Luann: The Teens They Are a-Changin'

By Greg Evans

In this e-book original, The Teens They Are a-Changin', strips from the popular cartoon strip Luann reflect the ups and downs of being a teen-age girl. Luann’s transition into womanhood is interrupted by her friend Bernice’s unexpected makeover, which attracts the attention of every guy in school. Bernice, once jealous of Luann’s maturity, turns the tables, leaving Luann jealous of her once socially awkward friend’s newfound confidence. In an unexpected turn, the high school rumor mill churns out gossip that Luann is going to have plastic surgery, which Gunther misinterprets as brain surgery. After the rumor is expelled, Gunther, caught up in all the hubbub of appearances, dons a “manlier” look. Brad gets his head shaved at Diane’s request while Luann’s dad adjusts to his wife’s new look. Featuring funny and revealing behind-the-scenes commentary by creator, Greg Evans.


Readers of all ages love Luann, a strip about the trials of becoming a young adult. Known for its rich characters and intriguing “what will happen next” storylines, Luann enjoys a reader loyalty rare on the comic page, consistently ranking among the top five in reader surveys. Greg Evans was voted Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year in 2003 by the National Cartoonists Society, partly for his efforts in holding up Luann as a fine example of the positive power comic strips can have. “My aim is to touch readers’ hearts as well as their funny bones,” says Evans, who’s humorously touched on serious issues such as peer pressure, drugs, alcohol and young love. “Adolescence is a very funny time—except when you’re in it.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Release date: Dec 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449437657

Book preview

The Teens, They Are a-Changin'

Featuring funny and revealing behind-the-scenes commentary

by creator Greg Evans

If Luann ends up having any historical significance, it will be for this envelope-pushing sequence. A girl’s first period is inevitable, but should—could—it be dealt with in a comic strip? It’s the biggest event of a teen girl’s life, so it felt unrealistic not to address it. I spent a lot of time writing and rewriting this story because I needed the approval and support of my syndicate. And of the editors of the papers in which Luann ran.

I carefully constructed the twelve strips so that younger readers wouldn’t know what was going on. I never used the words menstruation or

Reviews for Luann

[burnit99 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An earlier Luann collection, possibly at age 15. A number of firsts here: Luann makes some progress with hunky Aaron Hill. Dorky Gunther makes some progress with Luann. Blob of a brother Brad makes some progress with Diane. Tiffany, as usual, is lurking about, demanding attention, stirring up strife. I like how this strip has matured over the years, and this collection may well be the starting point thereof.

[bookangel_a · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have a soft spot for Luann because she is so relatable! I mean, who didn't want to be more popular in school, have a crush on a popular person who didn't notice you, or felt self-conscious about how they look? Luann faces all those issues with a vulnerability that is heartwarming.

[Aliyah Brooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So funny and quirky! Definitely read it, you’ll love it!!!