip, Frazz and Caulfield visit County Line Lake, which is likely a reference to either County Line Lake in [[Oakfield, Michigan]], or County Line Lake in [[Locke, Michigan]].<ref>Mallett, Jef. "[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2015/08/02 Frazz]". August 2, 2015.</ref> |
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*In another strip, Caulfield is wearing a hat with the logo of the [[Detroit Red Wings]] on it.<ref>Mallett, Jef. "[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2015/12/06 Frazz]". December 6, 2015.</ref> |
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==Comparisons to ''Calvin and Hobbes''== |
==Comparisons to ''Calvin and Hobbes''== |
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Because of similarities in calligraphic style, Frazz's physical appearance, |
Because of similarities in calligraphic style, Frazz's physical appearance, station in life as a brilliant underachiever, and his age relative to Calvin of ''[[Calvin and Hobbes]]'', jokes and rumors arose that Mallett was actually [[Bill Watterson]].<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /> In a May 2006 series of strips, Frazz and Caulfield invent a game called "Bedlamball" that, like "Calvinball", has no apparent rules or scoring.<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2006/05/02 Frazz May 1-4, 2006]</ref> Mallett was flattered by the comparison and acknowledges Watterson's influence, but denies that he is Watterson or that ''Frazz'' is intended as a copy or replacement of, or sequel to, ''Calvin and Hobbes''.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5">[http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/514066.html Ehlers, Matt, "Jeff Mallett: 'Frazz'", ''The News & Observer'' (November 24, 2006)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080922222529/http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/514066.html |date=September 22, 2008 }}</ref> In the foreword to ''Live at Bryson Elementary'', ''[[Washington Post]]'' columnist [[Gene Weingarten]] wrote, "[The critics are] focusing not only on hair (Frazz's frizz), but also on his station in life: a brilliant underachiever. Well, Jef assures me that any similarity is unintentional." |
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Mallett acknowledges Watterson's influence, but denies that he is Watterson or that ''Frazz'' is intended as a copy or replacement of, or sequel to, ''Calvin and Hobbes''.<ref>[http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/514066.html Ehlers, Matt, "Jeff Mallett: 'Frazz'", ''The News & Observer'' (November 24, 2006) ]</ref> |
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In his online column, "Chatological Humor", ''[[Washington Post]]'' columnist [[Gene Weingarten]] published a response by Mallett to the speculation that Frazz was a grown-up Calvin.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18245-2005Jan18.html Weingarten, Gene, "Chatological Humor", ''WashingtonPost.com'' (January 28, 2005)]</ref> In the foreword to ''Live at Bryson Elementary'', Weingarten writes, "They're [critics are] focusing not only on hair (Frazz's frizz), but also on his station in life: a brilliant underachiever. Well, Jef assures me that any similarity is unintentional." |
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''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' columnist Charles Solomon said, "The humor and calligraphic drawing in 'Frazz' reflect Watterson’s influence, but the strip doesn’t feel like a pallid imitation."<ref name |
In a piece praising the strip, ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' columnist Charles Solomon said, "The humor and calligraphic drawing in 'Frazz' reflect Watterson’s influence, but the strip doesn’t feel like a pallid imitation."<ref name="LATimes">[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-oct-09-bk-solomon9-story.html Solomon, Charles, "The unforgettable, irreplaceable Calvin", LA Times Book Review (October 9, 2005) p.R-6]</ref> |
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Mallett has alluded to the speculation several times in the strip. |
Mallett has alluded to the speculation several times in the strip. In a September 2003 Sunday strip an introverted student tells Frazz that she wants to be famous, and believes it is possible to be famous for one's work, without exposing your private life to the public eye. Frazz says, "Good point. Like J.D. Salinger or Bill Watterson." Though she's never heard of them.<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2003/09/21 Frazz Sep 21, 2003]</ref> As part of a brief story arc in November 2006, Frazz tells Caulfield "I also used to be Bill Watterson's personal assistant."<ref>[http://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2006/11/29 Frazz Nov 29, 2006]</ref> Also, in a story arc where Mallett corrects a mistake in attribution of a quote by Edison, Caulfield compares cartoonists to gods. Frazz replies that that might be a bit of a stretch, but Caulfield replies, "What about that Calvin and Hobbes guy?" and Frazz replies, "Okay, him, yeah."<ref>[https://www.gocomics.com/frazz/2002/02/07 Frazz Feb 7, 2002]</ref> |
