You asked. We listened. And now we're taking action.

Starting Monday, we will be returning the comic strip, "Pearls Before Swine," to the Extra section. It will run Mondays through Saturdays; sorry, we don't have room to run it in our Sunday comics.

"Pearls" fans can thank one another for the resurrection. After its three-month trial run ended, we heard from dozens of fans who said they looked forward to the strip each day and were disappointed to see it go.

No doubt the "Pearls"-haters (and there were a few) want proof. Here are some examples:

•  "I was distressed and quite surprised to read that you are not retaining this witty and often topical cartoon."
•  "Please bring this excellent comic strip back! My husband and I find it hilarious."
•  "My wife and I are mourning the removal of 'Pearls Before Swine.' "
•  "When the Zebra and Croc story line came up, I found myself laughing out loud."
•  "I absolutely loved 'Pearls.' In fact, it very quickly became my favorite strip. I was actually excited to get the newspaper each morning ... and instead of sports (which is usually the first thing I go for) I would open the Extra section and read 'Pearls.' "
•  "I want to request the comic of 'Pearls before Swine' return!!!!! It is the funniest one!!!! I can not be the only one who feels this way."

Indeed, the last writer was not the only one who felt that way. In fact, we also heard from Stephan Pastis, the strip's author, about the letters of dismay he received from the Roanoke area.

So, welcome back zeebas!

-- Kathy Lu, features editor