He blusters and grumbles. He rants and raves. He tries to outgun the school kids chasing after the bus on his route. But in his heart, Ed Crankshaft has a decent streak a mile wide. Patiently explaining death to his grandson Max. Comforting his friend Ralph as Ralph''s wife descends into Alzheimer''s. Thrusting flowers and candy at his son-in-law on a nearly forgotten wedding anniversary. The star of the hit comic strip Crankshaft is a gentle soul stuck in a cantankerous mood.With a supporting cast that includes Ed''s two daughters, Chris and Pam; Pam''s husband, Jeff; and their kids, Max and Mindy, Crankshaft appeals to families everywhere who steadfastly deal with intergenerational cares and conflicts. As one critic said: "Crankshaft is a witty, thoughtful commentary on the trials and tribulations of today''s senior citizens." But, of course, Crankshaft is so much more. The strip''s approach to Alzheimer''s generated countless letters and e-mails, as did Crankshaft''s near-death illness. Hilarious and clever, honest and moving, Crankshaft both keeps readers laughing at the curmudgeon''s pranks and pondering life''s real meaning in this collection, Your Favorite...Crab Cakes! It''s a balancing act that''s rarely attempted in the comics—and with Crankshaft, it works admirably.
