Garfield has entertained readers for four decades with his funny antics and relatable personality. His favorite food is lasagna, which Garfield describes as “nature’s most perfect food.” Through Garfield’s simple, timeless themes, we see some of ourselves. He leaves us wanting more with his love of coffee, imperfect relationships, and struggle to find balance. Once again, we’ll see our favorite orange feline on the big screen this month, ready to make us laugh with his unique perspective and humorous adventures.
The history of Garfield, as recounted in Jim Davis’s Garfield at Large: His First Book, is as unique as the character himself. Born in 1978 in the kitchen of an Italian restaurant, Garfield’s arrival was marked by falling snow that resembled grated parmesan cheese. When the restaurant owner found himself pasta-less, he faced a tough decision: sell Garfield or close his doors. This decision to sell Garfield to a pet store set in motion the creation of one of the most iconic cats in history. Garfield and Davis share a love for lasagna, with Davis jokingly remarking, ‘I thought it would be funny to have a cat who enjoys lasagna.’ Garfield’s love for lasagna and humorous antics have become legendary, endearing him to people of all ages.
Jon Arbuckle, Garfield’s new owner, is not just a nice guy, he is a renowned lasagna chef known for his kind-heartedness, optimism, and occasional clumsiness. Jon’s mishaps, like when he tripped over Odie and spilled the lasagna dish all over Pooky, Garfield’s favorite teddy bear, are relatable to any Lasagna Love chef. Despite the accident, Jon’s determination to finish cooking the lasagna and share it with his friends is inspiring. These moments of resilience and commitment, like so many volunteer stories at Lasagna Love, make Jon and Garfield’s story so heartwarming.
Garfield is a symbol of hope and perseverance. His timeless appeal and relatable themes have made him a beloved character for people of all ages. Reflecting on Garfield’s enduring impact, we’re filled with nostalgia and anticipation for the new movie, which we’re sure will add another chapter to his rich legacy.
Sources Cited:
Davis, J. H., & Davis, J. (2001). Garfield at large.
Minow, N. (2017, December 7). Jim Davis explains why Garfield Loves Lasagna and hates Mondays and why people love garfield. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jim-davis-explains-why-ga_b_6094892
The Garfield Show. Desperately Seeking Pooky. 12 Nov. 2009, disc 12.