It’s always an easy thing to just assume something to be unfunny. People often take what they’ve heard from others, or what they’ve seen of a preview and make a judgment. This kind of wayward thinking is not only for the weak, but for those unwilling to give anything a second (or even third) chance.

Comedians are often on the receiving end of such treatment. Their work is evaluated — picked apart, word for word — and people say things like, “Oh. He’s not funny,” or “I just don’t get why that’s funny.”

Fair enough. Some comedians are a little too high-brow for some folks. Others have enough low-brow humor to satisfy the funny bone, but all the while they keep their comedy classy enough so as not to lose any of the audience, providing a good balance.

Last week, from Nov. 26 to Nov. 29, comedian Pablo Francisco performed at the Tempe Improv to sell-out crowds and standing ovations. His material was new, relevant and oh-so-funny. He never ceases to amaze. He’s got a stage presence that can only be compared to some of the greats of decades past — Rodney Dangerfield and Sam Kinison come to mind — and the voices he can do really make for an entertaining night (Gary Busey, Dennis Haysbert and, of course, Don LaFontaine, a.k.a “The Movie Voice Guy”).

He’s high energy, but he’s not in your face. He’s dirty, but he’s not vulgar. He does voices, but he’s not an impressionist. He’s just a damn funny person who feeds off of the audience. He can feel when he’s got you on his side.

At a best guess, most of the audience was probably familiar with his prior work — no doubt part of the reason why they’d be willing to drop $25 for a ticket. It appeared as if the majority of the crowd knew, in a sense, what they were in for. And for the uninitiated, they were greatly surprised. Not only was he in top form, but he gave the audience their money’s worth. A solid set of close to 40 minutes of material was well received — and amazingly delivered.

One thing about Latino comics is, often times, their comedy will stretch to only those who grew up in a Latino household (George Lopez, anyone?). The things they joke about will sometimes only be funny to other Latinos. The great thing about Francisco is, his comedy never really feels like it’s geared towards one audience. Does he have some bits that only a Latino may be able to associate with? Sure (YouTube search “Pablo Francisco-mexican music”). But the great thing is, he makes it relatable, and more importantly, funny for everyone — the mark of a true comedic genius.

Is Francisco the best comedian in the world? That’s hard to say. There are many different styles of comedy, and so many different comedians, that to say one is the “best” is to say they are the funniest. And what’s funny to one person, may be the dumbest thing ever to someone else. The most important thing, however, is to never assume. Watch his stand-up on DVD. Go and see him perform the next time he’s in town.

Either way, give it a chance… or a second… or a third.

Reach the reporter at mel.flores@asu.edu.