Your Favorite . . . Crab Cakes A Crankshaft Collection [Paperback]

  He blusters and grumbles. He rants and raves. He tries to outgun the school kids chasing after the bus on his route. Â But in his heart, Ed Crankshaft has a decent streak a mile wide. Patiently explaining death to his grandson Max. Comforting his friend Ralph as Ralph's wife descends into Alzheimer's. Thrusting flowers and candy at his son-in-law on a nearly forgotten wedding anniversary. The star of the hit comic stripCrankshaftis a gentle soul stuck in a cantankerous mood.

  With a supporting cast that includes Ed's two daughters, Chris and Pam; Pam's husband, Jeff; and their kids, Max and Mindy,Crankshaftappeals to families everywhere who steadfastly deal with intergenerational cares and conflicts. As one critic said: Crankshaftis a witty, thoughtful commentary on the trials and tribulations of today's senior citizens. But, of course,Crankshaftis so much more. The strip's approach to Alzheimer's generated countless letters and e-mails, as did Crankshaft's near-death illness. Hilarious and clever, honest and moving,Crankshaftboth keeps readers laughing at the curmudgeon's pranks and pondering life's real meaning in this collection,Your Favorite...Crab Cakes!It's a balancing act that's rarely attempted in the comics—and withCrankshaft, it works admirably.Born in Akron, Ohio, Tom Batiuk first had his cartoons published in his elementary school newspaper. After graduating from Kent State University, Tom taught junior high school art. During this time, he conceived the popular comic strip Funky Winkerbean. Tom lives in Medina, Ohio. Like Batiuk, Chuck Ayers was born in Akron and graduated from Kent State. He launched his cartooning career as a staff artist and later editorial cartoonist at theAkron Beacon Journal. His work has been showcased in theNew York Times, theWashington Post, Forbes, and various school textbooks. He lives in Akron.