TIDYT = DITTY
ALVEV = VALVE
RIMDEA = ADMIRE
BIRCES = SCRIBE
CARTOON ANSWER:
WHEN THEY FOUND A “FANTASTIC FOUR #1” COMIC BOOK, THEY – – –
DTT ALV AME RIE =
RARE STARE
Today’s cartoon takes us up into an attic where two boys are digging through old boxes and stumble onto something special. Both are wearing hats that look borrowed from another era as they kneel in front of a box marked “Comic Books & Misc.” Inside, they’ve uncovered a pristine copy of Fantastic Four #1, complete with its original ten-cent price still showing on the cover. The older boy immediately recognizes what they’re holding, while the younger can hardly believe something this important has been sitting here all along. Some discoveries don’t need words to explain the reaction they bring.
🧩 CLUE WORD BREAKDOWN
➤ TIYDT = DITTY
Instantly visible.
Last used: 9/12/2024 as TIYDT
➤ VLAEV = VALVE
Effortless.
Last used: 6/25/2024 as VLAEV
➤ MDRIAE = ADMIRE
The range of vowels made it my pick for hardest.
Last used: 8/11/2024 as MDRIAE
➤ BICERS = SCRIBE
Took an extra glance, but no trouble.
Last used: 3/08/2024 as BICERS
🔎 Jumble Jeff’s Jems
➤ KEY ISSUE — The comic the boys are holding is Fantastic Four #1. The cover matches the original design, scaled down, with the ten-cent price visible in the upper right.
➤ EXTRA BOOK — Also inside the box is The Tesla Twin, a comic created by Jumble Jeff.
➤ ATTIC DETAILS — An open dresser drawer in the background likely explains the hats the boys are wearing. Nearby are stacked boxes, a suitcase, a sled with a rose design, exposed rafters, a pull-string light overhead, and a framed painting that appears to show a couple from an earlier era.
FINAL SOLVE
The final answer was a twelve-letter anagram that solved into an 8 + 2 + 2 layout. At first glance, the letter count felt like it might be a hurdle, and it definitely slowed me down more than I expected. After a few minutes of staring, I finally latched onto MARVEL, and once that door opened, everything started to come together. The two-letter words fell into place pretty quickly after that, and adding the -ED at the end finished the job cleanly. If you found yourself stuck today, the visual hints were quiet but effective, with a Marvel comic front and center, action lines popping off around it, and two kids frozen in wide-eyed disbelief.
Click-To-Reveal Facts*: About Comic Books
➤ How much does the average reader spend on comic books per week?
SOURCE
➤ Who was the first female superhero?
SOURCE
➤ How much was the most expensive comic book ever sold?
SOURCE
*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.
💬 SAY WHAT?
“When I was a boy, I always saw myself as a hero in comic books and in movies. I grew up believing this dream.” — Elvis Presley
🗳️ Get a Clue* (About Each Other!)
Solving the puzzle might be the main event, but connecting with one another is just as fun. Here’s a quick poll to share your perspective and see where you land among your fellow players.
*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.
🎉 NATIONAL HOLIDAYS* – January 23
➤ National Pie Day — A day devoted to one of the most beloved desserts around, celebrating pies of every variety, from classic fruit fillings to rich, savory creations. SOURCE
➤ National Handwriting Day — A reminder of the art of putting pen to paper, honoring handwriting as a personal form of expression in an increasingly digital world. SOURCE
➤ National Security Technician Day — A day recognizing the professionals who design, install, and maintain systems that help protect homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. SOURCE
*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable sources for critical use.
🥄 VIRAL RECIPE
Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
This dessert bakes into two layers all on its own, with a soft chocolate sponge on top and a rich sauce forming underneath. It comes together quickly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers that warm, spoon-straight-to-the-bottom payoff every time.
🛒 DAILY DROPS*
➤ Heluva Good Dill Pickle Dip — Heluva Good teamed up with Grillo’s Pickles for a limited-edition dill pickle dip that blends creamy dairy flavor with Grillo’s signature briny bite. It is rolling out now for a short run and can be found at select grocery retailers nationwide.
SOURCE➤ Kodiak Overnight Oats — Kodiak launched overnight oats in Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Maple Pecan, and Cookie Butter, with a Peach flavor available exclusively at Walmart. Empty a pouch into a jar, add 3/4 cup milk, and refrigerate overnight. The pouches are available now and designed for a quick protein-packed breakfast.
SOURCE➤ Cappuccino Twinkies — Hostess partnered with 7-Eleven to release Cappuccino Twinkies featuring a coffee-flavored crème inside the classic golden sponge. They are available now for a limited time exclusively at 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations.
SOURCE