John Patterson, Human Volcano

As you know, I've mentioned John's violent temper before. The strip is littered with unfunny examples of disproportionate rage inspired by non-events. The unspoken context is that the family is as messed-up as it is because of their fear of the cruel, selfish, thin-skinned idiot tyrant with his shouting voice, demeaning words, hair-trigger temper and love of hitting people who offend him. What started out as a distorted look at the real Rod will probably be emphasized in the years to come; after all, it's not enough to make John look like an adulterer. To really give it to Rod, she has to make him look like a violent maniac.