Out of the Gene Pool was an American syndicated comic strip by Matt Janz that appeared daily in newspapers from December 31, 2001, to June 22, 2008.
[1] Out of the Gene Pool grew out of an earlier strip Janz had created called critters (spelled in all lowercase), where a bunch of odd-looking creatures overran a small town to the disgust of its residents.
The Washington Post Writers Group, which syndicated Out of the Gene Pool, helped Janz develop the strip into what eventually became the final product.
Andy and Jackie worked together in an office building as well as holding jobs as seasonal cashiers at "Z-Mart", a local discount chain.
Sam's roommate Zoogie, a small furry being of indeterminate species, moved with him to Middletown and tried to relive his college days, but was unable to.
Other characters included Puff Maghee, the star of the local baseball team who took massive amounts of steroids; his girlfriend Bridgett, a spoiled-brat teen pop singing sensation that called Middletown home; Blizzy, a snowman Travis built that came to life every winter but melted every spring; and Alison McDermitt, Zoogie's folk singer ex-girlfriend who reappeared on several occasions, moving to Zimbabwe following her last appearance.
On June 17 the real estate agent returned, showing the strip to Thel and Billy from The Family Circus and telling them that the panels offered them much more space than the current circle they reside in.
By the Wednesday strip of that week, Jackie had suggested to Sam that he go see "Madame Stella", a Middletown psychic, about his feelings about his own mortality.
The final line was uttered by Madame Red, who said, "We almost lasted as long as Peanuts...in dog years"; she was spotted with a suitcase and the fax machine she presumably called dibs on.