Pickles

By Brian Crane

"Pickles," syndicated by The Washington Post Writers Group for more than 26 years, tells the story of Earl and Opal Pickles as they enjoy their golden years surrounded by friends and family. A perennial favorite with readers of all ages, "Pickles" has topped comics polls across the nation again and again and was named the best comic strip of 2001 by the National Cartoonists’ Society. "Let's Get Pickled! A Pickles Collection" feeds on unconditional love—of pets, old friends, and, of course, family—to provide zinger-filled humor, and it's available now.

Daily

Sunday

Digital

Strip

Available in Color

Family

Men

Women

Editor's Picks

Cartoon depicting a humorous conversation between two elderly characters on a couch. One character questions if their feet are different sizes, while the other playfully responds that one is actually smaller. The scene captures their light-hearted banter and affectionate relationship.

Cartoon depicting a frustrated man shouting

Cartoon depicting an elderly man sitting at a table, humorously reflecting on aging and the repetition of thoughts. The scene captures the essence of wit in everyday life, showcasing the character's lighthearted approach to growing older.

A grandfather and grandson sitting together on a couch, with the grandson asking about the meaning of

A humorous comic strip featuring an elderly man and a child discussing nostalgia while driving in a vintage car. The man reflects on his tendency to talk about the past, expressing a fondness for it, especially regarding the low cost of gasoline back in the day.

A humorous comic strip depicting a conversation between an elderly couple discussing obituaries, with one expressing disappointment in their quality and suggesting the other write their own. The final panel reveals a touching sentiment about a recently deceased man.

Cartoon depicting a humorous morning conversation between an elderly couple in bed. The woman expresses that she woke up with the Disneyland song

A humorous comic strip featuring an elderly woman reminiscing about the first time she was called

Two elderly men sit on a bench, one with a missing left eyebrow, discussing how it was accidentally shaved off. The other man looks concerned, while a dog lies on the ground nearby. The scene captures a humorous moment about unconventional solutions to grooming mishaps.

About Brian Crane

Brian Crane was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, in 1949 and grew up in the San Francisco Bay area. He attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California, then graduated with a B.A. in Art from Brigham Young University in 1972. After graduation, Crane worked as a graphic designer, illustrator, and art director at several newspapers, magazines, and advertising agencies.

In 1989 he created a newspaper comic strip, “Pickles,” which revolves around an elderly couple, Earl and Opal Pickles, and their daughter, grandson, and pets. In 1990 “Pickles” was accepted for syndication by the Washington Post Writers Group. Since then it has received many awards, including Best Newspaper Comic Strip in 2001 and 2019 by the National Cartoonists Society. In 2012 Crane received the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year. In 2014 Crane received the Inkpot Award for Achievement in Comic Arts by Comic-Con International. In addition, "Pickles" has repeatedly topped newspaper comics polls across the nation and appears in over 900 newspapers around the world. It is also in the top 10 comics published digitally daily on the GoComics.com website. In 2022, syndication for "Pickles" was taken over by Andrews McMeel Syndication. Also in 2022, Crane was elected to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame.

Crane's proudest achievement, however, is his 50-year marriage to his wife, Diana, and their seven children and 21 grandchildren.

Smiling man wearing glasses and a blue shirt, standing in front of a colorful illustrated background, showcasing a creative and friendly atmosphere.

Cast

Young boy with blonde hair sitting on a green chair, holding a cookie, looking concerned or surprised.

Nelson

Their curious, energetic grandson. He bridges generations, bringing youthful perspective while enjoying his grandparents’ quirky wisdom.

An elderly woman with curly white hair wearing glasses, gently petting a relaxed yellow cat while sitting on a blue striped surface.

Opal

A spirited, sharp-witted grandmother who balances warmth with sass. She keeps Earl in line and approaches aging with humor, practicality, and a no-nonsense attitude.

Cartoon illustration of a white dog sleeping peacefully on a brown couch, with dream bubbles above its head.

Roscoe

The family dog, loyal and expressive. His silent reactions and simple desires add humor to everyday moments.

Cartoon illustration of an elderly man with glasses and a mustache, sitting in a chair and gesturing with his hand, conveying a sense of storytelling or sharing wisdom.

Earl

A forgetful, stubborn grandfather with a dry sense of humor. He resists change, embraces laziness, and often clashes playfully with Opal.