Contributor(s):Author: Tom BatiukWith: Chuck AyersMailboxes beware: Crankshafts just around the corner Ed Crankshaft, the lively creation of Tom Batiuk and Chuck Ayers, stars in this Crankshaft collection. Its a hilarious depiction of an irritable but endearing school bus driver and life with his daughter Pam, son-in-law, Jeff, and grandchildren, Mindy and Max.With cynical wit and biting humor, Crankshaft sees the world in absolutes. Although he comes across gruff and grumbly, Eds really an old softy with a keen sense of humor that sometimes surprises even himself. The crafty curmudgeon isnt always tough-relationships with his grandchildren, his cat, Pickles, and the problems of growing older in a rapidly changing world show Crankshafts more sensitive side.Batiuk (creator of Funky Winkerbean) and Ayerss unique portrayal of life at the wheel of a school bus has delighted readers since the strip began.