This sketch is what I submitted to my editor, the estimable Antonio Fins, last week, right after Allstate got slapped by the state for trying to jack up its rates again. I thought it would be clever to depict an insurance executive getting a taste of his own medicine on Judgment Day.

Tony gave the drawing a shrug. I was miffed, because I was so impressed by the sharpness of my own commentary as displayed in the cartoon. Baffled by his obtuseness, I ran it past my colleague Gary Stein, who allowed as how it didn't do much for him, either.

Humbled, I returned to my office and produced the piece you see below, which Tony liked a whole lot more. Since I'm unable to decide which I prefer, and certainly unwilling to admit that Tony might have made the right call, I present both versions here for your review and possible discussion. Below it is his own take on the contretemps.

Tony says:

Admit it, I got this one right.
The original sketch for the Allstate cartoon lacked punch. I saw the devil and the punchline and I thought, Yeah, whatever. It wasn't grabbing in any particular way.
This one was much better. And it was better suited for color on the Internet version -- which is something even I take into consideration.
Too bad we can't get color on our editorial page. It could happen if, say, the publisher were to see it and really like it and make it so.
Or, having now called out the publisher, I might end up getting whacked like Allstate. Then Chan would really have something to write about in this blog.