10 Funny Garfield Comics Celebrating Their 40th Anniversary

Garfield, the beloved lazy orange cat, stands as one of the most recognizable comic strip characters since his inception in the 1970s. Unlike other comics that delve into political or societal satire, such as Doonesbury and The Far Side, Garfield thrives on humor rooted in everyday experiences, such as indulging in food and enjoying naps. This universal appeal has secured the strip’s timelessness and continual laughter among fans of all ages.

Since its debut, Garfield has extended far beyond the comic pages, spawning television series, animated films, and live-action adaptations while still honoring its comic strip origins with fresh strips produced regularly. As we approach November 2024, it’s worth noting that a month’s worth of Garfield comics from November 1984 have just celebrated their 40th anniversary, proving that they remain just as amusing now as they did four decades ago. Here’s a look at ten of the funniest strips from that iconic month!

10. Garfield Creates a Comical Name for a Mouse

Garfield – November 1, 1984

Garfield asking a mouse what his name is.

When Garfield discovers a mouse in his home, instead of going for a meal, he curiously asks for its name. The mouse, bewildered, admits that he’s never had one. Garfield, believing the mouse misunderstood his question, reframes it: “What do people say when they meet you?” to which the mouse joyfully replies, “My name is Eek!”

This mix-up gives the mouse a name derived from the instinctive reaction many have upon encountering a rodent, providing a clever twist that aligns with the classic humor of Garfield.

9. Garfield Suggests a Better Name: “Squeak”

Garfield – November 2, 1984

Garfield telling a mouse that his new name is 'Squeak'.

Garfield isn’t satisfied with the name “Eek” and decides his new friend needs a more fitting moniker. As the mouse begins to brainstorm alternatives, Garfield shoots them down one by one, dismissing names that suggest the mouse poses a threat to cats. Ultimately, he simply declares him “Squeak.”

The mouse quickly embraces his new identity, realizing that Garfield’s name choice is more than just a suggestion; it’s a little tyrant’s decree!

8. Garfield Protects Squeak from Jon’s Wrath

Garfield – November 3, 1984

Garfield pretending his mouse friend is a toy in front of Jon.

After giving Squeak his new name, Garfield steps up in an unexpected act of kindness. He attaches a wind-up key to Squeak’s back to disguise him as a toy just as Jon approaches. Instead of panicking about the mouse, Jon merely complements Garfield’s ‘toy’ as he walks by, allowing Squeak to breathe a sigh of relief.

This moment showcases Garfield’s surprisingly soft side, as he ingeniously keeps Squeak safe from Jon’s usual cat-obsessed reactions.

7. Garfield Reveals the One Food He Won’t Touch

Garfield – November 5, 1984

Garfield hiding under a bed with his mouse friend.

Despite his clever trick, the ‘mouse toy’ illusion starts to break down. When Jon tells Garfield to eat the mouse, Garfield firmly refuses. As Jon approaches, the duo hides under the bed, with Squeak thanks Garfield for saving him. However, Garfield makes it clear that his aversion to eating the mouse comes from a simple truth: he doesn’t like the taste of mice!

This revelation highlights Garfield’s strong food preferences, choosing lasagna and other delicacies over the standard rodent fare.

6. Garfield Gives Squeak His Own Home, Complete with a Request!

Garfield – November 8, 1984

Garfield giving a mouse a toy log cabin to live in.

Determined to provide Squeak with proper accommodations, Garfield presents his friend with a tiny log cabin. However, Squeak humorously inquires whether it’s located in a good school district. This absurdity aligns with Garfield’s world, where even the smallest issues become comically exaggerated.

Asking about school systems when discussing a playhouse offers a delightful touch of humor.

5. Garfield Grows Tired of His Name

Garfield – November 12, 1984

Garfield getting called 'Fleabag' by Jon.

As Garfield lounges around, Jon calls out his name, prompting the cat to reflect on his moniker. Clearly annoyed, he thinks, “‘Garfield’ this, ‘Garfield’ that. I’m sick of my name.” However, when Jon decides to call him “Fleabag” instead, Garfield quickly realizes how much he preferred being called Garfield after all.

This comic cleverly underscores the humorous reality that names can often come with unwanted implications.

4. Garfield Exposes the Flea Collar Dilemma

Garfield – November 14, 1984

Garfield getting attacked by a shark inside Jon's house.

3. Fleas Are a Source of Fear in the World of Garfield

Garfield – November 15, 1984

Garfield getting scared by a giant flea.

Garfield’s annoyance with his flea collar drives him to discard it, but he quickly regrets his decision. After tossing the collar, he encounters a monstrous flea lurking in the hallway, eyeing Garfield hungrily. This comedic horror showcases a very real fear hilariously rendered in the world of Garfield.

2. Garfield Illustrates the Perfectly Imperfect Cat

Garfield – November 18, 1984

Garfield acting like the opposite of what Jon says cats are like.

In this notable comic strip, Jon breaks the fourth wall to express the joys of cat ownership while praising the elegance and poise of cats. While he describes cats as graceful and calm, Garfield provides a humorous contrast, contravening every one of Jon’s points in a chaotic display. His complete disregard for decorum hilariously challenges Jon’s perceptions of what it means to be a cat.

1. Garfield Declares Himself the King of Dad Jokes

Garfield – November 17, 1984

Garfield sitting in his chair, speaking directly to the reader.

Sitting comfortably in his chair, Garfield turns to the readers to tell a joke about an ‘uncle’ who thought he was a dog, delivering the punchline: “He kept chasing himself up trees.” This perfect dad joke encapsulates Garfield’s flair for humor that resonates with audiences evoking laughter and a groan in equal parts. Indeed, this strip exemplifies why Garfield is hailed as the king of dad jokes, marking it as one of the top ten funniest comics recently celebrating their 40-year milestone.

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