Tales of the Jackalope #1

By Robert L. Crabb

Right on the cover it relates of the Jackalope having been tamed by Bigfoot, the 2 bonding over their fear of man, and their footprints found next to each other. Fishermen and hunters having seen them, and the 1st page gives background of the first jackalope being in Wyoming, the author having interviewed men he didn't want to cross. 1 of the best known jackalope hunters being a Dan McCoy, which is learned of when his disappearance occurred and where he possibly ended up. The story starts with Junior Jackalope and Squirrel, Jr. playing banjo as Squirrel's trying to fish, and when Jr's told to stop, he switches gears into telling the history of his peeps.

It's prehistoric when a rabbit and deer got togetha. His people were many for quite some time, causing the deserts of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, until the 1800s, booze being their downfall. The jackalope which survive use their crazy speed, ability to throw their voices, and mimicry kept them from discovery. During this, Squirrel is having trouble with whatever's in the pond, dragging him in, and Jr. then asking why he fished when he wasn't carnivorous, this after he's returned to shore bound in rope, Squirrel perplexedly stating, it was a calming endeavor!

So, the 2nd story is the cover of the issue, makes sense why there's text all over it, now. Jr's with Beaver/Squirrel, and he's on a rant when Jr. gets whacked, Squirrel thinking it's a hunter and planning to kill himself 1st. Then Jr. gets up with his eyes covered in what looks like blood, but is paint, and the shooter coming out and apologizing, also advising they leave, but Jr. declaring this fella had some balls telling him where to go in his home, but as Squirrel tries to biff off, he's met by fools with guns, so they march them to 1 of the group's dad. Jr. and Squirrel get locked up and are met by the Colonel to explain why his boot camp was doing good work, for the kids of the future, and training young.

He also reveals his dream to open more, like Target, but then John Wayne Kiljoy, the paint shooter saves them, and Colonel decides to go back to splitting wood with his gun. The 2 part way with Kiljoy after he tells why he was returning to his crazy pop, and the 2 debate going into the deep woods or to Palm Beach for the big nuts full of milk, Jr. bartering if it's beer, he's in! It ending with a description of the Sabretooth Jackalope. Adorable start, definitely not a deep story, very vignette funny spot comedy, and no sign of the alluring Bigfoot yet, either!