Complete Peanuts 1973-1974

Since the death of Charles M Schulz in 2001, I was happy to learn in 2003 that Fantagraphic Books was re-publishing the entire Peanuts comic strip in hard back over 12 1/2 year period. Just recently, I finished the twelfth volume of the series, The Complete Peanuts 1973-1974,  with a forward done by Billie Jean King.

In this installment, Mr Schulz presents interesting topics.  Charlie Brown’s baseball team give him a testimonial dinner.  In typical fashion, we learn what always happens to Charlie Brown.  Later, Charlie Brown has to go to camp in order to get baseball off his mind.  Peppermint Patty invites herself to spend time at Charlie Brown’s guest cottage.   Sally starts talking with the school building.  A birthday wish is sent to Amy on the August 5 panels.  By the way, who is Amy?  And of course, Snoopy deals with a relationship issue with Woodstock over $6, gives  hand puppets performances, and gets lost in earning his Beagle Scout badge.

The previous volume can still be purchased in the US.  Amazon.com still carries these volumes. The official current list of available The Complete Peanuts volumes can be found at Fantagraphic’s website.

The Complete Peanuts 1971-1972

Since the death of Charles M Schulz in 2001, I was happy to learn in 2003 that Fantagraphic Books was re-publishing the entire Peanuts comic strip in hard back over 12 1/2 year period. Just recently, I finished the eleventh volume of the series, The Complete Peanuts 1970-1971,  with a forward done by Kristin Chenoweth.  In this volume, we are exposed to Sally’s antics and the introduction of Peppermint Patty’s new friend, Marcie.

One thing I continue to like in this volume was Mr Schulz continue use of Snoopy and ice hockey.  Some of my favorite hockey strips are in this volume.

The previous volume can still be purchased in the US.  Amazon.com still carries these volumes. The official current list of available The Complete Peanuts volumes can be found at Fantagraphic’s website.

The Complete Peanuts 1969-1970

Since the death of Charles M Schulz in 2001, I was happy to learn in 2003 that Fantagraphic Books was re-publishing the entire Peanuts comic strip in hard back over 12 1/2 year period. Just recently, I finished the tenth volume of the series, The Complete Peanuts 1969-1970,  with a forward done by Mo Willems.  In this volume, we are exposed to one of Snoopy’s alter egos, World War I Flying Ace, and we are introduced to the Snoopy’s best friend, Woodstock [June 22, 1970].

The best things I liked in this volume were Mr Schulz use of Snoopy to introduce some of the finer points of the game of hockey.

The previous volume can still be purchased in the US.  Amazon.com still carries these volumes. The official current list of available The Complete Peanuts volumes can be found at Fantagraphic’s website.

58th Anniversary of the Peanuts

Happy Anniversary to the Peanuts gang!  Charles M Schulz introduced us to Charlie Brown and the gang on this date in 1950.  In tribute, watch this youTube video featuring Vince Guaraldi’s Linus and Lucy performed by David Benoit:

Credit: universalmusicgroup

Linus and Lucy

One of my favorite tunes from the Peanuts TV specials is Linus and Lucy performed by Vince Guaraldi. In tribute to Charles Schulz and Bill Melendez for giving us the Peanuts in our newspapers and TV specials, please visit or watch floydyboy69’s tribute:

Bill Melendez dead at 91

Peanuts animator Bill Melendez is seen here in his Sherman Oaks studio in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Having my own problems with my dog this week, I missed the news that Bill Melendez, the animator who gave life to the Peanuts characters in scores of TV specials and movies, including holiday classics such as ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ died Tuesday Sept. 2, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. [ Globe Gazette | NY Times]

I have always enjoyed the original Peanuts TV specials.  In fact, I do own the classic holiday specials for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas respectively.

From the articles I have read, I understand that Charles Schulz hand picked him to do the animation for the Peanuts TV specials.  I can say he made a great choice and it was nice to see him complete two additional TV specials after Mr Schulz death. Mr Melendez will be missed as well.  So, this probably brings an end to the Peanuts era on TV.  We can only remember these excellent specials on DVD. For example, Linus’ explanation of Christmas in the Charlie Brown Christmas special: