Passed along by two friends on Facebook recently, this Manchild Manor cartoon, deploying Kix breakfast cereal in a pun on the title (of the theme song for a tv show) “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”:
(#1) If you don’t know the song, this cartoon is incomprehensible
(I don’t know where or when this cartoon first appeared, and I couldn’t find it on the (sizable) Instagram page for the strip; I’ve appealed to the cartoonist, but in my experience, most artists view such queries as just a nuisance drag on their time, so they’re not inclined to reply. If he gets back to me, I’ll add his information to this posting.)
[Added on 5/22. Never assume. The cartoonist — Tim Thavirat, now living in San Diego CA after some time in Austin TX — has now replied, and even thanked me for sharing his work on my blog. This cartoon is from 10/25/18, early in the days of his cartoon page — a silly pun that tickled his fancy.]
Previously on this blog, another version of this pun cartoon, this time as a photoon, a photograph serving as a cartoon:
(#2) From my 8/25/18 posting “But is it a cartoon?”, which also includes material on the breakfast cereal Kix, the tv show Route 66, and the song
This is not about who gets to claim precedence for the cartoon pun; no doubt many cartoonists have been struck by the comic potential of the theme song and have independently created their own versions. In any case, there are many ways an artist can flesh out the pun, so even if the idea for a cartoon comes from an existing one, it can be interesting as a realization of the idea (though then it would be nice gesture to credit the inspiration).
Kix on 66, not a cereal pun. No breakfast cereal involved, just the song and the playful spelling KIX for kicks. From the Only In Your State site, the puff piece “Enjoy Nostalgia At Kix On 66, A Classic Diner In New Mexico” by E Jamar on 8/20/19:
(#3) The Tucumcari NM diner (photo: Elmar R / TripAdvisor)If you’ve lived in the Land of Enchantment for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard the saying, “Get your kicks on Route 66.” Our famous highway has many attractions, but this classic diner is truly where you can get your kicks. Kix On 66 is a nostalgic counter-style diner in New Mexico with all the flair you’d expect, and that classic home cooking you crave. Whether it be their “pankix” [AZ: pancakes — so there are puns on this site] or a big plate of huevos rancheros, there’s no better place for a meal on Route 66 than the beloved diner, Kix On 66.
This classic diner on Route 66 is located in the sweet town of Tucumcari and is a beloved spot for locals and travelers alike.
Back in the last century, I drove through Tucumcari many times with my man Jacques, and we often stopped there, sometimes visiting the local historical museum (these very local museums are often fascinating places) and walking the dusty streets; we caught various meals at diners there, but not, I think, the coffee shop and eatery Kix on 66.
Leave a Reply