Charles M. Schulz is one of the most influential cartoonists of all time. If you don’t recognise his name, you’ll certainly know his most famous creation, Peanuts. The universally-loved strip ran for almost fifty years, bringing characters such as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Peppermint Patty to the world. Through his minimalist style, sarcastic sense of humour, and a general sense of joy, he inspired many cartoonists and set the template for humour strips.
While Schultz passed away in 2000, today – 26th November 2022 – would have been his 100th birthday if he were still alive. To celebrate this milestone occasion, more than 90 syndicated strips, including many notable ones, are paying tribute to the legendary creator. Each strip tributes Schulz and Peanuts in their own way.
There were plenty of references to Charlie Brown’s attempt at kicking the football.
As well as references to Lucy’s psychiatry booth.
Other times, it was an opportunity to have some Peanuts cameos.
With plenty of Snoopy.
We’re only scratching the surface with the above. There are tributes from other well-known strips such as Zits, Big Nate, Hagar The Horrible, and heaps more. You can find the whole collection on the Schulz Museum website.
The tributes are not just limited to today’s syndicated strips. Many cartoonists and fans are celebrating Schulz’s birthday on social media through the #Schulz100 hashtag. Check them out on Twitter and Instagram.
Schulz may no longer be with us, but it’s clear today that he is still loved and his influence lives on. Happy birthday!
Bonus: Today’s Peanuts strip doesn’t mark the special occasion. The comic has been in reruns since its conclusion, with it finishing off a week-long story centred around Thanksgiving. I thought I’d mention it for anyone curious.
Have your say!
Which tribute strips are your favourite? Share your thoughts in the comments below or via Facebook or Twitter.
Love comics.
I’ve been a fan of Peanuts ever since “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, and if it hadn’t been for ol’ Sparky, I would never come out as a LGBTQ cartoonist, with a strip of another Charlie, but his last name’s Sullivan… I’m getting that one out as soon as possible. With two remembrances to both Sparky and HRH Queen Elizabeth II. It’s only fair that a openly gay, 4′,10″, Canadian radio news reporter would have a final say, and he will.
The Mutts strip tugged at my heartstrings. So simple, yet so sweet.
These tributes made me cry. Sparky’s strips always were thought provoking. Having taught for 38 years, I always tried to not have ANY student feel that he or she was the under dog.