The first daily Luann strip hit newspapers on March 18, 1985. Five days later, the first mention of Aaron Hill is made... and he becomes a pivotal part of the strip. Luann pines for the adorable yet elusive heartthrob but she's too shy to declare her devotion so she resorts to elaborate schemes to get him to notice her. Meanwhile, the nerdy Gunther considers Luann his one true love.

Luann is crazy about Aaron, who barely knows she exists, and she's also flattered by Gunther's adoring attention. She wonders if Aaron is even right for her. Maybe he's TOO perfect, TOO handsome. Maybe plain, sweet Gunther is more her type.

On February 22, 1997, I ran a poll in the strip, asking readers to vote who Luann should go to the dance with. Aaron won by a slight margin and Luann's dream date was fulfilled.

But over time, Luann saw that Aaron wasn't a golden boy. He had issues. He was flawed. Luann's passion began to waver. Gunther looked more attractive.

This little triangle of unrequited, uncertain love, full of failure and frustration, provided a deep well of gags and story lines.