Mutts Sundays

To me, there have been four brilliant cartoonists ("artists working in this medium" is a better term) in the last 100 years: George Herriman (for "pushing the envelope" and crafting a postmodern strip before postmodernism existed); the early work of Charles Schultz, who managed to make social critique, religion and security blankets cool; Berkeley Breathed (hero of leftist pinkos - he got us through the latter days of the Cold War - and creator of one of the greatest cat characters in history ["Ack!"]); and Bill Watterson (for daring to show how much relationships are worth as well as playing with that [non-existent] line between what we "believe" is real and what supposedly "is" real). Now we can add Patrick McDonnell to the list. Mooch and Earl have captured my heart and soul with their gentle humor and wonderful expressiveness. McDonnell displays a kindness towards all things essential: humans, animals, and nature. Of the four artists mentioned above, only McDonnell has made me cry (consistently) as well as laugh. McDonnell even adds a touch of Zen (no Feng-Shui, though!). He has perhaps the broadest emotional reach of the four mentioned here. This collection certainly does not disappoint. How wonderful to see these strips as they were intended - crisp color, clear artwork, full panels. If you care at all about life and laughter, this book will move and charm you. If not, then go read Garfield.

I am a serious comic strip fanatic. FoxTrot is my favorite strip, but you can't beat talking animals. Mutts is a funny strip about best buddies, a dog, Earl, and a funny-talking cat, Mooch (Yesh!). Earl and Mooch go on little adventures that is sure to make you laugh. If you enjoy talking animals, you'll enjoy Mutts.

Oh, those Mutts steal my heart everytime. This book, like the rest of McDonnell's "Mutts" books and calendars, is fantastic. The color is wonderful and bright, and having so many of the Sunday Mutts in one place is like having a little box of treasures to open when things get to be a bit too much. This book, more than McDonnell's other Mutts publications, reminded me of what a fine artist McDonnell is, and how grateful I am that he came along when he did with this winsome little dog and this charming little cat -- and all of their cohorts.Thanks you, Patrick M. This book is a wonderful thing. It's a gem.

Take a break from life with a couple of guys who know what relaxing is all about. Slink over to the couch, curl up in a ball, and read this book. It'll make your world nicer, sweeter, better. Y2K? Y you care? You'll let go of the roughness of the world outside as you embrace the important shtuff again. Get your priorities straight. Get Mutts Sunday. Yesh...

As a passionate Mutts fan from the beginning, I waited with great anticipation for this collection of Sunday comics. Read it closely; you'll find it's much more than just a comic strip...it's a gentle philosophy that sometimes touches on such topics as animal issues and pollution, all told in a soft, never strident way. But mostly, it's funny and fun you will have with the antics of Earl, Mooch and a whole cast of characters that will live in your heart forever! Take a look at some of the front pieces (before the actual strip) Some are parodies of famous art works. What a fabulous gift this would make for anyone who loves animals, art, nature and of course, humor. Please, Mr. McDonnell, keep us amused and inspired for many more years!