Snoopy Entirely Evolved Throughout Peanuts’ Half-Century Existence — Occasionally Intentionally

A comic artist rarely completely in charge of a character. The drawing hand may waver and tremble and swerve as opposed to curve — consistency remains an aspiration, not a guarantee. Additionally, an absolutely dynamic persona will eventually lead the creator, not the other way around. This was consistently the manner in which the comic's creator Schulz portrayed why his creation, his rambunctious invention, developed between his introduction in 1950 through his concluding panel features at the turn of the millennium.

“When my artistic approach loosened, Snoopy could to accomplish more,” Schulz said back in 1975. “And when I ultimately created the technique of employing his creativity to dream of being many heroic figures, the comic assumed an entirely fresh perspective."

Tracking the progression of Snoopy’s design and individual nature might seem tedious in different Schulz archives, yet, luckily for cartoon lovers, it’s about to get a little easier. Scheduled for the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts series, The Definitive Peanuts serves as an exquisite prestige art book crafted by celebrated scribe Mark Evanier that gathers the most recognizable Peanuts comics and frames them alongside new historical and societal background. Arranged by the designer Kidd, the publication contains a preamble by Schulz's wife, an introduction by Mutts comic cartoonist Patrick McDonnell, along with contributions from 16 notable commentators (with a Snoopy-loving astronaut). Tucked in the collection are several memorabilia items, including postcards, reproductions, a fabric badge, labels, and a facsimile classic Peanuts comic book.

Expanding upon Abrams ComicArts’ celebrated Schulz publications, Evanier’s tribute delves into Schulz’s creative ambition and the series' permanent legacy across art, books, and everyday life. The outcome emphasizes how the strip has surpassed eras, and became a greater phenomenon than the artist alone could possibly ascribe to his initial concept.

Underneath, you will see unique spreads from this definitive collection, specifically looking at how Snoopy changed in the early years.

In his commentary, featured in the book, Evanier emphasizes that every one of Schulz’s characters eventually changed through sheer repetition and exploration, using Snoopy as the standout case. During the 1950s' end, Snoopy had become taller and ever more inventive, changing into all sorts of creatures to alternate identities including Joe Cool. It's a stunning representation of an art that has become diminished with the print media diminishes, yet truly merits a position in the history of artistic heritage.

The Definitive Volume, retailing for $75, arrives in bookstores this October.