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Since enduring the horrors of war isn't exactly "wacky," Beetle is a member of the only infantry unit to never leave basic training. It's not exactly exploring new ground by trying to find humor amidst violence and tragedy -- it's just a constant rehashing of old gags with Army life as little more than a novel backdrop. Though credit should be given: Beetle Bailey is, to this day, the only comic strip based on the complete and permanent destruction of a child's dreams for a better life.

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Aside from Family Circus, of course.

Anthony Scibelli is a handsome stand-up comedian and comedy writer. You can find him at his blog, There's No Success Like Failure. Brian Daniel does a webcomic called Shifter.

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For more insane origin stories, check out 5 Classic Board Games With Disturbing Origin Stories and 7 Shockingly Dark Origins of Lovable Children's Characters.

And stop by Linkstorm to see what Swaim looked like before he was repackaged as a hip funny man.

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