Judge, 1916-12-30 · page 7 of 29
Judge — December 30, 1916 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a satirical sequence about a smooth-talking con artist or salesman ("Slickerman the Agent") who preys on Death himself—represented as the Grim Reaper carrying his traditional scythe and hourglass. The joke relies on Death being treated as an ordinary customer. Slickerman uses high-pressure sales tactics to convince Death that his tools are "outdated" and unfashionable, replacing them with modern consumer goods: a pocket knife instead of a scythe, a pocket watch instead of an hourglass, then fashionable clothing, a silk hat, patent leather shoes, and a haircut. The satire mocks both aggressive salesmanship tactics of the era and consumer culture's promise that buying new products will transform you. By the final panel, Death has been thoroughly modernized and civilized—rendered harmless through consumerism. The title's dark humor suggests that even Death's time has come to be "updated" by relentless American capitalism.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Great Reaper—This fellow's time has come! This timepiece of yours is a bit unreliable and antiquated. Now I have here just the thing you need in your business. Steady, accurate— won't lose a minute in 100 years, etc., etc. Slickerman the Agent—Delighted to see you, old top! Come right in and sit down; this is indeed a pleasure. Your cutlery is entirely passé. Scythes are not being worn; throw it away; let me show you this nifty little pearl handled pocket knife. You can’t afford, etc., etc. Why..you're getting younger and better looking every day. Have a good cigar and make yourself comfortable; nice weather. q Lom = And great heavens, man — don’t you realize how frightfully unfashionable your clothes are? Just come with me—I_ know a nearby tailor, There, that’s a big improvement. Perfect fit. Now with a silk hat and a pair of patent leather shoes you'll be able to get into the best families. Tony, this is a very particular friend of mine. I want you to give him special atten- tion and fix him up in your best tonsorial style. Never mind his protests. Well, 1 declare, you look like quite a young chap. Good-bye, old top, glad to have seen you. Any little thing I can do for you, just let me know. comicbooks.com