Keeping It Up With The Joneses Jab Comix ((top))

While the original 1913 comic strip by Arthur R. "Pop" Momand focused on the social anxieties of the middle class, the contemporary version by JABComix subverts these themes, replacing material competition with sexual escalation and suburban scandal. The Evolution of a Catchphrase

And frankly, if we did, we’d probably blow ourselves up, too.

The success of Keeping It Up with the Joneses by Jab Comix reflects a broader shift in how niche media is consumed: Traditional Adult Comics Jab Comix Era Physical print shops, underground zines Digital downloads, Patreon, private forums Art Style Often low-budget, black-and-white Full-color, high-gloss digital rendering Fan Interaction Minimal / Letters to the editor Direct polling, community feedback, tier rewards keeping it up with the joneses jab comix

One day, their neighbor, Alex, stumbled upon a hilarious comic book titled "Keeping it Up with the Joneses" (a play on the popular phrase, but with a comedic twist). The comic followed the misadventures of a family trying to keep up appearances, but constantly failing.

Panels from JAB's comics frequently leak into mainstream internet culture as reaction memes due to the characters' absurdly expressive faces. While the original 1913 comic strip by Arthur R

JAB COMIX's satirical commentary offers a biting critique of contemporary middle-class values, particularly the pressure to keep up appearances and the cult of materialism. Through its relatable portrayal of suburban life, the comic challenges readers to reevaluate their relationships with consumer culture and the societal expectations that govern their lives. By satirically depicting the facade of suburban perfection, JAB COMIX encourages readers to seek authenticity and meaning beyond the superficial.

Inspired by the comic, Alex decided to create his own humorous take on the Joneses' situation. He started a blog where he would draw comical comics about the Joneses' attempts to keep up with their own idealized image. The success of Keeping It Up with the

In "Keeping It Up with the Joneses," the artist leans heavily into . The panels capturing Mr. Jones’s realization that he cannot reverse the changes are masterclasses in cartoonish despair. Meanwhile, his wife, Mrs. Jones, oscillates between exasperated annoyance and reluctant curiosity, providing the straight-woman foil to the absurdity.

"Keeping Up with the Joneses" remains a powerful narrative tool. From its 1913 comic strip beginnings to its various modern adaptations in the indie comic scene, the concept continues to resonate because it reflects a universal aspect of the human experience: the desire for status and the complexities of community living. Understanding its origins in the world of comics provides valuable context for how we view social competition in media today. Share public link