Jenna Fischer reveals The Office comic book in season 7, episode 12, 'Classy Christmas,' was from an actual comic artist. The critically acclaimed comedy series set in Scranton, Pennsylvania, follows the employees at the fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin under manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Debuting on NBC in 2005, The Office featured an ensemble cast starring Fischer as secretary Pam and also included John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, and Angela Kinsey. Directed by Wilson, the annual holiday episode saw Michael Scott demand a 'classy' Christmas party, hoping his ex-girlfriend Holly (Amy Ryan) would enjoy that over a more childish event. In the episode, Pam gifts her husband, salesman Jim Halpert (Krasinski), a special comic book, The Adventures of Jimmy Halpert.
During an episode of The Office Ladies, Fischer shares the story behind the comic book in 'Classy Christmas.' Fischer reveals that Tone Rodriguez, a real comic artist, designed the book but was asked only a few days before the episode was shot. Rodriguez, who had designed comic books for The Simpsons, traveled to set and met with episode writer Mindy Kaling to hear her idea for the special Christmas gift. Read on for the full story behind The Adventures of Jimmy Halpert below:
Fischer: "To find someone to do this comic book, Shay reached out to a comic bookshop called DJ's Universal Comics, and a woman there named Kat suggested they reach out to a local comic book artist named Tone Rodriguez. Tone had been working on The Simpsons comics for several years, and she thought he might be a good choice. We reached out to Tone, and he told us his whole story.
So Tone said one day, Phil just called him out of the blue...it was a Wednesday, and Phil said I need a comic book drawn up, and Tone said when do you need it by, and Phil said Monday and Tone didn't think he could do it and said 'I can't turn it around that quickly', but Phil said 'Why don't you come down to set, so I can better explain what we need".
He said he got to the studio, nobody was there...he said there was no security, it was a weird part of town, and he said he just walked past the gate, and he started basically just wondering around, asking does anyone know someone named Phil?
He made it to Phil's prop trailer, where he got introduced to Paul Lieberstein, and they started to explain what we needed, but then they said this is really Mindy's episode, and we should check with her.
How Professional Comic Art Enhanced Classy Christmas
Fischer explains that although distracted by meeting Kaling for the first time, Rodriguez was able to put the comic together. In 'Classy Christmas' part 1, Jim and Pam agree not to gift each other presents to avoid the pressure of the holidays and spending money. However, the pair can't help themselves and go against their word, with Pam making the comic book and Jim buying her a present. They reveal the gifts to each other at the 'classy' party. Pam unveils the comic book, which sees Jim as a 'mild-mannered paper salesman' who, after getting bit by a radioactive bear, turns into 'Bear Man,' wreaking havoc on the office. Jim's reaction to the comic book is priceless, grinning ear to ear and beaming with pride for his talented wife.
The inclusion of professional comic art put the spotlight on Pam, who had essentially given up on her art career, which was often overlooked as she had to focus on her job to pay the bills for her and Jim's family. However, 'Classy Christmas' reminded viewers, and Jim, of her impressive talent and incredible artistry. The gift exchange between Jim and Pam in 'Classy Christmas' is one of the sweetest moments between the fan-favorite couple throughout The Office, not only because it is a meaningful present but also because Pam returns to her true passion, art.
The romantic moment between Jim and Pam is just one of the many reasons why fans love The Office. However, series writer Mindy Kaling's inclusion of professional art furthered the moment's tenderness between the pair. Although artist Rodriguez only had a few days to put the comic together, the result couldn't be further from a last-minute, rushed addition. Hopefully, more moments like this will be broken down from The Office in The Office Ladies podcast, and audiences can learn more about what went into the iconic series.
Source: The Office Ladies