Transcripts
Comic 1: “GAS ON EARTH STRIP STATION”
Panel 1: A fashionable singer-songwriter is playing his electric guitar inside the gas station, while cashier Jim watches in the background, surprised. While playing, he ecstatically sings, “Oh, this is the story of a man named Jim- worked at a gas station ’till the day he died.”
Panel 2: The songsmith continues singing, “Makin change all day for customers, them… Every night filled up with despair till he cried.” Jim reacts negatively, assuming an offended position and declaring “You suck!”
Panel 3: The singer turns to face Jim, announcing “You think this is the only song I got? THINK AGAIN!!!” Jim angrily responds, “That’s not the issue!”
Comic 2: “LAST GAS STATION ON AN EARTH STRIP”
Panel 1: An off-screen woman extends what appears to be a smiling baby wrapped in a blanket to a protesting Jim. She asks, “Can you hold onto this for me while I go to the restroom?”
Panel 2: The unremarkable looking woman continues, “Don’t worry, it’s not really a baby.”
Panel 3: A close-up on the woman’s face, as she joyfully says, “I just use it to smuggle cocaine.” Text below the panel reads “‘Predictable.’ – The New York Times” in a mock review clipping format.
Comic 3: “LIGHTS AND SHADOWS”
Panel 1: A demonic-looking customer is shown, wearing a 27 basketball jersey. His unsettling an maniacal appearance is accentuated by his laughter, “Heh heh heh heh heh”.
Panel 2: Cashier Oliver approaches the customer, asking “What’s so funny?” with a concerned expression. The customer holds up a small rectangular piece of paper for Oliver to examine, stating “This comic strip.”
Panel 3: Oliver holds the paper, reading it and cheerfully exclaiming, “Wow, this is funny!” The customer responds, “Can you believe I found it in the garbage?”