As part of the newspaper publishing tradition, puzzles, amusements and comics are usually found on the final pages. There is a reason for this; in the same way that Shakespeare included comic relief after a tense scene, the comics are intended to offer a brief respite from the harsh realities of the news you just read and to give you a little boost before carrying on with the rest of your day.

It pains me to report that in our local paper the funnies are given short shrift. There are a few meagre offerings — a safe selection intended to produce weak smiles, certainly nothing that would cause even the most sensitive of feathers to ruffle. If that is the editor’s intent, mission accomplished. 

This past week I will admit to being very excited to see a new strip added to our funnies…

I’m not out to rain on anyone’s creation but I was disappointed. With all the brilliant and popular strips available, I can’t help but wonder why our editor chose a comic that seems to be a series of puns based on elderly hearing issues. 

If this new strip were part of a full page of comics with a robust variety of gags, story lines, and artistry, well then, fine — but this new strip blends in with the bland and banal offerings we already have.

I know, I know, I can go online and subscribe to any comic I want… I tell you, it’s not the same.

The final page of the newspaper deserves a full page of humour, with variety, even perhaps, dare I say? Satire. 

In this insta-world of twitter feeds and OMGs, newspapers are still relevant. Reward our loyalty with a full page, full colour selection of relevant comics. Please.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog.  Your comments, questions, ideas and suggestions are always welcome.  You can comment here, or choose between Facebook, Twitter, or the contact button.  

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  I keep it short and to the point.  Topics are as wide ranging as a straight but not narrow path.