Cribblecobblis
No, the link word is not comic - it is a word mentioned in the quote.
For 26, think of a different meaning for "axes". The answer is an obscure type of box.
I am going mad with 29: Iodine and deuterium found in common compound. I have everything but the first letter and still can't finish! Unless I have 33 ac wrong. First time I have ever failed a crossword by one letter! Help.