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==Awards== |
==Awards== |
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| Line 81: | Line 74: | ||
==Anthologies== |
==Anthologies== |
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*''Live at Bryson Elementary''. 2005, Andrews McMeel Publishing. 128 pages. Collects strips from April 2, 2001 to January 6, 2002. Includes foreword by [[Gene Weingarten]] and introduction by Jef Mallett. ISBN |
*''Live at Bryson Elementary''. 2005, Andrews McMeel Publishing. 128 pages. Collects strips from April 2, 2001, to January 6, 2002. Includes foreword by [[Gene Weingarten]] and introduction by Jef Mallett. {{ISBN|0-7407-5447-5}} |
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*''99% Perspiration''. 2006, Andrews McMeel Publishing. 128 pages. Collects strips from January 7, 2002 to October 19, 2002. ISBN |
*''99% Perspiration''. 2006, Andrews McMeel Publishing. 128 pages. Collects strips from January 7, 2002, to October 19, 2002. {{ISBN|0-7407-6043-2}} |
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*''Frazz 3.1416''. 2008, Andrews McMeel Publishing. 128 pages. Collects strips from October 20, 2002 to July 26, 2003. Includes an introduction by [[Charles Solomon (critic)|Charles Solomon]]. ISBN |
*''Frazz 3.1416''. 2008, Andrews McMeel Publishing. 128 pages. Collects strips from October 20, 2002, to July 26, 2003. Includes an introduction by [[Charles Solomon (critic)|Charles Solomon]]. {{ISBN|0-7407-7739-4}}. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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| Line 89: | Line 82: | ||
==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[ |
*[https://www.gocomics.com/frazz ''Frazz''] at GoComics.com; daily strips and information about author and characters |
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*[http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/6143.0.html Interview with Jef Mallett by Marc Barringer in ''VeloNews'' magazine] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070804042409/http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/6143.0.html Interview with Jef Mallett by Marc Barringer in ''VeloNews'' magazine] |
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{{United Media Comics}} |
{{United Media Comics}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:2001 comics debuts]] |
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[[Category:American comic strips]] |
[[Category:American comic strips]] |
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[[Category:Comics |
[[Category:Comics set in schools]] |
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[[Category:Slice of life comics]] |
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[[Category:Satirical comics]] |
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[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 2001]] |
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[[Category:Fictional janitors]] |
[[Category:Fictional janitors]] |
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Latest revision as of 22:59, 7 November 2024
| Frazz | |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Jef Mallett |
| Website | http://gocomics.com/frazz |
| Current status/schedule | Running |
| Launch date | April 2, 2001 |
| Syndicate(s) | United Feature Syndicate |
| Publisher(s) | Andrews McMeel Publishing |
| Genre(s) | Slice of Life / Social Satire |
Frazz is a syndicated comic strip by Jef Mallett about school custodian Edwin "Frazz" Frazier and the school and students where he works. The strip debuted on April 2, 2001,[1][2] and as of 2019[update], appears in over 250 newspapers and is read by tens of thousands online each day.[3]
Premise and themes
[edit]In the comic, Edwin "Frazz" Frazier works as a school janitor at Bryson Elementary School.[4][5] Frazz mentors the students of the school, particularly Caulfield, a genius who hates school because it fails to challenge him.[2][6]
Mallett has explained that the strip is about discovery, and not merely learning. Frazz's job is just the surface. He reads everything from Milton to Hiaasen to bike racing magazines, he writes, he races, he’s an athlete, and he’s a songwriter, discovering the value of a day job. When songwriting started going well, he kept his custodian job because it was the perfect environment for discovery through the energy and interest of the students.[7] Many of the characters are based on his childhood experiences at school, and at home as the child of an educator.[8] Frazz is, at least attitudinally, based on Mallett himself.[9] During a 1996 book tour of schools to promote a children's book he wrote and illustrated, Mallett noticed that the kids wouldn't quiet down for their teachers or principals, but would for the school janitor; he or she was "the man", existing on a separate plane between the students and adults.[10][11]
