Gary Trudeau's comic strip, Doonesbury, has humorously delivered social and political commentary since its debut in 1970. During its fifty-four-year history, the strip has focused on the titular Mike Doonesbury, as well as the people who know him or on assorted political figures. However, it has also had brief moments of hiatus, which was the case in 1984. This didn't prevent the strip from having several standout comedic moments during the later half of that year.
Doonesbury strips, published in 1984, are celebrating their fortieth anniversary. The series underwent a hiatus from 1983 to late 1984. This was due to a musical adaptation of the series, which aged the characters and led to a transition in life progression for the comic strips' characters upon its return to syndication. While maintaining the usual discussions and humor for the comic, this transition also opened up more possibilities for the protagonist and other characters.
10 October 4, 1984: Zonker's Newest Role
Throughout the early part of 1984, Zonker was living with Mike Doonesbury and his wife. This cohabitation resulted in some humorous interactions between the three, as Mike tried to be a ive friend while J.J. wants him out of the house sooner than later. In this particular strip, Zonker answers the door of the Doonesbury residence, and gives himself a faux position in response to the question of his being one of the primary residents. This is particularly humorous since no one would ever compare the proud hippie to a maid since he hardly has a work ethic and doesn’t keep very much clean druing his stay with the Doonesburys. Out of work, but not out of luck, Zonker is a bright spot of hilarity breaking up the strip's political satire and social commentary with common domestic troubles.
9 October 6, 1984: Zonker's Life is a Matter of Perspective
Similar to the previous strip, this one published a couple of days later also focuses on Zonker's work – or lack thereof. Mike and his friend are discussing their present living situation when Zonker brings up his "job prospects." When called out on his failure to even look for work, the hippie chooses to redefine Mike's definition of his unemployment period. Instead of being a "permanent vacation from reality" Zonker defines this time as a "sabbatical," which has far more positive connotations. Nonetheless, the harsh truth is that he hasn't been a very responsible housemate and spent a good time out of the workforce. Ironically, since Zonker's actual job is to be part of this comic strip, he truly WAS on sabbatical due to the strip's nearly two-year hiatus.
8 November 7, 1984: Election Day Woes for Zonker
Doonesbury's political focus is often a core element of the main character's lives, providing additional commentary when a president is not used as a direct speaking subject in a strip. Like this year, 1984 was an election year, with Ronald Reagan campaigning against – and defeating – Walter Mondale. However, Zonker didn't get to exercise his right to vote as he slept through the day entirely, missing his opportunity. This expands on his lack of responsibility during the year, with J.J. commenting on his use of "responsible adult" to call him out on his lack of job prospects. Though Zonker perceives this as a low blow and Mike does his best to deflect the situation, Zonker's lack of drive results in his claims of being fired up being difficult to believe when compared to his desire to lay around and do nothing.
7 November 12, 1984: Zonker's Big Steps Towards Education
A turning point for Zonker finally occurred in mid-November when he finally began making big life plans. This would also begin the appearance of a new "educational" program with some questionable approaches to enrollment and operation. Despite J.J.'s disbelief, Zonker applied to medical school, but not a traditional or well-known organization. He applied to the "Baby Doc College of Physicians" in Haiti, also referred to as the Baby Doc College of Offshore Medicine. The strip concludes with the introduction of the school's head: Uncle Duke. With this unknowing connection, Zonker could fuel Duke's latest crazy scheme, as the man has been tangled up in quite a few scandals given his addictions. Zonker's grades aren't the best, but his grades aren't the motive for itting him anyway. Instead of a focus on academics, Duke is focused on success in volleyball.
Instead of being a "permanent vacation from reality" Zonker defines this time as a "sabbatical," which has far more positive connotations.
