Last Chance to get a Repli-Pet

The Midtoon Herald, February 27, 2009

Repli-Pet, a company that specializes in breeding famous pet look-alikes, announced this afternoon that they will retire their pets from the market after a series of copyright violation cases.

"The cases are still open," said Michael Boll, a Geneticist-turned-lawyer from Repli-Pets. "We think there is a fair chance that we may prevail, but legal costs are astronomical and ate too much into our profits."

Repli-pets did not want to specify which company or companies are involved in the alleged copyright Infringement, but sources indicated that some of them include an animation studio, a comic strip syndicate, a dog with experience in management, a lazy cat and a hot-tempered duck.

At least 732 famous pets look-alikes are sold under the Repli-Pet brand in 45 countries. will now have a last chance to obtain the remnants of Repli-Pet's inventory. Overstock of pets will be sent to rescue centers in France.

"This is a beautiful humanitarian gesture," said the Mayor, in a pre-written statement. "Now kids all over the world will be able to own a piece of American art. This will bring good will to our nation, for who would not be happy to obtain a replica of Mickey Mouse, Roger Rabbit, Batman or Speedy Gonzalez?"

This reporter already ordered repli-Pets of Itchy and Scratchy

Disassociated Press

WX-Station Video Games sales tank

The Midtoon Herald, February 25, 2009

Zany Computer Games of America, a subsidiary of Killtendosoft LTD. announced today that the sales of their video game console, the WX-Station have been lower than expected for this quarter and that their Chief Executive Officer, Roland McDouglas will not have his multi-million dollar contract extended for another season.

"With announcements like that, it is a wonder he has kept his job as long as he has," said Jane Miller, an accountant who also works at City Hall. "These corporate CEO's have a long history of getting away with these humongous contracts even though their companies are going down the drain."

There are new laws in place in Midtoon that prohibit CEO's from getting humongous bonuses if their companies flounder. The No More Humongous Bonuses for CEO's act of 2008, specifically forbids such a practice.

Hanna Montara, a spokesperson for Zany stated that "The company is in good hands, now that the CEO has been, well, discontinued, and we are confident that we will come out of this process a stronger and better company."

The company did not announce how many jobs will be lost during This process. Hopefully it will only be the CEO, Right?

Disassociated Press

Midtoon Mayor to Build New Roads

The Midtoon Herald, February 23, 2009

In what seems an attempt to create new jobs by building infrastructure, the Mayor of Midtoon announced today that there will be major improvements to Hill Road, Lover's Lane and Lovelost Avenue.

Hill Road will be transformed into a four-Lane boulevard and both Lover's Lane and Lovelost Avenue will be repaved and new signage will be installed.

"We need new signs to tell people where to go and skaters where NOT to go," said Mayor's Advisor John Campos. "This improvements will create many jobs for our city, from road pavement crews, to security forces to keep teenagers out of Lover's Lane. The Mayor of Midtoon is working for the good of the people,"

These announcements were made in the wake of polls that showed that the residents of Midtoon were inclined to fire all the politicians. Later Today, the managers of Midtoon General Hospital announced that a new wing has been authorized to be built. This wing had been in the works for a couple of years, but the hospital had not been able to secure the loans needed for construction.

"The City is guaranteeing our loan," said Dr. Charles Grey, a representative of the medical community. "With this loan, we will begin construction soon."

It seems that the voters of Midtoon have more power than they realize, and the powers that be have listened. It is still to be seen the effect that these new infrastructure projects will have on the economic situation of the city, and some citizens worry that the projects will get Midtoon deeper into debt.

This reporter doesn't know how to solve the problem. Do you?

Disassociated Press

Voters Baffled by Economic Options

The Midtoon Herald, February 20, 2009

For the first time since Midtoon's inception, few voters are participating in this week's poll. We took to the street and asked some residents what reasons could be behind the marked reduction in participation.

"Midtoon sucks," said Mario, a teenager from Midtoon High, who says he is Erik's best friend. "Look, let's be honest about it. They got it all wrong. Erik is not a suitable main character for this strip. I am."

When asked why, if he is Erik's best friend, he has yet to appear on the strip, he simply said that "Maybe Erik is waiting to introduce me at the right time, or perhaps he is afraid I will take the spotlight from him."

Whatever the reason, it doesn't seem like Mario will be making an appearance any time soon, so we better get to the matter at hand.

"The people are burned out by this economic crisis," said Ann Lovely, and elementary school teacher. "They read comic strips to escape their harsh reality, at least for a few seconds. If the strip reminds them of their life problems, then it is not a real escape. What they have to do is make it less real."