Mallett says he is influenced by Bill Watterson, George Booth, Jim Borgman, and Garry Trudeau.[2]
In a 2011 interview, Mallet said that his wife, Patty, does the lettering.[2]
Recurring characters
[edit]Frazz – The eponymous character, Edwin Frazier,[3] is a thirty-year-old[12] songwriter and janitor of Bryson Elementary. A Renaissance man with endless curiosity,[9] Frazz is always ready to teach children and adults more about the world around them. Because he doesn't look down on them, the students look up to him, and he also has the respect of the adults, with the possible exception of Mrs. Olsen, who remembers what "a handful" he was when he was in the third grade.[10] Drawing inspiration from his daily school life, his songs soon become extremely popular. Frazz no longer needs to work thanks to his hit songs, but keeps working at the school because he loves the kids there.[4][13] Frazz loves triathlons,[9] bicycling,[4] jogging, swimming, basketball, songwriting, and talking with the students. Among the students, he has a spot in his heart for Caulfield especially, as he is always spurring him to mischief (often unintentionally), and makes excuses for Caulfield's "bored genius" behavior. Mallett describes Frazz as being "me but a lot cooler",[2] saying he is "the voice of reason, the voice of experience and, frequently, the voice of temptation."[7]
Caulfield – An eight-year-old named by his parents after J. D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield.[14] Caulfield is a genius, but hates school because it fails to challenge him.[6] He spends a lot of time in detention[10] for speaking out in class, but whiles away the hours talking with Frazz. Caulfield chooses a literature-themed costume every Halloween, such as Dorian Gray[15] or Gregor Samsa from The Metamorphosis,[16] often stumping most of the teachers but being quickly recognized by Frazz. Mallett regards Caulfield as "the hero of the strip ... He won’t give up that joy of learning for the sake of a test score, for quiet approval, for the easy A".[7] Caulfield is African-American, and Mallett says it was a "conscious decision ... to have a Black hero in my strip."[3]
Miss Jane Plainwell – The first-grade teacher at Bryson Elementary, and Frazz's romantic interest.[17][3] Like Frazz, Miss Plainwell is also an athlete. She inspired 4th-grade teacher Mr. Burke to exercise more often, and trained and ran with him in the Detroit 5K. She majored in journalism, and worked at the sports department of a newspaper, before she decided to teach at Bryson Elementary, wanting to work with a "more mature audience".[18] She has a pet greyhound named "Mario", which she adopted after he retired from racing.[19] Miss Plainwell is modeled on Mallett's wife.[3]
Mr. Burke – Mr. Burke is the fourth-grade teacher at Bryson Elementary, described as one "we all would have loved to see at the front of our classroom".[3] He frequently plays basketball with Frazz, and these games are used in the strip to allow two adults to talk about "relatively adult things" with very little scoring.[3][10] Burke started out obese, but has slimmed down due to a Frazz-inspired exercise program.[3]
Mrs. Olsen – Mrs. Beatrice[20] Olsen is the third grade teacher at Bryson Elementary, and the teacher from hell.[21] She is frequently the object of tricks and practical jokes by Frazz and Caulfield,[22] and Caulfield's questions/comments in class often drive her to distraction. She had enough of Frazz when he was her student years ago, and would just as soon he leave for good.[10] Another side of her character is seen when Caulfield gets a summer job in her garden (a summer 2005 sequence in Frazz) and they come to have a sense of respect for each other. She has a sibling, as she also has a niece. She is also of Scandinavian (probably Norwegian) descent, as she once cooked lutefisk for her class.[23] She is shown to be a hero at heart with the story arc starting the week of June 17, 2013,[24] although she wants to keep intact her public image of a crusty exterior and unsympathetic attitude. She is a composite of several of Mallett's teachers and one of Mallett's wife's teachers.[3]
Dr. Spaetzle – The African-American principal of Bryson Elementary.[21] Mallet describes him as "frazzled... a good man who's reached his limits... and he aged up into administration."[3] He craves the adoration the students heap on Frazz, and wants to be just like him. He wore nerdy glasses all throughout high school.[10] We learn that he earned a Ph.D. in education.[25]
