If ever there is an iconic comic strip, it is Peanuts. What began in the funny pages in 1950 has developed into an enduring classic. Whether you're persnickety like Lucy, a philosopher like Linus, a joyous Flying Ace like Snoopy, or a lovable underdog like Charlie Brown, there is something to touch your heart or make you laugh in Peanuts.

Over the Hedge, created by T Lewis and Michael Fry, takes a freshly skewed look at suburban living from the perspective of the animals who lived there first. The strip stars RJ, a mischievous raccoon, and Verne, his sensitive best-buddy turtle. Together they fight to save their wooded wonderland from the evils of encroaching suburbia but end up becoming distracted by wide-screen TVs, discarded fast food containers and the fun of wreaking havoc on the local homeowners' association.

  "These are wicked little guys who'll pick your pocket as they steal your heart."—Ted Koppel, host of ABC's Nightline

  Suburbanites treasure their sameness, safety, and security, little knowing what lurks just Over the Hedge. There, in a strikingly successful comic strip created by writer Michael Fry and illustrator T Lewis, reside the only slightly displaced original inhabitants of the land: R.J., an irascible raccoon, and his sidekick turtle, Verne.

  Verne and R.J. have found little trouble adapting to the ways of their human neighbors. In fact, the relationship works out just perfectly when it comes to borrowing their hot tubs, setting the table with gourmet leftovers, or relaxing on their lawn furniture. It's not that the dynamic duo don't want to stick up for sovereign rights to their turf. It's just that barbecue feasts, television, and even computers keep luring them closer to the enemy camp.

  Now in Over the Hedge 2, Fry and Lewis present their second tour de farce. They've got RJ arguing with one of his woodland neighbors, "This 'angry white mole' thing is so early eighties." There's Verne breaking the Internet by e-mailing seven million copies of Spam and potato chip pie recipe. And also, both of the "boyz in the wood" taking off in their human-neighbor Nate's Harley with the help of training wheels and a nine-iron pedal extender.

  Through it all, Fry, who also produces the nationally syndicated strip Committed, sustains a wickedly funny commentary on the joys of suburban living, while Lewis, a successful illustrator of fourteen children's books, keeps the masked wonder and his shell-shacked companion fresh from frame to frame.

Over the Hedge 2 is sure to appeal to animal lovers, suburbanites, and anyone who can laugh at the human condition, as seen through the eyes of two nearly-human opportunists.

  "Like good reporters, Mike Fry and T Lewis have revealed to us at last what lies just beyond those well-groomed hedges."—Jim Cox, producer of the upcoming Over the Hedge movie

  RJ, the mischievous raccoon, and Verne, his philosophical turtle pal, don't have time to be inconvenienced by the suburban sprawl that's washed up against their woodland home. They're in too big a hurry to embrace it and make it their own. They fly-fish for hot dogs, set up bleachers to watch big-screen TV, and sip virgin Banana Boomerangs while soaking in a Jell-O-filled hot tub. And if the joie de pirating isn't enough fun for these two bon vivants, there's always the local homeowner's association on which to inflict a coup d'etat.

  In Knights of the Picnic Table, their next Over the Hedge anthology, RJ and Verne are not just spectators to suburbanity, but also to the pregnancy of Noreen, whose home also happens to be their favorite fast-food franchise. When Noreen's husband, Nate, has to deliver their baby at home, RJ and Verne, personifying noblesse oblige, lead him through the harrowing birth. Then, as newborn Baby Clara's self-appointed au pairs, they take up the crusade of teaching her the finer points of their world while squiring her about in a Harley Davidson motorized stroller.

  It may not be Camelot, but there's not a more congenial spot than Over the Hedge.

  "He does wonderful work. A strip needs good characters—and that's what Jump Start has."—Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts

  Joe and Marcy Cobb are the quintessential young married couple complete with a baby, two busy careers, and eccentric parents. An eminently likable pair, Joe and Marcy juggle their relationship, their jobs—he's a police officer, she's a nurse—and raising their daughter, Sunny. Robb Armstrong's characters are so popular that many readers of Jump Start tell him that they identify with the Cobbs.

  In fact, Jump Start features issues familiar to readers of all colors. From buying a home to volunteer work to handling the demands of parents and baby, Joe and Marcy manage life's challenges with aplomb. "Don't say that word, Sunny! " Joe intones, correcting their daughter's newly discovered use of foul language. "Bad, bad, bad, bad," corrects Marcy in agreement. In the next frame, however, Sunny's trash-talking up a storm in church. "Next time we won't react so strongly," Joe says, embarrassed. "It's too late for next time," says Marcy, cringing in the pew.

  Still, Armstrong approaches many African-American-specific issues and does so in a decidedly humorous way, and he bases the strip on his own life. While discussing a movie they've heard everyone likes, Marcy tells Joe, "It's a shoo-in to get overlooked for an Oscar! " To which Joe responds, "That good, huh?"

  Robb Armstrong offers a unique perspective that strikes a chord with audiences hungry for a positive, authentic portrayal of middle-class African-Americans. Jump Start's humor crosses all lines because it's just that: appealing, realistic, and downright funny!

Universal Press Syndicate newspaper feature:

*FoxTrot

Author's web site: www.foxtrot.com/

 In this FoxTrot collection, the Fox family's offbeat vacation into the desert descends into chaos as the members of the family cope with an order (through the drive-in window) for two million cheeseburgers, a broken Nintendo, bikini shopping, and other perils of modern life.

FoxTrot is a comic strip with attitude, wit and a big dose of reality. Bill Amend’s brilliant understanding of sibling rivalry and generational struggles comes to life in a refreshing blend of humor and truth.

  Readers of all ages will love this glimpse into family life with the FoxTrot gang. Come and laugh with Roger and Andy, and their kids Peter, Paige and Jason.

 Andy and Roger, the harassed mom and dad characters from the zany Fox household, continue their pursuit of health and happiness while raising Peter, Paige, and Jason, three energetic and rivalrous kids. Enjoy the family fun of FoxTrot!

  What makes FoxTrot such a refreshing jolt of humor? Maybe because it seems to be written by an ingenious kid who's looking for a few good ways to get into trouble. Maybe someone just like Jason Fox himself!

  In fact, cartoonist Bill Amend has perfectly captured the adolescent sensibility in his cartoon strip FoxTrot. Portraying the family-oriented adventures of one wild suburban household, Amend addresses situations kids encounter—both serious and fanciful—with a deftly on-target, humorous touch.

  In Come Closer, Roger, There's a Mosquito on Your Nose, the Fox family is in full comical force. The family's lead instigator, 10-year-old Jason, continues to contrive skirmishes involving his 14-year-old sister, Paige, but he also spends ample time with his computer and his pet iguana, Quincy.

  Paige, the unwitting target of Jason's jokes, survives in style, heading off to the mall or plotting a major flirtation in cahoots with her friend, Nicole. Elder son, Peter, 16, has his own interests: cramming for a test, wooing his girlfriend, Denise, and helping his dad with a chore or two. Through it all, parents Roger and Andy strive to hold down the fort while dealing with their own challenges, from work to weight loss to the computer.

Universal Press Syndicate newspaper feature:

*FoxTrot