2012 ยท The characters Arlo and Janis have played the parts of mermaids, squirrels, alligators and grasshoppers over the years, all while exploring the unexaggerated human condition and managing to become, with their son Gene, perhaps the most believable family in the funny pages. Comics: Arlo & Janis - The Boston Globe. Arlo & Janis Jimmy Johnson Big Nate Lincoln Peirce Bizzaro Dan Piraro Cornered Baldwin Cul De Sac Richard Thompson Curtis Ray Billingsley Doonesbury Garry Trudeau Dustin Steve Kelley & Jeff.