Grand Avenue

By Mike Thompson

"Grand Avenue" stars Kate Macfarlane, an avid sports fan who power walks to stay in shape. Not your typical cookie-baking granny, Grandma Kate has her hands full with her terrific twosome, who are best buddies even though their personalities clash. Gabby is an ambitious, newspaper-reading little girl who plans to become a billionaire before she's 30. Her brother Michael is a more sensitive soul who prefers riding his skateboard or performing scenes from Shakespeare to just about anything else.

Daily

Sunday

Daily & Sunday

Digital

Strip

Available in Color

Family

Men

Women

Editor's Picks

Two children engage in a humorous conversation about building a ramp for bike jumps, with one expressing skepticism about the other's abilities. The scene features playful banter and witty remarks, highlighting themes of friendship and playful competition.

A humorous comic strip depicting a woman in front of a decorated Christmas tree, referencing the famous poem

A comic strip featuring two children discussing their intentions to be nice to Mrs. Sanders, despite one child's previous dislike for her. The dialogue includes humorous commentary about garden gnomes, showcasing playful interactions and expressions.

About Mike Thompson

A four-time Pulitzer finalist, Mike Thompson is a two-time winner of the Society of Professional Journalists’ national award for cartooning, as well as a winner of the Robert F. Kennedy award for social justice journalism, the Overseas Press Club Award, the National Press Foundation Award, the National Headliner Award, the Scripps Howard Award, and the Association for Women in Communications' Clarion Award.

Cast

Two cartoon characters sitting on a floor, engaged in a game of Monopoly. One character, wearing glasses and a striped shirt, is animatedly talking while the other, with spiky hair, listens attentively. Both have glasses of beer beside them, creating a casual, fun atmosphere.

Gabby and Michael Macfarlane

These 6-year-old fraternal twins and best friends are being raised by their grandmother. Gabby is a savvy, ambitious, pigtailed girl who plans to be a billionaire by age 30. Michael is sensitive, artistic, and enjoys daydreaming, drawing, and performing Shakespeare. The twins keep Grandma on her toes and readers laughing.

Cartoon character of a smiling older woman with glasses and a bun hairstyle, wearing a green striped sweater, depicted in a circular frame.

Grandma Kate Macfarlane

Grandma Kate is an avid sports fan who power walks to stay in shape and solves crossword puzzles to stay sharp. She’s needs every bit of energy she has to keep up with parenting the second time around. Kate has strong opinions about the way she wants the kids to behave—but the twins put one over on her once in a while.

Cartoon illustration of a playful golden dog with a spiky mane, running joyfully with its tongue out and a collar, set against a circular white background.

Small, cute, and freckled, P.J. is Gabby and Michael’s best friend—besides each other.

The most mischievous Macfarlane of all! Rudy is the hyperactive family dog who’s always trying to outsmart his human housemates.

Mr. Damikolas (Mr. D.)

The twins’ teacher loves his job and is passionate about his lesson plans and passing on his love of learning. Mr. D. has a soft spot for the twins, although he takes no guff from his class or the bureaucracy in the public school system. In his free time, he can be found reading comic books and watching "Star Trek."

Cartoon character with short blonde hair wearing a red and white striped shirt, looking surprised and gesturing with one hand.

P.J.

Small, cute, and freckled, P.J. is Gabby and Michael’s best friend—besides each other.

Cartoon illustration of two white dogs with pink bows, both showing expressions of discontent or annoyance.

Evil Yorkies

This pair of Yorkies is diabolically evil and can always be found on guard by their living room window, scheming to humiliate and annoy all who dare to pass by.

Cartoon character with a bald head and sunglasses, looking surprised or curious, set against a white background in a circular frame.

The Macfarlanes’ good-natured neighbor. The kids love to talk to Ed, and he loves to listen and dispense philosophical advice, usually while gardening.

Cartoon character with messy hair and glasses, wearing a striped yellow and green shirt, depicted in a circular frame.

Mr. Barnaby

The Macfarlanes’ crabby neighbor. Mr. Barnaby loves his lawn more than he loves the neighborhood kids and dogs.