History ComicStrip / ShermansLagoon

--> '''Fillmore:''' [[IncrediblyLamePun The Yeastie Boys]]?

* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: One strip has Sherman wishing that they lived in a snowy place, where they could all have a fun snowball fight. Hawthorne then throws a rock painted white at him.

-->'''Sherman:''' Wish granted.
-->'''Hawthorne:''' When making a wish, be more specific.
-->'''Sherman:''' Noted.

* PandaIngToTheAudience: [[https://web.archive.org/web/20180302141149/http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/april-24-2010/ In China]], Hawthorne meets a panda bear friend of Thornton's named Shawn Mao.

* SomebodyElsesProblem:
** When the lagoon residents are being tormented by a dive-bombing pelican, two fish called the "Pelican Busters" eliminate the problem by luring him to another lagoon where he won't be bothering them. Fillmore then says, "So, you didn't really eliminate our problem, you just made it somebody else's."
** The conclusion to a story arc about an oil company preparing to drill for oil in the lagoon has Fillmore inform the others that they've decided against it.
-->'''Sherman, Hawthorne, Megan, and Ernest:''' WE WIN! WE WIN! WE WIN! WE WIN!
-->'''Fillmore:''' But they're moving just a few miles to another lagoon.
-->''({{Beat}})''
-->'''Sherman, Hawthorne, Megan, and Ernest:''' SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM! SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM!
-->''(Fillmore does a {{Facepalm}})''

* EenieMeenieMinyMoai: Kahuna.

* EverythingsBetterWithPenguins: When Sherman and Ernest go to the South Pole, they encounter penguins. One of them attempts to fly... [[EpicFail and ends up injuring himself]].

%% * GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the future, please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.

* SeldomSeenSpecies: Several obscure animals such as manatees and box jellyfish appear in the series. In fact, [[SeldomSeenSpecies/ShermansLagoon it has its own page]].

* FiveManBand:
** TheHero: Sherman
** TheLancer: Either Hawthorne or Fillmore
** TheBigGuy: Thornton
** TheSmartGuy: Ernest
** TheChick: Megan
** TheMentor: Kahuna

* EverythingsBetterWithMonkeys: One storyline has Sherman having Kahuna turn him into a monkey so that he can spend some time among the monkeys that live on the island. The monkeys, as it turns out, are planning a revolt against the humans running the island, but Hawthorne saves the day by distracting them with a Literature/CuriousGeorge film festival.

* GettingCrapPastTheRadar:
** A strip in the early 2000s had Sherman say "slut".
** One story arc involves the characters being embarrassed by a mermaid who doesn't wear a top. Hawthorne even suggests taking pictures of her [[TheInternetIsForPorn and putting them online]].
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/june-15-2002/ This strip]] has Sherman take up the "flark" - which is a flute made for sharks. He also got a songbook from his its school of music, which is called...
-->'''Fillmore:''' Flark U.?
-->'''Hawthorne:''' Hey! Watch your language! This ain't cable!

** Sherman and Ernest [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/may-27-2003/ also meet]] a friendly grizzly bear named Gary while in Alaska. He owns an outhouse, which according to Sherman answers that old question.

* BlandNameProduct: Usually averted, but in [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/march-10-2019/ one strip]], Sherman goes to the Horizon store - a clear parody of Verizon and its stores - to get his smartphone fixed.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-15-2004/ Sherman's family has a recessive flounder gene]], which results in Herman's eyes briefly shifting to one side of his head. [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-21-2004/ Fortunately, eventually he returns to normal... well, aside from the sudden appearance of a lizard tail]].
** During a storyline in which a flock of sheep arrives on the island on a cargo ship, Sherman eats so many sheep that [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/february-9-2005/ he starts developing wool]] - and bleating, too, by the way.

* BoundAndGagged: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/may-9-2007/ Sherman and Fillmore do this to Hawthorne]] in order to make him go to anger management therapy.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-3-2007/ Once]], Sherman tries to tag along on a trip Hawthorne is taking because "the readers expect it." Hawthorne replies, "The READERS? What have they ever done for ME?"

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/september-7-2010/ One strip has Ernest telling Sherman]] that he wants to go to the North Pole. Sherman protests, as it's A) cold up there and B) a long swim, then says, "Can't we just all wear parkas and SAY we're in the North Pole? This is a comic strip."
** In [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/may-26-2008/ one strip]], while Sherman and Ernest are in Hawaii, Ernest informs Sherman that nearby there is an abundance of sunken ships. Then we get this exchange:

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/september-16-2008/ One storyline begins]] with Ernest telling Sherman that someone on the internet claims to have spotted Triton. Sherman's response is, "The mythological Greek god? Son of Poseidon and Amphitrite?" When Ernest asks him how he knew that so fast, Sherman replies, "It speeds the story along."
*** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/september-27-2008/ And after Sherman and Ernest pay Triton a visit]], Sherman tells Fillmore that the Greek gods are real and that he saw one. Fillmore then says, "You did? Right here in this comic strip?", to which Sherman says, "Are you mocking me? Don't mock me."
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-2-2010/ When the characters go to the Gulf of Mexico to help clean up the oil spill]], Fillmore informs the others that if you're a cartoon character, you can just click your heels and be there. Then Sherman, Megan and Fillmore notice that they don't have heels. Fillmore says, "Better start swimming."
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/april-12-2011/ Here]], Hawthorne is the captain of the characters' paintball platoon. After giving his teammates a pep-talk, Sherman asks when Hawthorne became the captain. Hawthorne's response is, "Panel One. Pay attention."
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/march-10-2012/ After Hawthorne is arrested]], Fillmore suggests that they break him out. Sherman then says, "But wouldn't they just come here and arrest him again?" Fillmore's response is, "It doesn't work that way." To which Sherman responds, "In general, or just in comics?"

