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What Cracked Plaster Means to Me

by Ace Brewsky-Smythe

Gee...what can I say about this strip that I can spell? I believe the immortal Steve Morse of Kansas (Topeka, I think...) said it best when he screamed "Carry On My Wayward Son" for the very first time. To me, Cracked Plaster isn't simply a comic strip, but a way of life. The subtle nuances of the cult of Hick personality in this tour de force of collegiate living, blending machismo with pathological errors in the fundamental belief systems of the lead characters (with the rather notable exception of myself), seems to convey a whimsical and satirical examination of the basic middle class ethic--the tearing down of Authoritarian walls while advocating mindless, blinding violence. It is not simply enough to label the expletives and grammatical atrocities uttered by Ace as mere "pop psychology"; his actions portray rebellion at its finest--against feminism, academic institutions, and basic Judeo-Christian values, among others.

We may examine, for instance, the frequent use of the term "Dick" as not only a play on words for the popular Touchstone Pictures release starring Warren Beatty and that cheap street slut Madonna, but as a marginal slang reference to the male reproductive organ as well. I recognize the drollness and apathy present in the group of buddies for what it is--a general systems analogy about modern Western society. "Ignorance is bliss," to quote Gray, and 'tis truly a blissful, fulfilling, and great existence the boys lead. Petty theft, murder, shotgun weddings, use of illicit drugs, the degradation of innocent females, and changing sexual roles at the drop of a hat--this gang has done it all, and I, as the only true lead character, have been proud to have done my part.


Although various attempts at syndication have proved somewhat futile, I still have high hopes that someday all of America will witness on a daily basis the trials and tribulations of these modern day Biblical heroes. Ace as Everyman--wouldn't Dostoevsky just love it? Kudos to all those who deserve them on this memorable (and notorious) occasion.

Yours truly,

Academia "Ace" Edward Brewsky-Smythe, Esq.

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