Monday, July 6, 2009 Marmaduke Analyzed

Here's the World War I Flying Ace in his trusty Sopwith Camel, returning from a successful mission against an enemy shoe factory.

Marmaduke has apparently ransacked a local shoe store and is now enjoying the spoils of his plunder, devouring the shoes one by one. Judging by the number of shoes in the yard, he must have made numerous trips to the source of the shoes, only stopping when part of his right, rear leg fell off.

Phil undoubtedly witnessed this unlawful appropriation of shoes in progress, but as usual, he lacked the courage to stop it. This time he doesn't even try to make excuses to his neighbor for his subservience to his dog. He merely says, "He believes you can never have too many shoes. Marmaduke is looking at the reader as if to say, "Is Phil an ass or what?"

At the fence, Phil's portly neighbor is taking too much interest in a dog gnawing on a shoe. He has probably already called the police and is waiting for the real action to start.

Marmaduke today has been brought to you by the letter "S," which is clearly visible for unknown reasons in the trunk of the Winslow's tree.