DEAR SUN SPOTS: Could you please find out why “Luann” was not in our Sunday papers today, Jan. 11? I am dismayed. That is one of my favorites, and I found the substitution not interesting at all. Thank you. — Marilyn Grant via email

ANSWER: As the next reader noted, “Luann” is missing from the weekday papers as well.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Yesterday when the Sunday comics failed to have “Luann,” I thought it was just a weekend thing. But this morning no “Luann.”

It appears to have been replaced by “Rhymes With Orange.” I’m bummed since this has been one of my favorites for a long time. — Devoted fan in Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots can’t remember the last time her in box was so inundated with comments that she couldn’t print them all. Here are a few more.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: No, no, no! Wherever she has gone, bring “Luann” back immediately or suffer the consequences! — Edmund Lewis via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What happened that the “Luann” comic strip has been replaced? I always read “Luann” first when I got to the comics. “Rhymes With Orange” does not make any sense to me. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots is not a fan of “Rhymes” either, or for that matter most of the comics. If it makes readers feel any better, she also likes “Luann,” as well as “Baby Blues,” “Crankshaft” and “For Better or Worse” (which is actually in reruns, but she missed it the first time around).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: As daily subscribers my daughter and I enjoy the comics together. We noticed that one of our favorites “Luann” has been replaced without warning as of Jan. 11. Do you know why? Who decides what comics are printed on a regular basis? — Olivia G. via email

ANSWER: Sun Spots emailed the “decider,” Executive Editor Rex Rhoades, for a response. He said that “‘Luann’ has been declining in popularity in recent years, so the Sun Journal is trying out a comic strip that has been much more popular nationally.

“This is similar to when a TV network discontinues one program and begins another. We understand that some people may be disappointed initially, but that they and others may come to enjoy the new comic strip.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: What were you thinking getting rid of “Luann” on the comic pages and then substituting it with something that is simply terrible? Please bring back “Luann.” It at least has a storyline. — Jeff via email

ANSWER: Having a storyline could actually be a problem for a comic strips’ popularity, as some newspapers no longer print daily editions (the Detroit, Cleveland and New Orleans papers come to mind), which makes it difficult for readers to follow a story.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I see that “Luann” has been replaced by a new comic strip called “Rhymes With Orange,” and that strip is awful. Why has this happened, and is it permanent? If the opinion of your readers matter, I would suggest that you get rid of “Mark Trail”; that has been a waste of newsprint for years. — No Name via email

ANSWER: “Mark Trail” was removed at one time, but reader outrage brought it back and was revisited in this column recently. Sun Spots is not a fan herself, but she’s not sure that it’s awful (although that word is milder than the writer’s original choice, which had to be changed for a family newspaper). 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you please find out why “Nancy” and “Luann” are no longer in the Sun Journal? My family loves both comics, and we miss seeing them.— Sue Mallet, plexieann@roadrunner.com

ANSWER: “Nancy” was removed from the daily paper a couple of years ago. She is, however, still in the Sunday funnies.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you have any clout with the person(s) who makes the decision as to what comic strips to publish? I’m distressed to see that my beloved “Luann” has been replaced by “Rhymes With Orange”!

I’ve been following Luann for many years and plan to continue doing so for many more years. It has been my favorite story to follow, and there is much more to come. Is there any way to get the Sun Journal to bring it back? That’s enough of a reason to cancel my subscription — really!

I hope you can help all of us “Luann” fans! — S.L., Jay

ANSWER: The only thing Sun Spots can do is print your letters in the column for the editor to see and consider. In the meantime, those with computers can keep up with the storyline at www.gocomics.com/luann.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link