Not everyone agreed with Ms. Lovely, though. Hashish Malik, an employee of City Hall, said that "If the story is not real, it does not resonate with the readers. The readers need to identify themselves with the characters, or they will go watch a movie or something instead of spending their precious time reading the strip. What they have to do is make it more realistic."

We took the liberty of presenting the suggestions to John Campos, who assured us that they will follow them. When asked which one they would follow, he responded "both of them. I do not see any contradiction in making the strip less realistic while making it more realistic. You see? It is so logical that it would make no sense to take time to explain it."

This reporter is also baffled... What do you think?

Disassociated Press

Multiple Midtoon Shirts

The Midtoon Herald, February 18, 2009

How many Midtoon T-Shirts can a man have?

That is the question thousands of Midtoon subscribers are asking themselves these days. Well, maybe not 'thousands' yet, but you all get the idea.

The issue arises from the multiplicity of Midtoon T-Shirts that John Campos seems to have. We saw him wearing a yellow one January 26 and 30. On January 28 we saw him before he changed out of his work clothes, but on February 13, we saw him wearing a Green one with the initials M.T. (For Mid-Toon) in red. This morning, he was seen wearing a khaki T-Shirt with the word 'Midtoon' on it.

"Comic strip characters are supposed to wear the same clothes all the time", said one neighbor who did not want to be named. "It is to make it easy to the readers to recognize them. Mr. Campos is not following the rules".

Another person complained on the same lines and added that "Mabel and the children always wear the same clothes. Who does he think he is to be changing clothes every other day?"

Mr. Campos himself told this reporter via telephone that contrary to your usual comic strip character, he has a "strong body odor, and he cannot be wearing the same shirt forever." He denied accusations that he has been depriving his family of proper clothing while he indulges in purchasing Midtoon T-Shirts.

Mr. Neftali Rivera, Executive Producer of Midtoon, when asked if the continued use of Midtoon T-Shirts by John was an attempt to sell the same products online, scratched his bald head and said "That may be a good idea..."

If Midtoon.com starts selling t-Shirts, this reporter will ask for a commission...

Disassociated Press

The Mayor to close Lover's Lane

The Midtoon Herald, February 16,

In a meeting this morning, the Mayor presented a proposal to close Lover's Lane.

This is the third time in three years that a similar project is presented after Valentine's Day. The Committee of Citizens for the closure of Lover's Lane usually protest during the Valentine's Day festivities, because of the large number of people who go to the high lookout place afterwards.

"We always have accidents", said Eleanor Smithers, spokesperson for the Committee. "This year, three separate car accidents resulted from the drivers going to and from Lover's Lane."

The accidents included the man whose proposal was rejected, the man whose proposal was accepted and the man whose girlfriend accepted his best friend's proposal. The Chief of police confirmed that the three accidents do not seem to be related. "It is proposal nigh, after all," he declared. "There are more chances of having a proposal-related incident on Valentine's day than in any other day of the year."

Yesterday morning, the Mayor of Midtoon City was considering the establishment of a special commission to study the risk incurred when driving to and from Lover's Lane. "The City will do all within its power," said John Campos, an advisor to the Mayor, in a press release. "We will not rest until every Midtooner is safe. If we have to close Lover's lane, we will"

The Consortium for the Preservation of Lover's Lane, immediately issued a threat letter to the Mayor stating that "If the city persists in trying to close our favorite hanging out spot," they declared. "We will be forced to find another spot, and they will not like it."

Sounds like a credible threat to me...

Disassociated Press

Valentine's Day Dance Tomorrow in Midtoon

The Midtoon Herald, February 13, 2009

The only good news around Midtoon today is the celebration tomorrow of the Traditional Valentine's Dance in the L L Theatre at Lovelost Avenue. This dance has been taken place since the L L Theatre opened in 1969.

"I would love to go," said Jennifer Rhodes. "I just don't have a partner, and I find it very hard to dance with myself."

"We are going, definitely," said Mabel Campos. "If John doesn't take me, I may ask Erik and Javier to be my partners."

"We'll be there," said Reyna Marikit. "My daughter Anita will take care of the store."

At least for a day, Midtooners get to forget the economic crisis.

Disassociated Press

Nine-2-Five may close it's doors

The Midtoon Herald, February 11, 2009

It's Confirmed. The economic turmoil the country finds itself in has reached Midtoon Main St. In an aside with the press, Reyna Marikit announced that the business is failing. "If it was not for my husband's side job, we would be closed already," said the proprietor. "Since we had to let go our three employees, Even my daughter Anita is working the store after school."