Coach Hacker – The physical education teacher, interested only in team sports, with no interest in participatory athletics.[citation needed] Coach Hacker was an All-Big 10 defensive end in the 1970s,[26] but now is out-of shape and has been married five times. According to Mallett, he is "dim, a little mean, so closed down",[3] and "doesn't understand Frazz any more than he understands how to work a combination lock".[10] Mallet has intentionally moved to including Coach Hacker very little, saying "every time Hacker showed up, the joke was the same each time... plus with all the CTE brain issues around football, it's not funny."[citation needed]
Mr. Uhrmann – A substitute teacher for Mrs. Olsen who is unflustered by Caulfield. He is described by Frazz as the only one of Caulfield's substitute teachers not to "throw up his hands and quit by 9:30". Caulfield calls him "The Uhrmanator".[27]
Mrs. Trevino – The second-grade teacher at Bryson Elementary. She cooks gorditas for her class every Cinco de Mayo.[28][29] Mrs. Trevino has been phased away from the strip now that Ms. Plainwell (Mrs. Trevino's former best friend) and Frazz are in a relationship.[citation needed]
Clutch – Frazz's friend & fellow runner/cyclist. Works as an emergency room nurse.[30] Clutch has been phased away from the strip now that Ms. Plainwell and Frazz are in a relationship.[citation needed]
References to real life
[edit]Many of the characters or locations in the strip are references to real-life people whom Mallett respects or other aspects of his life. In a 2008 interview, Mallett said that Bryson Elementary is named after one of his favorite authors, Bill Bryson.[11]
- Frazz plays catch with Caulfield on Bobke's Bluff, referencing cyclist Bob Roll.[31]
- Caulfield tells Frazz that Mrs. Olsen believes reports that Elvis was seen working as a barista at the Water Street Coffee Joint in Kalamazoo.[32]
- Frazz once wore a shirt from nearby University of Detroit Jesuit High School.[33]
- In one strip, Frazz and Caulfield visit County Line Lake, which is likely a reference to either County Line Lake in Oakfield, Michigan, or County Line Lake in Locke, Michigan.[34]
- In another strip, Caulfield is wearing a hat with the logo of the Detroit Red Wings on it.[35]
Comparisons to Calvin and Hobbes
[edit]Because of similarities in calligraphic style, Frazz's physical appearance, station in life as a brilliant underachiever, and his age relative to Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes, jokes and rumors arose that Mallett was actually Bill Watterson.[12][36] In a May 2006 series of strips, Frazz and Caulfield invent a game called "Bedlamball" that, like "Calvinball", has no apparent rules or scoring.[37] Mallett was flattered by the comparison and acknowledges Watterson's influence, but denies that he is Watterson or that Frazz is intended as a copy or replacement of, or sequel to, Calvin and Hobbes.[12][36] In the foreword to Live at Bryson Elementary, Washington Post columnist Gene Weingarten wrote, "[The critics are] focusing not only on hair (Frazz's frizz), but also on his station in life: a brilliant underachiever. Well, Jef assures me that any similarity is unintentional."
In a piece praising the strip, Los Angeles Times columnist Charles Solomon said, "The humor and calligraphic drawing in 'Frazz' reflect Watterson’s influence, but the strip doesn’t feel like a pallid imitation."[22]
Mallett has alluded to the speculation several times in the strip. In a September 2003 Sunday strip an introverted student tells Frazz that she wants to be famous, and believes it is possible to be famous for one's work, without exposing your private life to the public eye. Frazz says, "Good point. Like J.D. Salinger or Bill Watterson." Though she's never heard of them.[38] As part of a brief story arc in November 2006, Frazz tells Caulfield "I also used to be Bill Watterson's personal assistant."[39] Also, in a story arc where Mallett corrects a mistake in attribution of a quote by Edison, Caulfield compares cartoonists to gods. Frazz replies that that might be a bit of a stretch, but Caulfield replies, "What about that Calvin and Hobbes guy?" and Frazz replies, "Okay, him, yeah."[40]
Awards
[edit]- 2003 and 2005 Wilbur Award for Promoting Ethics and Positive Values
Anthologies
[edit]- Live at Bryson Elementary. 2005, Andrews McMeel Publishing. 128 pages. Collects strips from April 2, 2001, to January 6, 2002. Includes foreword by Gene Weingarten and introduction by Jef Mallett. ISBN 0-7407-5447-5
- 99% Perspiration. 2006, Andrews McMeel Publishing. 128 pages. Collects strips from January 7, 2002, to October 19, 2002. ISBN 0-7407-6043-2
- Frazz 3.1416. 2008, Andrews McMeel Publishing. 128 pages. Collects strips from October 20, 2002, to July 26, 2003. Includes an introduction by Charles Solomon. ISBN 0-7407-7739-4.
