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I have always read Peanuts. It has always been in the newspaper. I, however have never actually enjoyed reading it. A couple of years ago, after reading something that Bill Watterson said about the strip, I gave it a real change - I read a couple of those Fantagraphics collections. Still, no go. I found them cute, but a little boring. I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. In issue 4 of Schizo Ivan Brunetti declares Peanuts as "The greatest postwar comic strip of all time" as well as "An epic haiku". How could I not give it another shot with such hyperbole from someone I admire so much?
So, the other day I picked up a copy of an old Peanuts collection from the sixties at a second hand store... and I was blown away. This time it really clicked for me. It's very heartwarming and sincere and at the same time it's utterly depressing. To me, reading Peanuts feels like reading a Jeffrey Brown comic. Vulnerable in its honesty. Good stuff.
I found it particularly funny to see the similarity between Charlie Brown and the way I represent myself in some of my comics. I'm kind of amazed that Peanuts hasn't been such a big influence on me. Going forward it likely will.
Ps. This comic is a total cop out and not nearly worth the tribute I am trying to pay. Forgive me, the next will be better.