Lorenzo Gaitan, the husband of Reyna, runs 'Gaitan Greens', a vegetable delivery service around the Centerville greater area. He could not be reached for comment.

"The Nine-2-Five is an institution," said a police officer stopping for a 'Soft & Mellow' the house-brand of donuts the store sells. "Where else can Midtooners find these donuts and the giant Frosted Drinks?"

Oh! Brain Freeze!

Disassociated Press

Vandals break water fountain

The Midtoon Herald, February 9, 2009

In what has to be categorized as one of the worst acts of vandalism is the last 10 years, an unknown group has destroyed the Liberty Fountain in Central Square.
"This is an outrage," said the Mayor, describing the incident. "we don't know who did this, but I have instructed the police to crush these vandals with all the weight of the law."
Some observers expressed the opinion that the vandals are protesting for the Mayor's early support of the war, but some contend that it is more of an unemployment issue. Recent news that unemployment levels have climbed once again, have much of the population of Midtoon tense and jittery .
"It doesn't matter if you are going through a hard time," said a police officer while carrying a huge roll of yellow tape and a towel. "There are ways to express your opinion or get help that do not involve the defacing of public property."
Sources in City Hall have confirmed that the vandals that destroyed the fountain may be the same ones that painted a moustache on the City Hall's painting of the Mayor last month.
That was a funny moustache, though...

Disassociated Press

Viotex Requesting Bailout $

The MIDTOON HERALD, February 5, 2009

Biotechnology giant Viotex Corporation entered a plea to the City of Midtoon requesting money to pay the creditors, a spokesperson for the company said today. "We cannot survive another quarter without some influx of money", said the spokesperson, clearly affected by the news. "We have done all we can, including giving our senior executives the highest bonuses in the market, but the economic climate is just not there".

According to some animal rights groups, Viotex Corporation has been recently working in a secret project involving the cloning of animals, but the organization has not been able to obtain evidence. Cloning is not allowed in Midtoon as per Ordinance 312-23 L, subsection H-23 passed in 1996 right after a movie where Michael Keaton cloned himself. Eager to stop the possibility of being invaded by a multiplicity of Mr. Keatons, Voters elected to make cloning illegal.

The Company has not admitted or denied the charges, but has brought cloning twice to the courts, in what seems an attempt to justify their secret project. Gary Gordon, Executive Vice President of Secret Projects told us in a telephone interview that "Viotex Corporation is not working in any illegal projects here in Midtoon, and if we were, we obviously would not tell you".

Smart move, Mr. Gordon, but we will eventually get you...

Disassociated Press

Early results “not satisfactory”, says Erik Campos, but Midtoon to abide by the will of the people.

With a strong show of emotion, Erik Campos, creator and main character of the Midtoon comic strip confided to this reporter that he is “disappointed with the early results of this week’s poll.”

As of this writing, Erik Campos had received no votes in the poll that would help decide which character will be followed in the next story arc. “I know people may want to see someone else,” he said. “But heck, I am the main character, and zero, nada, zip!”

Erik trails his younger brother Javier, his step mother Mabel, who runs second and even an undetermined character, loosely described as ‘another character’ in the polls.

These results were characterized as ‘surprising’ and ‘unusual’ by the author, who totally believes he should be a close runner up on this poll, if not the winner. “We will be conducting an audit of the automatic voting machines used in the polls,” said John Campos, who shares with Erik the dubious honor of being at the bottom of the list. “We will not rest until we get to the bottom of this.”

The Executive Producer of Midtoon, Neftali Rivera said in a press release that “even though Erik may be frustrated, we do not have any reason to suspect electoral fraud.” Rivera later added that “The polls are still open and the results are not yet final, but we assure you that after the people of Midtoon express their opinion with their votes, we will abide with it. This is one of the most important tenets of democracy, and we stand committed to respect the will of the people.”

Midtoon.com completes it's first month!

Midtoon's Executive producer, Neftali Rivera, Jumped with joy when his comic strip, Midtoon, completed its first full month.

"I am happier than a dog with two tails," said the producer. "I have always wanted to be a cartoonist and now I have been one for a month! I can barely contain myself!"

Other members of the cast were happy as well. Erik Campos, the main character was not available, because he was grounded due to the issue with the telescope.

We want to thank all our readers and supporters. We hope to keep bringing Midtoon to you for many more months to come.

A Special Edition comic strip, only available to subscribers will be made to commemorate the 1-month of Midtoon. If you are following the strip, but have not subscribed, there is still time to do so for free.

Come, join the people of Midtoon, the first democracy in the world of Comic Strips.