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 featuring an elderly couple sitting together on a couch, discussing foot size. The man reads a newspaper while the woman playfully questions if one of his feet is bigger. The scene conveys humor and warmth in their relationship, reflecting themes of aging and companionship.

A humorous comic strip featuring a grandfather, a child, and a woman discussing a clogged kitchen sink, with the grandfather humorously delaying the repair by interpreting

Comic strip featuring a humorous conversation among three characters about aging and perceptions of being old, with one character reflecting on the first time she was called an old woman and the emotional impact it had on her. The setting is a cozy living room with two women and a man engaged in the discussion.

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 backdrop featuring cartoon characters.

Cast

Nelson

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

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.

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 sitting on a chair, gesturing as if sharing a story or advice.

Earl

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