Ernie Pook’s Comeek

comic strip by Barry

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July 22, 2026

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Ernie Pook's Comeek was a weekly syndicated comic strip created by American cartoonist Lynda Barry. It ran from 1979 to 2008 and was published in numerous alternative newspapers across the United States.1

Initially, the strip featured satirical views on personal relationships and countercultural society. Over time, it evolved to focus on the childhood experiences of a young girl named Marlys, her sister Maybonne, and their community. Barry used the strip to explore stories with emotional depth, often juxtaposing lighthearted moments with serious real-life issues like alcoholism and bullying.1

Lynda Barry is also known for her graphic novels, including The Good Times Are Killing Me and What It Is. Her work has earned her critical acclaim, including an Eisner Award and a MacArthur Foundation fellowship.1

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Lynda Barry
Career
…comic strip, which she renamed Ernie Pook’s Comeek, focused on satirical views of personal relationships and countercultural society. The strip was picked up by the Chicago Reader weekly newspaper in 1979 and was eventually published in 75 alternative newspapers across the United States.
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…comic strip, which she renamed Ernie Pook’s Comeek, focused on satirical views of personal relationships and countercultural society. The strip was picked up by the Chicago Reader weekly newspaper in 1979 and was eventually published in 75 alternative newspapers across the United States.
Read More