Peanuts has long celebrated the joy of sports across all seasons, with ice skating being a delightful recurring theme. Throughout the comic strip’s storied past, various narratives have featured the beloved characters gliding on ice. Notable storylines include Snoopy’s whimsical romance with an ice-skating beagle and Peppermint Patty’s endeavor to participate in a skating competition, all under the watchful guidance of Snoopy as her coach.
Just as football and baseball are seamlessly woven into the Peanuts tapestry, ice skating emerges as a vital component of the characters’ adventures. Snoopy embraces multiple alter egos associated with ice skating, including the memorable World Famous Crabby Skating Pro. Beyond the hockey-themed strips, readers are treated to an abundance of hilarious ice-skating anecdotes that showcase the iconic Peanuts humor we cherish.
10 “The World Figure Skating Championship”
February 8th, 1970
In this memorable strip, Snoopy prepares for the World Figure Skating Championship set in Yugoslavia, meticulously planning every detail of his journey. Exhausted by his daydreams and taking over the ice, Lucy reprimands Snoopy with sharp words. After her scolding, Snoopy retreats to his doghouse, contemplating whether to forgo the competition altogether and watch it on TV instead.
Notably, the mention of Yugoslavia indicates the strip’s age, as the nation has since experienced significant geopolitical changes. Lucy’s characteristic ability to dampen Snoopy’s merriment is apparent, and it’s unusual for Snoopy to concede to her demands, given his typically rebellious nature.
9 “I’ll Never Forget Her”
December 21st, 1965
While ice skating alone at night, Snoopy reminisces about a past romance with the Ice Skating Girl Beagle, recalling their meeting one year prior. Although they briefly got engaged, Snoopy’s dreams are dashed when her father forbids the union, citing Snoopy’s status as an obedience school dropout. As memories flood back, Snoopy realizes he can’t easily skate away from his feelings, vowing to never forget her.
This strip marks yet another appearance of Snoopy’s former fiancée, recalling how their paths crossed previously in another comic while he attempted surfing. Despite his efforts to move on, Snoopy’s attempts are thwarted as memories of their short-lived love haunt him during solitary nights on the ice.
8 “How About a Skate, Sweetie?”
January 10th, 1975
During a skating session, Snoopy spots Lucy and seizes the opportunity to invite her to join him. However, Lucy reacts by pulling his hat over his head and skating away, which does little to boost Snoopy’s spirits. This reoccurring gag finds Snoopy repeatedly attempting to skate with Lucy and other female characters, only to face rejection, often accompanied by playful antics.
The dynamic between Snoopy and Lucy underscores their tumultuous friendship, illustrated in multiple strips highlighting their disagreements. Their competitive nature sometimes leads to amusing encounters, even when it comes to ice skating.
7 “Cold Feet”
January 11th, 1969
Peppermint Patty surprises Snoopy by accepting his invitation to skate together, particularly after he faced rejection from Lucy and Violet. Her decision might stem from finding him amusing. Together, they envision competing in figure skating championships across the nation, basking in the accolades and trophies that they would earn.
However, an unexpected hurdle arises as Snoopy’s paws struggle against the frigid ice. Regardless of the cold feet—which create a literal and metaphorical challenge—Snoopy remains determined to pursue the North American championship in Oakland. Unfortunately, Peppermint Patty is unable to accompany him, leaving Snoopy to brave the competition alone.
6 “It Sounds Like a Great Game”
December 5th, 1971
Clad in a bulky coat and hat, Charlie Brown steps onto the ice and quickly finds himself on his back. Meanwhile, Lucy and a friend engage in a game of Spin the Bottle, with Lucy humorously demonstrating by spinning Charlie as if he were the bottle. Charlie, thrilled to be involved, awkwardly wonders who he is pointing at.
The familiar gag of Charlie’s oversized winter attire introduces complications, often leading to amusing slip-ups on the ice. Despite the misfortune of landing on the rink, participation in Lucy’s game offers a rare moment of inclusion for poor Charlie Brown.
5 “I’m Cute”
December 20th, 1975
As Snoopy concocts grand plans to skate in the Olympics in Austria, he finds himself reminiscing about a past misconception where he assumed the Olympics would take place in Nashville. Lucy’s skepticism punctures Snoopy’s bubble of delusion, informing him that she has checked with the Olympic committee and discovered that he lacks the qualifications to participate.
For Snoopy, the realization is baffling. To him, his cuteness should undoubtedly qualify him for Olympic glory, though Lucy’s harsh truths reveal the cracks in his reverie.
4 “I Can’t See a Thing”
January 9th, 1978
In a show of friendship, Marcie supports Peppermint Patty as she trains for a potential Olympic ice skating career. Conflict arises when a group of rude hockey players demand that Peppermint Patty vacate the ice. Snoopy, initially brave, succumbs to fear and departs, prompting Marcie to boldly step in to defend her friend.
In a twist of fate, Marcie slips and loses her glasses during her hasty approach to help. Little do they realize that Snoopy is now wearing Marcie’s glasses, creating a humorous moment where he struggles to see clearly as he dons her oversized frames.
3 “I’m Lifting! I’m Lifting!”
December 9th, 1971
Ambitious Lucy is eager to showcase her skills in her skating club’s holiday performance but requires a partner. When Schroeder declines her overture, she opts for Snoopy, much to his initial excitement. However, that enthusiasm wanes when faced with the early morning practices and demanding routines.
As they refine their performance, Snoopy struggles to meet Lucy’s expectations during the critical lift sequence. Despite their eventual progress in crafting a fun routine, Snoopy succumbs to stage fright just before the performance, leaving Lucy with Woodstock to step in as her partner instead.
2 “The Best One in the Business”
November 7th, 1974
With ambitions of becoming an accomplished ice show skater, Peppermint Patty proactively signs up for a competition, prompting her to reach out to Charlie Brown about lessons from a supposed skating pro at his house. Charlie is taken aback, unaware that he shares his home with such talent.
The “pro”turns out to be none other than Snoopy, who employs unconventional and often bumbling methods to coach Peppermint Patty, filled with comedic attempts that leave her guessing amidst his eccentricities.
1 “I Have Something Else That I Can Give You”
December 7th, 1974
As Peppermint Patty faces a string of mishaps preparing for her upcoming skating competition, her troubles compound when Charlie Brown’s father, acting as a barber, inadvertently gives her a disastrous haircut. To hide the damage, she resorts to a wig. Compounding the issue, what she thought was an ice skating competition turns out to be a roller skating event—rendering all her hard work futile.
This storyline featuring Peppermint Patty and Snoopy is among the most extended arcs in Peanuts, lasting over six weeks, highlighting the humor and intricacies of their relationship. Ultimately, in a sweet twist, Peppermint Patty offers Snoopy her wig as payment for his coaching, leaving him delightfully pleased amidst the chaos.
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