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/december-31-1999/ "Has anybody checked whether this comic strip is Y2K compliant?"]]
** "[[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-22-2000/And no fictional humans were harmed in the making of this strip.]]"
** One storyline has the lagoon get invited to the Underwater Winter Olympics. [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/february-19-2014/ Hawthorne explains to Fillmore]] that they take place on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge - the longest mountain range in the world, and it just happens to be underwater. Then we get this exchange:

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/november-10-2014/ One strip]] has Sherman's son Herman asking him for help with a math problem. Sherman agrees, and then we get two {{Beat}} panels of Sherman attempting to figure out the problem.

--> '''Sherman:''' This is going to run into tomorrow's comic strip.
*** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/november-11-2014/ And it does!]]
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/march-4-2015/ After Sherman talks smack about cartoonists, Fillmore informs him that drawing a comic strip has its unique perks]]. For example, they have complete control over an imaginary world.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/march-6-2015/ This strip]] has Sherman commenting that the cartoonist on the beach that he was criticizing before doesn't take shortcuts, unlike "some cartoonists we know." He doesn't even bother drawing their lower halves, which Sherman reveals.
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/may-27-2015/ Sherman asks if he can be in Hawthorne's animated movie]]. Hawthorne replies that it's an ANIMATED movie. To which Sherman responds, "But I'm already a comic strip character."
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/april-1-2016/ In this strip]], Hawthorne claims that Sherman is out of shape. Sherman denies it.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/october-14-2016/ Here]], Fillmore tells Hawthorne that he wants to open a restaurant, then asks how he's going to secure a loan, get permits and all that. Hawthorne's response? "Follow me to the next panel."
--> ''The fourth panel reveals that Hawthorne has opened up a business called "LOANS, PERMITS AND ALL THAT"''

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/march-1-2017/ Hawthorne and Ernest find a "deepflight personal submarine"]]. Hawthorne suggests that they take it for a spin, to which Ernest replies, "You don't think it has a high-tech security system?" Hawthorne's response is, "Not in a comic strip."

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-4-2017/ Fillmore asks Hawthorne if he reads his blog]]. Hawthorne replies by stalling until they run out of panels.
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/january-11-2018/ After he and Thorton hijack an iceberg]], Sherman comments that he feels like he's in "some big Hollywood adventure movie." Thorton says that it feels more like a comic strip to him.
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/january-18-2018/ Fillmore insists that they refer to snot as "mucus" because it sounds better]], then points out that people eat breakfast while reading the comics.

* BrokenRecord: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/november-22-2003/ Here]], Hawthorne is acting as Sherman's therapist. For three panels, he just says "And why do you think that is?" in response to everything Sherman says. In the fourth panel...

* ButForMeItWasTuesday: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/november-2-2001/ When Hawthorne tells Fillmore and Sherman that he just got a date with a fire-breathing contortionist]], Fillmore asks if the circus is in town. Sherman says that it is, but that's just Hawthorne's regular Friday.

* CoincidentalBroadcast: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/march-14-2005/ "Is your finger inching its way toward your nostril?"]]

* DeliveryStork: Discussed in [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/august-20-2003/ this strip]] when Sherman and Megan find a baby on their doorstep.

* DisproportionateRetribution: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/august-9-2007/ Apparently]], Hawthorne once strangled Fillmore for dropping a fly ball during a softball game.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/april-18-2001/ Sherman's attempt at making Shake and Bake]]. He just baked the package (well, he shook it first).
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-26-2002/ Ernest's attempt at making a hair creme to help get rid of Thorton's "Hibernation Hair"]] results in Thorton getting a bald spot.
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/august-13-2002/ Megan's attempt to make a souffle]].
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/march-20-2003/ When Sherman and Hawthorne attempt to dry-clean Fillmore's scarf, they wind up shrinking it]].

** The story arc about Hawthorne becoming a handyman is full of these. [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/january-5-2004/ The handcrafted entertainment center]] that he builds for Sherman falls apart, for one thing.

* LampshadeHanging: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/march-24-2003/ After Hawthorne's dry cleaning business burns to the ground]], a police fish asks how an underwater business could burn to the ground. Hawthorne then asks why the need to pay for an underwater fire marshall.

** Somebody by the name of [[Creator/OzzyOsbourne Izzy Isbourne]] also offered to make one of Fillmore's poems into a rock song.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/october-1-2002/ While watching "Shark Week"]], Sherman and Megan recognize that it's old footage because one of the sharks - their friend Jerry, apparently - has an afro. Megan even wonders [[LampshadeHanging how he grew that]].