6 November 15, 1984: Uncle Duke's Latest Scheme
Uncle Duke's time leading the Baby Doc College of Physicians is best described as an exercise in malpractice and fraudulence. To open the school and be sworn in, he chooses Robert Vesco as the inauguration speaker. While not a household name among newer generations, Vesco was well-known in the 1980s for committing fraud, ultimately resulting in him fleeing America. He was notably involved in financial scandals with President Nixon. In this strip, Duke compares him to John De Lorean – the founder of General Motors, who was similarly enveloped in legal trouble. This included fraud and tax evasion charges. The comparison is apt and marks the beginning of what will include multiple appearances of "Bobby" Vesco and questionable actions taken by Uncle Duke in the guise of running a college. Zonker's next step isn't nearly as positive as he may initially believe.
5 November 22, 1984: Duke's Inauguration Speech is Borderline Criminal
During the opening of his school, Uncle Duke proceeds to speak high praise of Robert Vesco, highlighting his criminal activities using a more positive spin. Instead of being negative aspects of the criminal's escapades, Duke paints them as accomplishments that should be respected instead of as troublesome occurrences that should be seen with concern. The strip concludes with the main reason Duke likely keeps a close partnership with Vesco: funding. In need of new facilities, it always helps to have a sponsor available, even if that sponsor happens to be a criminal in this case. In addition to being a humorous spin on collegiate funding and donor options, this also highlights key points of Uncle Duke's personality and his own strange adventures. It's a great introduction to his character for readers who haven't had the chance to get to know him prior to this.
4 December 1, 1984: Dune's Popularity Remains as Strong as Ever
In 1984, a film adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel Dune was released, leaving it fresh in viewers' minds. This strip features Rick laying in bed after a rough night thinking about the results of the election, as Joanie tucks him in. Continuing with the theme of political commentary, Rick brings up Newt Gingrich, a former Speaker of the House. Joanie doesn't recognize him by name, needing a repeat of it before comparing the name to Dune. Gingrich has still been a discussed name in the realm of politics, maintaining Rick's general distaste, but he hasn't become president. Nonetheless, a recent reboot of Dune and recent political events make this strip particularly ironic with the parallels that can be drawn. While not funnier than Uncle Duke's attempts at running a collegiate program, Rick's despair is still a standout in 1984's strips.
3 December 4, 1984: Mark's Radio Career Begins - with a Whimper
Like Zonker, Mark also saw a major life shift as he began doing an evening radio show with NPR. This strip is early into his time at the station and shows how unserious the role is compared to how serious he is taking it. For starters, instead of having a cue to being the show and having the microphones be turned on in a systematic, official way, they have just been on almost since he arrived. This surprises him, but it also sets the tone for how lax the evening is and how few listeners tune in at the hour Mark is scheduled for. This is the beginning of what would become a lengthy radio career, granting him the occasional nickname "Microphone Mark." At this point, it's not very apparent that this will become his primary career for the foreseeable future.
2 December 5, 1984: Sticking with Radio Made All the Difference for Mark
Mark's future on radio is marked by a rough start, including a lack of response on his first night in the studio. Believing he will be able to have a serious show that focuses on important topics, he tries to rile up the few nightly listeners to chime in on the deficit and if "flat rate taxation" would help with it. Unfortunately for Mark, no one is too interested, leaving him without any callers to hold a discussion with. His partner on the air, Spanky Lee, frames his discussion and excitement as a sleep aid, insinuating that he's boring everyone to sleep. This could prove beneficial to his listeners if they struggle with resting in the evenings, but doesn't show very much promise for Mark's career change. Given this rough start, it's extra intriguing to see him succeed in later years.
1 December 7, 1984: Mark's First Caller isn't His Ideal Listener
Still focused on Mark Slackmeyer's early radio career, this strip shows who his first call into the show is, which Spanky Lee readily – and accurately – guesses. Mark's mother was one of the few listeners, leading her to call in, concerned that no one else is doing so. She even wonders aloud why this is the case, questioning her son. Not only is the new radio host having trouble getting a bite, his own mother is making him look extra rough at his new gig live on the air. Thankfully, there aren't many listeners, likely allowing his reputation to stay intact. Spanky has already seen this song and dance, making her attuned to the strip's punchline before it is confirmed. Thankfully, throughout Doonesbury, Mark's career would pan out alright, and his evenings would improve in time.
