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.