Universal Press Syndicate
A Division of Andrews McMeel Universal
UPS Features
Maintaining Family and Friends
Marcus
Marcus is a biracial high school sophomore dealing with everything the world’s throwing at him … usually when he’s looking the other way. Marcus’ focus and perspective are limited to what’s in his immediate line of sight, and as a result, Marcus often finds himself moving through life blindly. When he’s not distracted and bewildered by females, he devotes himself to his other passions, namely: kung fu flicks, basketball, and puzzling over the absurdities of life with his best friend, Anton. Marcus is the older brother to “shorty” Tavian, who looks to Marcus for guidance.
Anton
Marcus’ best friend. Anton is considerably more “chill” than Marcus. He shrugs off things that Marcus gets worked up about. Anton gives Marcus historical and cultural perspective on important questions in life: like the conundrum of a woman’s decision–making process and the mystery of the Lakers’ triangle offense. Anton’s pragmatic approach to life provides a philosophical counterpunch to Marcus, but he’s never too cynical or busy to have a laugh at his friend’s expense.
Steve
Steve single-handedly debunks the idea that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Who else would ask Anton if Malcolm X was an obscure British monarch named Malcolm the Tenth? (Steve claims he was joking.) But that’s Steve - you can’t tell if he’s sincere or just pushing his friends’ buttons. His occasional sporting of FUBU jerseys and cornrows clearly mark him as someone who’s trying too hard. Steve is a genuinely nice guy, and Marcus counts him as an acquaintance, but notes that Steve’s habit of clumsily falling into good fortune can be annoying.
Frieda
Frieda is Marcus’ most consistent (although not necessarily exclusive) crush. She’s beautiful, intelligent, outspoken and perpetually just beyond his reach. Marcus is hesitant to express his feelings for her, and as far as she’s concerned, Marcus will always be just a friend. Her charm and maturity give “Maintaining” a bit of the feminine mystique that’s been baffling adolescent males for centuries.
Marcus’ Mom
Gentle and loving, Marcus’ mom is the steadying balance for the three men of the household. But don’t mistake her kindness for weakness – she’s tough and she can see through Marcus’ baloney faster than LeBron James on a fast break. When Marcus is concerned about his racial identity, his mom is always ready with a few thoughtful and wise words to put everything in perspective.
Tavian
If there’s anyone in “Maintaining” more wide-eyed than Marcus, it’s his little brother, Tavian. Tavian’s curiosity gets him into some sticky situations. Like the time at the movie theater when he accidentally glued himself to the seat with leftover candy and soda syrup. Tavian looks up to his older brother and friends, but that’s to be expected when you’re several years younger and several feet shorter than everyone else.
Marcus’ dad
Marcus’ dad sees the world in terms of right and wrong, up and down, black and white. He’s the stoic foundation of the family and has a voice as loud as a bullhorn. He regularly uses it to command Tavian to fetch the remote and to keep Marcus at least 10 feet away from his ’67 Mustang at all times. Marcus does his best to stay on his pop’s good side, but when you’ve got a dad as shrewd as a drill sergeant, it’s not easy. But every now and then, if you catch him off guard, he’ll crack the widest smile you’ve ever seen.
