Several alert readers have noticed a certain similarity between the above comic (in the syndicated Pickles by Brian Crane) which ran on Dec, 24, and the Evil Inc comic from Dec. 17...
Of course, my dedicated henchmen were concerned about the possibility of joke theft -- and I thank them for bringing it to my attention.
However, I don't think this is the issue in this particular case. Syndicated comics have to be submitted to newspapers to be prepared for print about two weeks before publication. Since my comic ran on the 17th, there wouldn't have been sufficient time to swipe the gag. Chalk it up to coincidence.
So, Mr. Crane gets a pass. Lower the death rays. But I'd better not see Gran'pa Pickles in spandex any time soon. ;)