Inside the World of Murphy
Murphy comic strip

By Wayne Stroot & Wayne Price

We’ve published the comic strip “Murphy” for 25 years in our magazine, and decided it was time to drill down and get the inside scoop.  So, with a slight assist from Murphy’s author, I stepped into the animated world and spoke directly with…the characters.

1)  Wayne:  Boys, did you ever imagine you’d still be so popular after 25 years?
Rusty:  We’re all very grateful to our readers.
Murphy:  Frankly, when we got the call from the temp agency, we thought it was a limited engagement.

2)  Wayne: You’ve been through countless escapades. How have you changed or grown since your first appearance? Do you think you’re the same characters you were 25 years ago?
Murphy:  These days we’re much more believable.
Buster:  Yeah, we’re in color now.

3)  Wayne: Over the years, you’ve faced many challenges. What are some of your favorite moments,or strips from your journey?
Murphy:  Personally, I’ve always enjoyed the strips where I dispense wisdom to my nephew, Buster.
Buster: Wisdom?  Uncle Rusty, did he just say “wisdom”?
Rusty:   Pay no attention, it’s just a figure of speech to him.

4)  Wayne: Your relationships with each other have been central to your strip.  How has your bond changed over time?
Murphy:  Oh, we’ve ALWAYS been close.
Buster:  But we REALLY pull together during emergencies.
Rusty:  Mostly just to stay alive.

5)  Wayne: What is something fans might not know about what goes on behind the scenes in your animated world? Any secrets you’d like to share?
Rusty:  Well, for one thing, we don’t use stunt doubles.
Murphy:  Even though we’ve begged for them.

6)  Wayne: What is it about your characters that has resonated with so many readers?
Rusty:  I’ve got this one…EVERYONE knows a self-proclaimed expert wannabe, like Murphy.
Murphy:  AND everyone knows a tightly-wound smart aleck like Rusty!
Buster:  I know somebody who usually gets caught in the middle.

7)  Wayne: How do you feel about modern trends like social media, streaming platforms, and viral memes? Have you embraced the digital age, or do you prefer your classic roots?
Murphy:  I guess we’re just old school right down the line.
Buster:  From the penciling…
Rusty:    to the dip-pen inking.

8)  Wayne: If you could step into the real world for a day, what would you do? Is there something from our world that you’d love to experience?
Murphy:  From what we’ve seen of the real world, I think we’d all rather just stay put.

9)  Wayne: What has it been like working with Wayne Stroot for 25 years? Have you ever had creative differences, or has it been smooth sailing?
Murphy:  Stroot…Stroot…Hmmm…name sounds familiar, but I can’t quite place him.
Buster:  Whoa…he’s just kidding, boss.
Rusty:  No doubt now we’ll all be drawn wearing a tutu in the next strip!

10)  Wayne: You’re all seasoned veterans in the comic strip world. What advice would you give to new characters just starting out on their adventures?
Murphy:  If it’s anything like OUR strip…
Rusty:  Keep a good first aid kit on hand.
Buster:  And learn CPR.