Hope you all had a great time ringing in the new year – this strip is literally how my family does it. Yep, we have an old bell we all ring every New Year’s Eve at midnight, and we’ve had that tradition for as long as I can remember. Us Schuetzes might not get as serious about it as the strip makes it appear, especially with guests, but I think we can all use as much luck we can get, and ringing this bell has worked for us. Mostly. Besides, you wouldn’t want us talking smack about you behind your back later, right? Recommendation: If you spend New Year’s Eve with us, just ring the dang bell. Happy 2009!!!
Oh, and for new readers: The character with the mouth is none other than jefbot’s niece, Akira. She hasn’t been seen since she vowed revenge almost a year ago in JEFBOT.29_Bad Uncle.
What a #?&%ing GREAT way to “ring” in the New Year, bot! This strip is really funny. I love how pleased everyone looks in the last panel. Congratulations on a stellar 08 and I can’t wait to see what genius you bring in Oh Oh Nine! Happy New Year!
thanks, dude! happy new year back atcha!
Too funny! I love this strip. It reminds me of the big group photo our extended family poses for at Christmas. I don’t like posing for big group photos. I like joyful, moment in time, candid photos. But the whole family goes psycho if I refuse. @#$&!
thanks, milas! i dig the candid photos over the posed, group shots, any day, too. my expression always comes out super cheesy in those things.
The expressions in this strip are classic! (Especially Cornfather’s in the last 3 panels) What a way to “ring” in the New Year with the first strip of ’09! =P Love how the color seemed to drain from the background, when everyone’s anger focused towards The Cornfather’s refusal to ring the bell. Happy 2009 to you Jefbot, and the rest of The Schuetze family!
thanks for noticing those details, SpankyMcBubbles, and a happy new year to you and yours, too!
Too funny!!! Ha! …The Cornfather is afraid of your sister!!! I LOVE the look on every face right before he rings the bell. Excellent job Jefbot! Happy New Year!
happy new year, funnyshaffer! and thanks for all your great comments in 2008. 🙂
“You can ring my beh-eh-el, ring my bell (echo:my bell) ding-a-ling-a-ling” HAPPY NEW YEAR JEFBOT!!!
i’m shakin’ it, Jeff Payton! have an awesome new year, and thanks for leaving all those terrific comments in 2008!
is this still leading up to a mombot and cornfather spin-off???
sure! you write and draw it, i’ll post it! 😉
Nice! I really love the straight on perspective. Also, loved the Indiana Jones reference 🙂
Dangit, John! You beat me to it!
That’s all I can think of now when I read this.
Of course, going to an Indiana Jones triple feature last week might have helped.
thanks, man. with all the geektastic people reading my strip, i knew someone would get the reference!
i must have been really really drunk….
but, you totally captured AKIRA!!! her little nose and chin chin. 🙂
also, i don’t know if you remember jefbot but, popbot used to ring the heck out of that bell and that meant i had 1 minute to get home or else! needless to say, i can run really really fast…
thanks, sis! and fortunately, i was spared the “dinner bell” – i had a digital watch for that. explains how you got so fast, tho. 😉
Maybe next year you can get accompaniment bells, and you can all learn a sweet bell routine to Auld Lang Syne? Naaah… The Final Countdown by Europe! 🙂
yes, perfect! because the schuetzes taking turns ringing a loud bell at midnight isn’t enough of an annoyance to the neighbors, eleventeen!
… was trying to come up w/something profound to say, but all I could come up with is “Thank You!” to your readers for the success of Jefbot and a wish for a healthful and joyful New Year filled with wonderful surprises for all!
i think you said it all, Mombot.
I like the textures in the background 😀
thanks, Kevin. i dig your gravatar. 🙂
hahaha, @#$% funny! 😉
@#$& yeah! thanks, alecho!
My ears are still ringing……
😉
welcome, Donna Jean! and that ringing in your ears means you rang that bell correctly!
LoL Great strip and love the expressions throughout.
glad you got a laugh out of it, Eptha!
Happy new year to all of your family members jeffbot. Wishing you and your family a bountiful year. Hope to someday meet you in person. The bell incident? i can totally relate to that. lol.
Peace be upon your pen.
happy 2009 to you too, JefbotFan#300! and i’ll pass your wishes onto the rest of the Schuetzes. not sure where you live but it looks like i’ll have a table at wizard world in l.a. this march. if you’re near the area, stop on by and say hi.
Happy New Year Jefbot!!! to you and the familia!! Love the family tradition and terrific expressions!
thanks, Nurse Mary, and a happy new year to you, too! 🙂
Oh my god! I can believe Michael would behave this way WHEN Xinda is anywhere nearby!!! Ring the stupish bell you dolt!!! Do you got a deathwish?!! Really, his eggnog must have ben drugged or something! Oh well, Happy New Year, Jefbot!! Thanks for the wonderful comics!
Does this mean your “christmas” time is already over? Heh heh heh… I still got more days to party! Tomorow (6 of January) We got Three Kings Day – which means more presents in Puerto Rico and then we got the “Octavitas” (8 more days to party up to the 14 of January). oh yeah, Christmas in Puerto Rico is how is gotta be!
hope you’re having a happy new year too, Sonitan! yeah, Christmas celebrations are officially over in the Schuetze household, but i’m totally diggin’ how you celebrate it in Puerto Rico. maybe i’ll just leave up the JEFbot Christmas banner until the 14th.
This is a strip that perfectly depicts the Schuetze family. Fantastic dialog and expressions. Cheers to Jefbot in 2009!
Lol great comic jeff, I rang the bell this year 😀 So no bad luck ~(> 3<)~
Haha, loved the Indie quote! Family is fun =)
Oh man I hate it when that happens! Family events are AKWARD.
One big happy family!