Bad taste?

[Roger Kettle]

I wrote a Horace strip today which I was, initially, quite happy with until I started to think about the British public's tendency to outrage at the slightest hint of animal cruelty. (Even in cartoon form).
The set-up involves Horace having his horse stolen and reporting it to the sheriff.
FIRST FRAME.
Horace: What are the chances of finding my horse again?
SECOND FRAME.
Sheriff: Well, that depends on who the thief was.
THIRD FRAME.
Sheriff: If it was "Harry the Horse-Eater", not great."
Do you think this will spark some "Disgusted of Cheltenham" letters?

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

I think this would outrage Harrys everywhere. Other than that, I sniggered. And I have a cat.

[The Peepmaster]

It sounds fine to me, Roger. Go with it.

[Jack]

I am outraged!


Outraged that the state of the nation is such that you'd even consider people might find that offensive.

In the worst case scenario, just do a strip the following week where Harry the Horse-eater appears, admits that his behaviour is unacceptable, accepts his punishment, renounces his ways, and joins PETA. Followed by Horace saying "An important lesson for us all..." and nodding solemnly.

[Diane CBPFC]

Just to be safe, you could say "Henri the Horse-Eater" - always a safe bet to blame the French.

[Roger Kettle]

 

[The Peepmaster]

Put "Thierry Henry" and annoy the French and sports lovers.

[Roger Kettle]

I am outraged!


Outraged that the state of the nation is such that you'd even consider people might find that offensive.

In the worst case scenario, just do a strip the following week where Harry the Horse-eater appears, admits that his behaviour is unacceptable, accepts his punishment, renounces his ways, and joins PETA. Followed by Horace saying "An important lesson for us all..." and nodding solemnly.

This is brilliant, Jack. You will now be my p.c. adviser---I may have to run some Andy Capp ideas past you.

[Mince]

How about Harry the Horse Hider? Surely hiding horses is okay?

Or Harry the Horse Disguiser. You could then have some more strips where Horace keeps throwing buckets of water over horses he thinks have been painted a different colour.

Harry the horse catapulter?

[Vulture]

How about Harry the Horse Hider? Surely hiding horses is okay?

Or Harry the Horse Disguiser. You could then have some more strips where Horace keeps throwing buckets of water over horses he thinks have been painted a different colour.

Harry the horse catapulter?

Now you're being silly!

[Malc]

Harry The Hors D'oeuvres Eater...?  Nah it loses that bite.

Harry The Horse Eater is better than Harry The Horse Fancier, which has unfortunate undertones.

The Horse could return red-faced and breathless with a huge horsey smile and dishevelled mane, the unmistakeable calling card of Harry the Horse Tickler.

[The Peepmaster]

How about "Harry the hoarse Ventriloquist"?

[Roger Kettle]

This is one of those "I'm sorry I asked" moments.

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

Or even a "Ventured, nothing gained!" one.

[Tom]