4 new reasons to laugh

Some new neighbors are moving into the Life, etc. section next week. Perhaps you've seen them recently on this page -- a rat and pig running across the bottom, a spiky-haired guy near the index, a guitar-playing Baby Boomer, a diverse group of college students.

On Nov. 27, we'll be adding four new comic strips to our daily lineup. They are:

* "Pearls Before Swine." This topical, irreverent strip features four wacky animals: Rat, Pig, Zebra and Goat (with occasional appearances by crocodiles). "Pearls" is the hottest comic in the newspaper business these days, and many of you have asked when we will finally get it. You now have your answer: Nov. 27.

* "Frazz." He's a spiky-haired elementary school janitor who is both friend and role model to a group of students. Edwin "Frazz" Frazier also is a bit of a Renaissance man who knows about topics ranging from literature to music. We think you'll find this strip both clever and funny.

* "Edge City." This comic seems to have been written with the Triangle in mind. It's all about a two-career, two-child family in a high-tech area. They struggle to fit it all in: working out, picking up the kids at carpool, getting to the next conference call. Sounds familiar, huh?

* "Watch Your Head." This strip also should ring true to many in the Triangle. It's about a group of college students on their own for the first time at the predominantly black Oliver Otis University. Their adventures in dating, dealing with roommates and going to class are true-to-life and witty.

To make room for the new strips, we'll be saying goodbye to four comics. One is "Boondocks," which is no longer being offered. Cartoonist Aaron McGruder seems to be more interested in his "Boondocks" TV show than his comic strip now.

The others departing are "Hagar the Horrible," "Cathy" and "Drabble." These are old friends who have served us well. But we feel it is time for fresh blood. Their last appearances will be Saturday. Also, look for our special farewell salute to them Nov. 27.

Starting Dec. 3, "Pearls," "Frazz" and "Edge City" will be joining our color comics lineup, replacing "Hagar," "Cathy" and "The Wizard of Id."

On Friday, we'll have interviews with the cartoonists who draw these new strips and tell you more about the characters.

We hope you're excited by our new strips and give them a chance. Share your thoughts with us at comics@newsobserver.com or send them to Thad Ogburn, Features Editor, The News & Observer, 215 S. McDowell St., Raleigh, NC 27601.