“Tumbleweeds” (02/15/1979)
by Tom K. Ryan (1929-)
5.5 x 18 in., ink on paper
Coppola Collection

From 1965-2007, with his clean art lines and classical, gag-a-day wit, Tom Ryan led a 42-year stint on telling the story of the denizens of Grimy Gulch (population 49), the 6 7/8 Cavalry from the nearby Fort Ridiculous, and the members of the Poohawk tribe. The Poohawk named Lotsa Luck, who stars in this episode, was my personal favorite. He was snarky before snarky was in, and for years only communicated via his ever-present note pad.