Friday, October 15, 2010

May 14-16, 1953: Comics, and the foundation of "Happiness Is"

Peanuts

This is mostly notable because it's Schulz engaging in more metacommentary about comics.

Peanuts

One of the more insipid trends in Peanuts is those cloying "Happiness Is..." pictures. I actually don't think they were ever that prevalent in the comics; I think they were used more in books and merchandising. Still, this is a step in that direction. It is also the first instance, to my eyes, of Charlie Brown bemoaning his fate in the recognized Charlie Brown manner.

Peanuts

I think that would actually be a funny strip, in a New Yorker kind of way. (Which means other people probably wouldn't think it'd be a funny strip.)

2 comments:

  1. The "bird eating the worm" joke is probably my all-time favorite single Peanuts strip. Literally since you started this blog, I'd been wondering if/when you'd include that one.

    (deep sigh of ended suspense)

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  2. I love Patty's face in the 3rd frame.

    ReplyDelete