This month we're celebrating the 31st anniversary of MUTTS. (Yesh!) And this fall, Peanuts celebrates its 75th anniversary with the stunning new book The Essential Peanuts — an incredibly beautiful, definitive collection from Abrams ComicArts.
We’re thrilled to share that Patrick McDonnell wrote the introduction to this landmark edition, which will be released on October 7 (available now for preorder at Amazon, Bookshop.org, and other retailers).
Alongside Patrick's heartfelt words, the book also features an illuminating foreword by Jean Schulz and is designed with a deluxe gift-ready slipcase. Patrick has called The Essential Peanuts the best way to experience the genius of Charles Schulz. It’s a true treasure for anyone who loves Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the entire Peanuts gang.
Want to learn more about the book? Read more — and take a peek at some of the interior pages — in this writeup from ComingSoon.net.
An Earl-y Suggestion From Charles Schulz
As you probably know, Patrick’s beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Earl, was the inspiration for the Earl of MUTTS. The real Earl filled Patrick’s life with joy and humor, and became the perfect model for his comic strip’s loyal and energetic little pup.
When he first began drawing MUTTS, Patrick searched for the right name for that little dog character. It was Charles “Sparky” Schulz, the legendary creator of Peanuts, who suggested Patrick name the character after his own dog, Earl. Patrick immediately knew Sparky was right.
Another Special Pup and Another "Spark" of Inspiration
In 2023, during a special seven-week-long storyline, the beloved MUTTS character Guard Dog found his freedom, a new loving home with his friend Doozy, and a new name! That December, Patrick described the inspiration for the pup's new name in a letter to readers:
"For those who have wondered about Guard Dog’s new name — I wasn't sure what Doozy would call him. Initially I thought to just keep 'Guard Dog' as now he would be Doozy’s guardian. But then I thought of 'Sparky.' Sparky was the nickname for Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts. There would never have been a MUTTS comic strip nor Guard Dog if not for his inspiration. So Guard Dog’s new name is my tribute to a great man, cartoonist, and friend."
Did You Know? Snoopy and Earl Are Friends!
Charles Schulz drew Earl more than once. One of our favorite pieces, created for the National Cartoonists Society, shows Earl standing proudly next to Snoopy, the world’s most famous beagle. Snoopy’s thought balloon reads: “MUTTS? Who says we are MUTTS?”
It’s an iconic moment that forever connects these two cartoon dogs.
Over the years, Patrick has drawn Snoopy, as well as other Peanuts characters, into his MUTTS comic strip. In fact, Peanuts Fandom even has a MUTTS dedicated page collecting these affectionate tributes to Schulz’s work! It’s one of the many ways Patrick has celebrated his artistic hero and friend, and a reminder of how the stories and characters we love can live on forever, keeping us company for a lifetime.
Belly Rubs: Published March 4, 2016
That's For You, Charlie Brown: Published February 7, 2016
The Great Pumpkin: Published July 25, 2020
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