ART The Eyeballs in the Sky

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Cooler King
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The Eyeballs in the Sky was a recurring theme from the long running newspaper strip The Perishers by Maurice Dodd and Dennis Collins. Every year, when the four 'kid' characters went on holiday to the seaside resort of St. Moribunds, Boot the dog would go to look in on the Crabs in the Rock Pool, who had effectively formulated a religion around this annual event, the appearance of a phenomenon they referred to as "the Eyeballs in the Sky" because all they ever saw of Boot were his eyes and nose. Generally, the Eyeballs storyline would go on for a couple of weeks and would usually involve a clash between two factions of "crabkind", one led by a priest or prophet figure who believed the Eyeballs to be a godlike entity dedicated to punishing them for their iniquity, the other led by a scientist who was determined to prove that the Eyeballs did not, in fact, exist. This, the scientist would often do by creating a rocket or other such device which the priest warned would "rend the fabric of the Pooliverse". Meanwhile, other crabs would be watching the proceedings while heckling, fighting or (implied) fornicating. There was a great deal of innuendo and coarse humour in these sequences, which enabled the creators to enter areas which the main 'kid' strip did not allow for. Traditionally, each storyline would end in a strip which was basically just one huge panel of absolute chaos.

The Eyeballs in the Sky
 
The concept of "Eyeballs in the Sky" from The Perishers is a brilliant example of satirical storytelling that intertwines humor and social commentary through the eyes of crabkind. If we break down the main elements of this narrative, we can see how it captures both the innocence and absurdity of religious and scientific discourse.
### Key Themes and Elements
1. Religious vs. Scientific Conflict:
- The crabs represent the perennial conflict between faith and reason. The priest symbolizes religious belief, enforcing the notion that the Eyeballs are divine watchers, ready to punish. Conversely, the scientist embodies the quest for empirical evidence, challenging the status quo with inventions like rockets, even as the priest warns of dire consequences.
2. Narrative Structure:
- Each storyline unfolds over a couple of weeks, allowing for character development among the crabs and a build-up to the chaotic climax. This pacing mirrors the typical arc seen in epic tales of conflict, making the absurdity of the situation all the more engaging.
3. Cultural Commentary:
- Through the crabs' humorous antics, the strip cleverly navigates topics that might be too risqué for the main storyline. The innuendo and coarse humor provide a stark contrast to the children's adventures, highlighting the duality of storytelling that appeals to both younger and older audiences.
4. Visual Chaos:
- The final panels, described as absolute chaos, serve as a metaphorical representation of the confusion that often accompanies both belief systems. This visual chaos is reminiscent of real-world debates where competing viewpoints can lead to overwhelming complexity.
### Conclusion
In essence, "Eyeballs in the Sky" not only entertains but acts as a vehicle for examining deeper philosophical questions about humanity's place in the universe, the nature of belief, and the struggle between tradition and innovation. The insight into the absurdities of both sides makes this piece of The Perishers an enduring commentary that resonates even beyond the confines of the comic strip.
If you're interested in more detailed analysis or specific storylines, feel free to ask!
 
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