So, did you ever wonder what Ned’s parents were like? Well, if that’s a yes, you’re in for a hell of a time. Jump it!

I’ve been reading these comics for a few months now, and one thing has been prevalent. These are the stories that I wouldn’t mind watching in the Simpsons. For instance, we get some really good interaction between two polar opposites of the Flanders clan, Ned, and Ned.

Spoilers Ahead!

Bart and Homer are looking to spend quality time by pranking Ned. Little do they know, that Papa Flanders is over. You know how Ned is a Bible thumper, correct? Well, Papa Flanders is a Beatnik hipster! I am not an avid watcher of the show, so this took me by total surprise. Well, the two polar opposites don’t get along very well, and Ned’s parents are about to leave. Marge then makes the save, allowing them to stay at the Simpson’s residence. The entire family bonds with the elder Flanders, except for Marge, who feels left out. She sees her only course of action is to become a beatnik. Meanwhile, Beatnik Flanders went to the school to find Rod and Todd. Ned Sr. insults Skinner, on their way to finding Edna outside for recess. After talking about the merits of homeschooling,they leave. Bart has a rather rare moment of kindness, and inspires Edna to help fix Ned’s relationship with his mom and dad. Marge tries to talk to Lisa again, but she tricks Marge into getting back to normal by handing her a hipster novel. A little while later, Edna gets Nedsel and Agnes back to the Flanders residence, and “accidentally” knocks over a pile of pictures from when the whole family was happy together.

I don’t know why, but a lot of the comedy series are taking a bit more serious stories lately. I’m glad that it isn’t all comedy, and sometimes you need a more serious story. I liked how Edna was the glue that got all of the Flanders back on the same page, because you wouldn’t think it’d happen. Also, the last time I saw the show, Edna was banging Skinner. So, all of these are new to me. And again, Ned’s parents are hipsters? I’m glad that they went into  more detail about them, because from the research, there wasn’t much said on the show. I say this time and again, but the Simpsons line of comics is worth the read with almost every episode. All of these issues, especially the main line, could be actual episodes.

Overall: 8/10