Customer Reviews

30 Years of Laughs & Lasagna: The Life & Times of a Fat, Furry Legend! (Garfield Classics)

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I have only two favorite comic strips: Garfield and Calvin & Hobbes. I go for Calvin & Hobbes for political, social, and economic commentary (and also for Calvin's many imaginary adventures). And I go for Garfield for pure slapstick and ironic humor. Garfield never dwelves into politics, religion, social science, or the current American economy (it did only a few times back in the 70's and 80's).

I admire the fat orange cat, who is really an anti-heroic anti-cat. He drinks coffee, he never chases mice, he eats Pizza and Lasagna, he watches TV all day, and now he has fun with a cellphone and the Internet. But he does eat cat food, hates dogs, sing on a fence, play with yarn, etc. And let's not forget the rest of the cast. Dim-witted Odie and nerdy Jon Arbuckle (who now has Liz as a girlfriend) accompany Garfield throughout almost every daily strip. Liz, Pooky, Nermal, Arlene, Irma, the mail carrier, and Jon's farm family make up the rest of the cast.

I know the comics from 2001 to present are weaker compared to the golden age of Garfield comics (the 80's and early 90's), but they still make me smile every time. And this book, "Garfield: 30 Years of Laughs & Lasagna" should be with every Garfield fan (whether die-hard or modest). It sums up the history of the comic's publication, the creation of major characters, Jim Davis's favorite strips, and more. But what happens when Garfield is no more? I doubt that this would end in a few years, but I'll still remember the pure delight that I've had with the fat orange cat and his many diverse companions.

My son got this book as a gift from grandpa this Christmas and is thrilled with it. It can't even begin to cover everything in the history of the famous fat cat, but it has enough of the early and classic strips to earn a spot on any Garfield lover's bookshelf. Chapters are arranged by decades; memorable strips include the first Garfield comic ever published, Garfield eating straight from the lasagna pan, "Banzai!", and a visit with Doc Boy, Jon's not-too-swift brother out on the farm. This hardcover edition has a full-color cover and additional dustjacket, perfect for gift-giving. Jim Davis puts his 30 favorite garfield strips at the end of the book; the foreword is by Dean Young, creator of "Blondie".

It's hard to believe that Garfield is 30 years old this year. As a long time appreciator of the cat who has come to exemplify the phrase "Couch Cat", such retrospectives are must reads and must haves.

30 Years of Laugh and Lasagna is just that, without the bib and messy food. Davis and company break the strip down decade by decade and give prime examples why Garfield is so popular. I still laugh at the Bad potato strip even though it is so darn silly! Simple, and obvious, but that is comic strip humor at its' best. Inbetween the humor, Davis writes short descriptions of the decades and his history. I never knew that he was Tom Ryans' assistant on Tumbleweeds, another strip I enjoy.

The icing on the cake, the chocolate on the cookie, the peanut butter on the jam, is the 30 faves that Davis includes on the end. Davis is no one dimensional cartoonist, clearly, he even includes a dentist joke (feed the teeth!).

You'll laugh until your lasagnas cooked.

Tim Lasiuta

My daughter loves Garfield and this book was perfect for her! Book received in excellent condition and super fast. Made Santa's job look easy. Thanks!

I bought for my little brother for Christmas! He loved it! Everything was great! It also shipped pretty quickly! Would order again for another garfield fan!

It reminds me of my childhood. I love it at first sight! And also second sight, third sight, ... It worths having.

I have been a fan of Garfield since I was a little kid. This book brings back classics I recognize, and new ones I haven't had a chance to follow (local newspapers don't seem to carry Garfield anymore -- I even thought Jim Davis had stopped drawing Garfield!).

Quality book, a must have for Garfield fans.

My son in law couldn't wait to read the latest edition of Garfield's adventures. He gave it high praises as his favorite Christmas present.

I thought that this book would have more background material especially for the early years. My favorite comics were the ones on the inside of the covers. It is a pity they were not more clear or included in the text. I would have purchased this book anyway because it is a good companion book to the 25th annniversary book.