Judge, 1930-02-15 · page 8 of 36
Judge — February 15, 1930 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "The Worm That Turned" by Scott Brown This comic strip depicts an office employee's revenge fantasy. A long-suffering, mild-mannered worker (Little Jones) endures years of being overlooked and imposed upon by colleagues who take advantage of his good nature. The narrative shows Jones planning an elaborate prank: he sneaks out during lunch, goes to a side street, and appears to commit suicide by jumping from a tree. His coworkers discover his apparent body. The satire mocks both the exploited employee and his callous coworkers. The "worm" (Jones) finally "turns"—turning tables through an elaborate hoax meant to shock those who never appreciated him. It's a darkly humorous commentary on workplace dynamics and the resentment built through years of being taken for granted, culminating in a revenge fantasy.
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The Worm That Turned F« many years he had been a trusted employee of the company. At various times his advice on various matters had been asked for by his su- periors. And now here he sat, hunched closely over his desk, which was lit- tered high with work piled upon him by other members of the office who were continually imposing upon his generosity and good-nature. At this ti to all outw: he seemed his norr body would have thought that poor little Jones had his mind on anything but the work that was confronting him. Had they been able to read his nts, they would have been in an Yes, this bunch of fools in mpany were due for a shock. show them. Ha, no nerve, ha; y didn’t even know half of it. They didn’t know that for weeks he had spent sleepless nights in his little hall bedroom scheming and planning such an act. No, they didn’t think he had enough nerve and wasn't the type to do such things. ‘Those were points in his favor. He'd never be placed under suspicion. They didn’t think he had the nerve. Ha, | well, it wouldn't be long now. Tomorrow at this time everybody would be talking and won- dering about it, and he'd be sitting here at his desk nothing and asking nothing. The noon hour ar- rived. It was time to put his plan in action. Jones brushed his worn over- coat and started for the little restau- rant around the corner where he had for years spent his lunch hour. To- ked right past his favorite ; After going for several blocks, he came to a narrow, crooked little side street, into which he turned. He continued until coming to what had the outward appearances of a shop. He stopped, glanced quickly around y darted inside. After a ume out, a frightened expression on his face that gradually gave way to one of leering craftiness. Well, now, it was all over. After months of planning, it was finally done, and he was safe. Nothing to do now but sit quiet and wait for the gen- eral alarm that was sure to be spread tomorrow. Little Jones plodded back to the office and returned to his lit- tered desk. And they didn’t think he had the nerve. This company was going to get the surprise of their his- tory tomorrow when everybody, from the president to the office boy, opens and reads the comic valentines he had just mailed them. —Scott Brown comicbooks.com