Ned Tanner
Lynn has always had a bit of a rebellious streak ever since she was small. When she started working with her syndicate, she was told there were strict rules that she needed to abide by when it came to publishing work in the newspapers; things like, no foul language, no inappropriate storylines, and, of course, no nudity! The rules were simple and they certainly made sense, however, that didn’t stop Lynn from wanting to break them a little.
It took some time, but Lynn is very proud to say that she was able to publish “a butt crack” in the newspapers via the character Ned. Ned holds a very special place in Lynn’s heart. In fact, he might just be her favourite “character.” So much so that Lynn had him mass-produced as a suction cup window cling for car widows. Sadly, he has since sold out.
When there was no response from the syndicate or the fans about Ned and his nudity, Lynn had him make a number of cameo appearances in the strip as a decoration in Mike and Weed's university apartment.
The Ned Strips:
Ned made his For Better or For Worse® debut in 1997 hanging in the window of Michael and Weed's apartment. That's him in the first panel of this strip from January 29, 1997.
Ned Reappears:
One of the more prominent strips in which Ned appears, from April 09, 1999, shows just how important Ned has become to the success of the For Better or For Worse® comic strip. In all these years, not one editor noticed the nefarious "nude."
Bone of Contention:
In March of 2000, when Michael and Weed are getting prepared to move to separate apartments, Ned became the center of controversy.
On March 25th, 2000, the battle for Ned is resolved. Weed will keep the notable nude for a while.
Michael was content to leave Ned in Weed's care until July 14th, 2004, when it is discovered that Weed has given Ned away to his new girlfriend.
The custody battle continues on July 15th, 2004.
Finally, the battle over Ned's ownership is resolved on the 26th of July, 2004.
Lynn's love for Ned is clear on July 27th, 2004, as she manages to make him a hero.
Ned makes a foray into stunt work on the 31st of July, 2004.