* NoodleIncident: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/october-25-2002/ This strip]] has Hawthorne wearing a disguise. When Sherman asks why, he replies "Creditors. Whole other story."

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/january-23-2004/ This strip]] has Sergeant Hardcase of the Internet Fish Police come after Ernest for downloading unauthorized music. Ernest then pulls the LookBehindYou trick and puts on a mustache while Hardcase's back is turned. It works - not only does Hardcase complain that "the kid got away" and leave, but Sherman doesn't recognize Ernest either.

* ProducePelting: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/november-23-2000/ When Fillmore does a musical performance of his poetry]], Thornton throws an olive at him because it's the only vegetable he had.
* ProductPlacement: Real brands are mentioned rather frequently. [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/december-31-2003/ This strip]], part of a story arc about the characters appearing on Underwater MTV, pokes fun at the concept of Product Placement.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/october-4-2002/ After "Shark Week" airs footage of Sherman picking his nose]], Hawthorne and Fillmore engage in making puns to make fun of Sherman.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/august-6-2004/ This strip]] has Ernest going on a website that sells slightly-used pets called "Fleabay".

* RhymesOnADime: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-12-2001/ When Fillmore returns home from Poetry Camp]], we get this...

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/august-26-2002/ An earlier storyline]] had an alligator named Vinny from the sewers of New York visit the lagoon via a large pipe.

* StuffBlowingUp: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/september-26-2001/ The opening of Hawthorne's power plant]]. All he has to do is throw the switch and the entire power plant explodes.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/december-14-1999/ After Sherman and Ernest travel back in time]], they see a prehistoric shark with legs. Ernest explained that this particular breed of shark eventually crawled onto dry land and learned to walk. [[EvilLawyerJoke Then they evolved into lawyers]].
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/april-24-2000/ When Sherman and Ernest wind up at the Sargasso Sea]], Ernest explains to Sherman what exactly it is.

** From the same storyline, [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/april-26-2000/ Sherman and Ernest encounter the Sargasso Sea Monster]], and Ernest asks him how he can stand being around garbage all day. The Sargasso Sea Monster replies that he used to work at the Enquirer, to which Sherman says, "Say no more."

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/november-4-2000/ The conclusion to a series in which Thorton has insomnia]] has Fillmore finally getting him to fall asleep by showing him the 2000 Presidential Debates.
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/september-29-2001/ After Ernest finds a way to watch people through their computer screens]], Sherman comments that it's like ''Series/BigBrother''. Ernest then responds, "Except with a bigger audience."

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/october-23-2001/ In this strip]], Sherman and Ernest find an ancient scroll and discuss what it could be. Ernest says that it answer a question like the key to happiness or the meaning of life. Sherman then adds, "Or what's REALLY in Spam."

** From the same storyline, [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/october-29-2001/ the scroll predicts]] that "A bespectacled one shall gain all the power and riches and must be stopped." Sherman says that it's gotta be Bill Gates, whereas Ernest says that he was thinking Franchise/HarryPotter.
** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-29-2002/ After Ernest creates a hair creme that Hawthorne decides to mass-produce]], they discover that it causes anyone that uses it to gain a bald spot. Fortunately, Hawthorne is able to get it recalled - he's just having trouble with one celebrity who bought a bunch of it.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-31-2002/ This strip]] has Sherman telling Ernest about Donny and Marie. When Ernest asks if they were talented, Sherman replies, "Not even a little bit."

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/june-19-2004/ When Sherman, Megan and Herman go on a cruise]], we get this.

** [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/april-10-2007/ This strip]] also has it, but it's a bit more subtle.

* PettingZooPerson: Thornton.

*** Then Thorton claims that polar bears are one of the most powerful animals on the planet. Then he struggles to open a Snickers bar and asks Fillmore to do it for him.

* LamePunReaction: After Sherman flunks Dance Class, he tells Fillmore that his teacher told him that his dancing would never improve without surgery. Fillmore asks what kind of surgery could possibly improve his ability to dance. Sherman's response?

* LazyBum: How lazy is Thorton? When the others throw him a birthday party, he has his secretary call them to tell them that he won't be able to attend because it's too much effort.

* ProducePelting: [[http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/november-23-2000/ When Fillmore does a musical performance of his poetry]], Thorton throws an olive at him because it's the only vegetable he had.

-->''(Fillmore does a {{Facepalm}})

** Thorton loves smoothies. Just loves 'em.

* SuspiciouslySpecificAnswer: [[https://web.archive.org/web/20180302093519/http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/july-29-2017/ When Sherman and Fillmore meet a manatee and ask him what he's doing]] [[MisplacedWildlife so far from home]]...

** There's also [[https://web.archive.org/web/20180302141149/http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/april-24-2010/ Shawn Mao]], a panda bear friend of Thorton's who Hawthorne meets in China.

* PandaIngToTheAudience: [[https://web.archive.org/web/20180302141149/http://shermanslagoon.com/comics/april-24-2010/ In China]], Hawthorne meets a panda bear friend of Thorton's named Shawn Mao.