The Dark Humorous Twist on "The Tortoise and the Hare" by Bill Boles

In a delightfully dark and humorous rendition of the classic fable "The Tortoise and the Hare," artist Bill Boles takes a modern twist that has captivated audiences on social media, especially Instagram under his handle @bill.boles. The six-panel comic strip not only retells the story but adds a layer of satire and depth that provokes thought and laughter in equal measure.

**Panel 1**:

The race begins with the hare speeding ahead, confident of its victory, while the tortoise trudges along slowly but surely. The clear sky and grassy fields set a perfect backdrop for this age-old competition. "Slow & steady wins the race, Mr. Hare!" reads the text, foreshadowing the comic's twist.

**Panel 2**:

In a triumphant moment, the hare crosses the finish line first, basking in the glory of a bright sunny day. The scene is joyful, with various animals like a yellow duck, a purple bird, and a green frog cheering on. The hare holds up a #1 trophy, reveling in its victory.

**Panel 3**:

Time passes, and the hare is now older, using a cane and holding a feather duster next to another #1 trophy. Sporting glasses and a satisfied smile, the hare appears to be reminiscing about its past victories.

**Panel 4**:

Further illustrating the passage of time, the hare is now much older, hunched over and cleaning the same trophy. The weariness of years is evident, adding a somber tone to the comic.

**Panel 5**:

A poignant moment shows the hare lying in bed, frail and covered with a blanket. The tortoise slowly enters the room, creating a touching scene of old rivals turned companions. A framed picture of the tortoise and hare together rests on a bedside table. The text reads, "Slow & steady, Mr. Hare," bringing the story full circle.

**Panel 6**:

In a moving conclusion, the tortoise, now with another turtle, proudly displays three #1 trophies. "This one took me 10 years to win," the text reads, celebrating the virtues of persistence and steady effort. The comic is credited to @bill.boles, marking a memorable piece of storytelling.

Bill Boles' comic has sparked a range of reactions. Some find the dark humor intriguing, while others appreciate the deeper message about life's journey. Comments on Reddit range from "Damn, that’s dark" to "Great stuff - you should make a dark humor children’s book in this style." Some even suggest the comic could be narrated by Michael Caine, adding a layer of British charm to the storytelling.

The comic also draws comparisons to other dark humor works like Cyanide and Happiness and Perry Bible Fellowship comics, with one commenter noting, "Reminds me of the old Cyanide and Happiness episode."

The updated version of "The Tortoise and the Hare" by Bill Boles is a masterful blend of humor, satire, and poignant life lessons. It reminds everyone that while speed may bring early victories, persistence and steadiness lead to lasting success.