THE ESSENTIAL PEANUTS: THE GREATEST COMIC STRIP OF ALL TIME

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the publishing of Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts comic strip, Abrams ComicArts is publishing a commemorative coffee table book honoring its legacy. Award-winning comics writer and historian Mark Evanier examines the cultural and historical context of Schulz's work through the viewing of reprints of some of the most iconic Peanuts strips to be published in newspapers. THE ESSENTIAL PEANUTS: THE GREATEST COMIC STRIP OF ALL TIME will also feature an introduction by MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell, a foreword by Jean Schulz, design by Chip Kidd, and a portfolio of collectible Peanuts ephemera that includes: 

• 8 ready-to-frame prints 
• 5 vinyl stickers
•  8 postcards 
• Iron-on patch 
• Full-color comic book and more!

The book is being released on October 7, 2025 but you can preorder it now on Amazon.com. Timed for its 75th anniversary, The Essential Peanuts underscores how and why the comic strip transcends cultural, generational, and linguistic barriers to remain relevant and beloved. By exploring the creative ambition of Charles M. Schulz, his wry commentary on childhood struggles and triumphs, and his enduring influence on art, literature, and everyday life, Evanier not only celebrates an incomparable legacy but also reveals the universal appeal at the heart of Peanuts.

In addition to comic strip reprints and text by Evanier, The Essential Peanuts includes commentary and contributions from Robb Armstrong (Franklin), Derrick Bang (Vince Guaraldi and A Charlie Brown Christmas), Rob Boutilier (The Snoopy Show), Paige Braddock (Schulz’s pen line), Alberto Brambilla (Peanuts in Italy), Benjamin L. Clark (Peanuts paperbacks), Alexis E. Fajardo (selecting the Essential Peanuts), Ben Folds (the sound of Peanuts), Sarah Gillespie (editing Schulz), Chip Kidd (design of Peanuts), Amy Lago (editing Schulz), Mike Massimino (Snoopy and Apollo 10), Akio Matsunaga (Peanuts in Japan), Jeff Morrow (scoring Peanuts), Hilary B. Price (Peppermint Patty and Marcie), and Shuntarō Tanikawa (Poet laureate and translator of Peanuts in Japan).

Since the first Peanuts strip made its debut on October 2, 1950, it has made a lasting impression on the world. From the introduction of Franklin (the first Black character in a major syndicated newspaper strip) to holiday special viewing that has become family traditions to a modern-day animated movie that created a new generation of Snoopy fans, Peanuts has had a lasting influence that few works of art or literature can claim. The loveable loser Charlie Brown, had adventurous canine companion Snoopy, and their gang of neighborhood school buddies are truly beloved.

“Not many cartoons live into the next generation, and that probably is the best definition of art, isn’t it? Does it speak to succeeding generations? Real art, real music, real literature, speaks to succeeding generations.” –Charles M. Schulz

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