Famous Funnies #5 (1934)

In a whimsical slice of life, Jo finds herself caught in a surreal day where reality bends—first as a cartoonist struggling with an overbearing editor, then navigating a dreamlike sequence of magic tricks and absurd coincidences, all while a playful, duck-obsessed romance unfolds in the back seat of a car. The story blends humor and visual gags, with Jo caught between creative frustration and the bizarre charm of everyday moments.

In a whimsical, fact-filled page from *Famous Funnies #5*, a series of odd and fascinating real-world curiosities are presented, including the massive flow of Big Spring in Missouri, the silent condor, and a record-breaking pushup feat—each one a brief, quirky snapshot of the world’s wonders, all tied together by the playful, informative tone of the *Strange As It Seems* feature.

In "The City That Was Born of a Volcano!", Jo explores the remarkable story of a Sicilian town built entirely from hardened lava flows of Mount Etna, detailing how its people and structures emerged from the volcanic landscape. The piece presents the town’s unique origins with a mix of wonder and historical curiosity, highlighting the dramatic forces that shaped its existence.

Jo and Lena Pry search frantically for a lost dollar, their growing panic underscored by the absurdity of a man insisting on a single buck for a first-row theater seat. Meanwhile, Mr. Nebbs, eager to offload a troublesome car, agrees to meet a buyer at his house, unaware of the tangled web of coincidences and miscommunications that will soon unfold.

In a series of humorous vignettes, a doctor’s waiting room becomes a stage for quirky patients, from one who’s certain his food “doesn’t set right on his stummick-like” to another who’s convinced she has every illness known to man. Each comic strip highlights a different absurd ailment or attitude, all centered around the doctor’s attempts to manage his patients’ exaggerated concerns with dry wit and mild exasperation.

In the small town of Montrose, California, mail carrier Mrs. Edith B. Miller delivers letters with quiet dedication, her route passing by the quiet graves of two women remembered for their good deeds. As she walks her rounds, she reflects on the lives of those she’s known, weaving together memories of school days, lost loves, and the quiet dignity of everyday service.

In "Easy Exercise," George attempts an elaborate morning routine in bed, performing exaggerated gymnastics that leave him dizzy and disoriented—only to be scolded by Jo for being late. The humor lies in the absurdity of his over-the-top "workout" and the deadpan reaction from his sister.