We’re celebrating Garfield’s birthday!

We don’t know exactly when Jim Davis got the idea to draw a comic book about a striped cat. We do know when Garfield made his debut. It’s been 42 years since that day! Have you prepared a cake and candles? And the lasagna is waiting in the fridge? Good, because for Garfield it’s essential!

Pop culture icon

The term pop culture icon is widely known and often used. By reviewing your favorite characters from a movie or music, we are able to identify at least a dozen or so favorites. Popularity is key, and not only in the peak season. The pop culture icon never ceases to be a part of mass culture. Garfield, Jim Davis’ prodigy, has already earned this success. On the wave of popularity, the striped cat probably achieved everything an animated pet could dream of. Not to mention its creator! In 1980, he began to be published book with black and white stripes (today known as: Fat Cat Trójpaki), two years later the first half-hour special about Garfield’s adventures was aired, in 2003 the first (but not the last) cookbook of the pet was released, and in 2004 the first feature film about this American pet was made. This is only a very cursory overview, but it does show how much interest the cat has been over the years! Let’s also not forget that, according to tradition, the huge Garfield balloon was one of the attractions during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, and at Kennywood Amusement Park we could ride the train called Garfield’s Nightmare(in 2020, the management decided to remove the attractions). In addition, in 1985 Jim Davis received the first of his (four) Emmy Awards, and in 2002, the Garfield comic strip was entered in the Guinness Book of Records (as the most widely distributed in the world!). Garfield’s streak of success is endless. The number of books, comics, movies, part-length productions inspired by Davis’ ideas is so huge that it is impossible to catch up (if you have them).

Among friends

Garfield is never alone, as a matter of fact, the cat does not like showing disinterest, and he fights it effectively, constantly reminding you of his presence. His most faithful guardian is Jon Arbuckle, who consistently cares about the well-being of his pet by sharing his daily menu. In 1978, Garfield finds two new friends: Pooky (a teddy bear that has a de-stressing effect – importantly, he is not a threat in the fight for a meal) and Odie (although these relationships are not the easiest, the animals have their secrets) . A year later, Dr. Liz Wilson (a veterinarian who is Jon’s love interest) and Nermal (“the sweetest cat in the world”, loved by everyone). Some countries decided to slightly deform the hero’s story by changing his name (as we know, chosen in honor of Davis’s grandfather). In Sweden we will read a comic with Gustav in the lead role, in Norway it will be Pusur, and in Iceland – Grettir. We can also observe changes in the cat’s appearance – its dimensions have decreased (comparing the proposal from 1978 and the one from 1980 and later). Over time, the expression on his face has also transformed: from a good-natured tomcat he has become an old dodger (but this is probably no surprise to anyone, since Garfield is already 42 years old!).

So what are we eating?

We failed to get Garfield involved in the preparations for the birthday party because he preferred to take his morning nap. Nevertheless, we will definitely handle it! Since the American cat was born in the kitchen of an Italian restaurant, he loves all kinds of pasta. The favorite dish is lasagne with lots of cheese. However, he will not despise the pizza from the supplier, who will certainly be pleased to see a hungry-eyed cat opening the door. Steaks, cookies, donuts and cat crisps are also desirable (yes, they can be on one plate). Nothing will happen if there are also pancakes, ham and milk on the table. Dear guests, remember to leave the plates to lick off after consumption (if you have time to eat something). We have a ribbed man here!

Happy birthday, Garfield!