This is one of those classic BD's that I didn't have much access to as a kid, which is too bad because it seems to speak to the kid in all of us. So then, I'll let Lambiek do most of the talking:
André Franquin's first experiences with gag strips led to the creation of his iconic Gaston Lagaffe character. Drawn like an American beatnik, the character initially created havoc in the magazine's editorial sections. In Spirou #985, 1957, Gaston simply appeared in the pages without any title or explanation. After a few weeks of puzzling readers, Spirou and Fantasio finally noticed the lanky weirdo with his trademark green pullover sweater and casually dangling cigarette. When Spirou finally asked him who he was, Gaston only mumbled that he was sent there to work, but didn't know by whom or why.
XD
"That? It's a pedal bin with a completely new design."
"Oh right, I remember now it has one last design flaw, what was it again?"
Is it vandalism or an improvement? :D
Although the strip ran for over 30 years, Gaston's superiors never managed to get him to do his job-- sorting the mail! Instead of just doing that, Gaston spends most of his time sleeping behind his desk.
(study for a toy figurine)
But at least when asleep he's harmless. When awake, Gaston uses his energy on culinary experiments, amateur chemistry, and crafting mad inventions, of which the extraordinary "Gaffophone" is the most notorious. Whenever the atrocious instrument is touched, windows crack and walls come down. Most of Gaston's other experiments also end in unexpected accidents, explosions or bodily harm.
Setting: the drivers above are all rightfully furious about the massive traffic jam.
"Wow, I can't believe you caused all that."
"Oh, it's just wood, cardboard, and three flashlights. It's for a store display advertisement with the theme 'red lights are costly.' Anyway, I gotta go take it back. See ya!"
For those interested in reading more, Lambiek has a massive article on Franquin, with a big section on Gaston here. As you'll surely notice, he also (currently) serves as the community's icon. ^^