References
[edit]- ^ Mallett, Jef (April 2, 2001). "First Frazz by Jef Mallett for April 02, 2001 | GoComics.com". GoComics. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e Cavna, Michael (February 27, 2011). "The 'Riffs Interview: 'FRAZZ' creator Jef Mallett on art, childhood -- and inspiration at the 10-year mark". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 30, 2011. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "The Art & Practice of Paying Attention: An Interview with Frazz Creator Jef Mallett". Stand Magazine. March 14, 2019. Archived from the original on August 21, 2019. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Frazz". www.bikeraceinfo.com. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
- ^ "Frazz by Jef Mallett for August 26, 2019". GoComics. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
- ^ a b Frazz Apr 04, 2001
- ^ a b c Bass, Adrian, "Joy in learning, joy in work" Greater Lansing Business Monthly (April 2009) [dead link]
- ^ "Here's a look at the five new comics joining our pages", Cincinnati Enquirer (January 24, 2004)
- ^ a b c Rubin, Neal, "Lansing cartoonist's talks with troops rewarding", Detroit News (April 16, 2009) Archived July 16, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c d e f g Guzman, Rene (October 11, 2008). "'Frazz' sweeps through the comics with cool smarts". San Antonio Express News. Archived from the original on October 17, 2008.
- ^ a b Palmer, Brian, "Washing Machine Post: The Jef Mallett Interview" Ileach (May 3, 2008) Archived August 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b c Weingarten, Gene (January 28, 2005). "Chatological Humor". WashingtonPost.com.
- ^ "Frazz Apr 03, 2001".
- ^ Pat Hathcock (May 5, 2003). "New comic strip debuts in today's Advocate". Victoria Advocate. Archived from the original (fee required) on October 6, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
- ^ "Frazz Oct 31, 2003".
- ^ "Frazz Oct 31, 2013".
- ^ "Comics for the young at heart". Deseret News. Salt Lake City. December 21, 2008. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012.
- ^ "Frazz Sep 19, 2002".
- ^ "Frazz April 27-28, 2007".
- ^ "Frazz Feb 1, 2009".
- ^ a b "'Frazz' takes readers back to school". Augusta Chronicle. September 29, 2002. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011.
- ^ a b Solomon, Charles, "The unforgettable, irreplaceable Calvin", LA Times Book Review (October 9, 2005) p.R-6
- ^ "Frazz Sep 14, 2001".
- ^ "Frazz 17th June, 2013".
- ^ "Frazz by Jef Mallett for May 11, 2022". GoComics. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
- ^ "Frazz Sep 25, 2001".
- ^ "Frazz Feb 17-22, 2003".
- ^ "Frazz May 5, 2003".
- ^ "Frazz Sept 11-14, 2001".
- ^ "Frazz July 30 – Aug 11, 2001".
- ^ "Barringer, Marc, "Q&A; Cartoonist Jeff Mallett on 'Frazz'", VeloNews, (May 23, 2004)". Archived from the original on June 21, 2008. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
- ^ Parikh, Jane, ""'Frazz' features Kalamazoo coffee shop", Kalamazoo Gazette(January 18, 2008) Archived December 24, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Frazz May 19, 2012
- ^ Mallett, Jef. "Frazz". August 2, 2015.
- ^ Mallett, Jef. "Frazz". December 6, 2015.
- ^ a b Ehlers, Matt, "Jeff Mallett: 'Frazz'", The News & Observer (November 24, 2006) Archived September 22, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Frazz May 1-4, 2006
- ^ Frazz Sep 21, 2003
- ^ Frazz Nov 29, 2006
- ^ Frazz Feb 7, 2002
External links
[edit]- Frazz at GoComics.com; daily strips and information about author and characters
- Interview with Jef Mallett by Marc Barringer in VeloNews magazine