Thomas, my 15-year-old, is effectively my editor, I've always trusted his voice, more than anybody, on the strip for years. He has one of those ears that's just tuned to the rhythm of humor, so if he says something's not funny, my stomach just hurts because I know he's right, and it's already been drawn.

The quote, "Thomas, my 15-year-old, is effectively my editor, I've always trusted his voice, more than anybody, on the strip for years. He has one of those ears that's just tuned to the rhythm of humor, so if he says something's not funny, my stomach just hurts because I know he's right, and it's already been drawn," comes from Stephan Pastis, the creator of the comic strip Pearls Before Swine. In this statement, Pastis shares how he relies on his 15-year-old son, Thomas, as an informal editor for his comic strip. He trusts Thomas’ instincts and sense of humor more than anyone else when it comes to determining what works in his work.

Pastis highlights that Thomas has an innate ability to sense the rhythm and timing of humor, which is crucial in creating jokes that land effectively. If Thomas points out that a joke isn't funny, Pastis knows he’s likely right, even if the comic has already been drawn. This shows the importance of having a trusted second opinion, particularly from someone with a finely tuned sense of humor, even if that opinion comes from an unlikely source—a teenager.

The origin of this practice likely stems from Pastis’ commitment to quality and his desire to make his comic as sharp and impactful as possible. By relying on his son's feedback, Pastis is able to approach humor with a more refined perspective. It also speaks to the collaborative nature of the creative process and how feedback, even from a young person, can be invaluable in ensuring that the humor resonates with audiences.

Ultimately, Pastis’ quote emphasizes the role of trust in the creative process, especially in humor. It highlights how collaboration, even with someone outside of the professional world, can be crucial to improving one’s work. In this case, Thomas’ editorial role serves as a reminder of the value of fresh perspectives in shaping creativity and keeping the humor genuine and effective.