Sunday Afternoons

For those who prefer to have their comics untainted by politics, science fiction or contemporary urban angst, this collection of G-rated strips by McDonnell may be just the thing. Centered around the friendship of two cute, mischievous pets--a dog named Earl and a cat named Moochie--the comic depicts a reassuring world in which pretty much the worst thing that can happen is a pie fight or bad doggie breath. McDonnell's cheery drawing style complements his subject matter, and his playful one-panel takes on famous paintings--e.g. Klimt's Kiss and Matisse's Red Room--might provoke a smile.