Changes coming to the Observer-Dispatch and Times Telegram comic pages: What to know

Often, when people hear that I work for the local newspaper, the first thing they do is tell me how they read the newspaper, describing which sections they read first and why.

The older crowd likes to say they read the obituaries first — joking that it is to ensure they are not listed in the section. On a more serious note, it also is to check on friends.

Crime news closely follows the obituaries, for much the same reasoning.

This led me to think about how I read the paper, especially when I was growing up.

I would often read the comics first, then move on to the sports section, to see how my teams played, especially if I was not able to watch them on television.

I always enjoyed reading the comics section. They offered the opportunity to start the day with a laugh and helped cement my love for reading.

On Monday, Jan. 15, the Utica Observer-Dispatch and uticaod.com will roll out a fresh lineup of daily and Sunday comics. The new comic lineups are part of a relaunch across the large USA TODAY network. On Monday, Jan. 29, the Times Telegram will debut its new comics lineup. The new O-D Weekend funnies section will be delivered to readers, including Times Telegram subscribers, on Jan. 20.

Readers will find some old favorites and I am sure they also will find some new funnies. Also, given time, some of the new offerings might become favorites.

Why the changes?

The change comes after surveying and listening to loyal readers across the USA TODAY Network — of which the Observer-Dispatch and Times Telegram are a part.

As a trusted source of local news and information across the country, the USA TODAY Network continuously evaluates its content and how best to serve our audiences. This is why we have decided to refresh the comics lineup.

Also, comics have historically evolved to reflect the culture and tastes of those reading them.

What to expect daily in the comics section

The comics changes will include losing a few comics but gaining others.

The Observer-Dispatch's Monday through Saturday comics section will be losing two strips, while two strips will be added on Sundays.

Decades-old standbys, such as Blondie, Beetle Bailey and Family Circus, will remain throughout the week in both papers.

Here is the comic lineup to expect in the Observer-Dispatch Monday-Saturday: Blondie, Zits, Beetle Bailey, Family Circus, Hagar, Dennis the Menace, Garfield, Peanuts, For Better or Worse, Baby Blues and Pickels.

Sunday’s expanded lineup will include Blondie, Zits, Beetle Bailey, Family Circus, Hagar, Dennis the Menace, Garfield, Peanuts, For Better or Worse, Baby Blues and Pickels, Pearls Before Swine, Jump Start, Ziggy, Marmaduke, Non Sequitur, Crabgrass, Crankshaft, Luann, Baldo, Frank & Ernest and Born Loser.

Here is the lineup to expect in the Times Telegram Monday-Friday: Blondie, Zits, Beetle Bailey, Family Circus, Hagar, Dennis the Menace, Garfield, Peanuts, For Better or Worse, Baby Blues and Pickels.

It is also worth noting that the changes to the comics section will not affect the cost of the paper. We will be giving you more comics, at the same price you have been paying for the newspaper.

All the comics, plus many more, also are available online at uticaod.com/comics and timestelegram/comics.

Ed Harris is the Mohawk Valley and Finger Lakes Local Editor.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Observer-Dispatch and Times Telegram comics changes: What to know