The New 60 Comic: Why Bats Are Cool and Beneficial for Your Backyard

Bats are often misunderstood creatures, but a delightful comic from "The New 60" series by Andy Landorf and John Colquhoun sheds light on why these nocturnal mammals are both cool and beneficial. The four-panel comic offers an entertaining yet informative look at a family constructing a bat house and discussing the advantages of having bats around.

**Panel 1:**

The scene opens with a mother walking into a room to find a man, likely her husband, and their son working on a project. The man, sporting a green hat and a beard, is wielding a drill while the boy, wearing a baseball cap, assists him. Puzzled, the mother asks, "What are you guys doing?" The boy enthusiastically responds, "Building a bat house."

**Panel 2:**

Surprised, the mother questions, "A BAT HOUSE?! Why would you want to attract bats?" The man and the boy momentarily pause their work, surrounded by wooden pieces and a hammer, to address her curiosity. The URL "www.thenew60comic.com" is subtly placed at the bottom right of this panel.

**Panel 3:**

The narrative unfolds as the man explains, “The average bat eats 8000 mosquitos in a single night.” This piece of information leaves the mother looking thoughtful, clearly reconsidering her initial skepticism.

**Panel 4:**

The boy adds a simple yet compelling argument, “Plus, bats are cool.” Convinced by the logic and enthusiasm, the mother shrugs and says, “Yeah, bats are cool, Mom.” The man continues his work with a smile, encapsulating a supportive and amicable family atmosphere.

The comic, credited to ©2023 Andy Landorf and John Colquhoun, effectively highlights the practical benefits of bats. Not only do they consume a staggering number of mosquitos, but they also contribute to the ecosystem in various ways. For instance, bat guano is an excellent fertilizer and can even be used to make gunpowder.

However, it's essential to place bat houses away from living areas due to the strong ammonia smell of guano and the potential for bats to carry rabies. Despite these concerns, many people find bats fascinating and even "super cute," as one commenter put it.

For those inspired to build their own bat house, instructional videos are readily available online. Whether for pest control or simply to enjoy watching these remarkable creatures hunt in the late summer nights, constructing a bat house could be a rewarding project for any family.

The comic not only entertains but also educates readers about the myriad benefits of bats, reinforcing the idea that, indeed, "bats are cool."