Bees making Honey

 

Mistakes will Happen - Garfield and Friends

Join us in watching a classic Garfield and Friends episode: Mistakes will Happen.

Something feels… off. As Garfield narrates his usual antics, the episode seems to be riddled with odd mistakes. Characters pop in and out, scenes don’t match up, and reality starts to bend in the most unusual ways. But is it all just an accident?

This episode breaks the fourth wall in brilliant ways, making it one of the most unique and self-aware stories in the Garfield and Friends catalog. Viewers who love meta-humor and clever storytelling will find this one particularly enjoyable.

Time to eat!

 

Meet Liz Wilson, Garfield's veterinarian and Jon's Girlfriend

Liz Wilson is the longtime veterinarian of Garfield and one of the most important recurring characters in Jim Davis’s iconic comic strip. While originally introduced as a side character, Liz has become a significant figure in the Garfield universe, particularly due to her evolving relationship with Jon Arbuckle. 

Her no-nonsense attitude, sharp wit, and occasional affection for Garfield make her one of the few characters capable of balancing the chaotic dynamics of Jon and his lasagna-loving cat.

When Liz first appeared in Garfield, she was primarily depicted as Garfield’s veterinarian, a professional and somewhat aloof figure who barely tolerated Jon’s awkward flirtations. Jon’s attempts to woo Liz were a running gag in the early years, usually ending in rejection or bemused indifference.

Despite this, Liz gradually became a more integral part of the comic strip, transitioning from a one-note side character to a fully developed personality. Over time, she warmed up to Jon, and their relationship evolved from comedic misfires to genuine romance, marking a significant development in Garfield’s long-running narrative. 

Liz’s defining traits include her intelligence, independence, and biting sarcasm. She often serves as a foil to Jon’s dorky and socially awkward nature, keeping him grounded while also rolling her eyes at his antics. Unlike Jon, who frequently finds himself on the losing end of Garfield’s schemes, Liz is more adept at standing her ground. 

She doesn’t fall for Garfield’s tricks as easily as Jon does, and her interactions with the cat are often marked by a mutual understanding—she knows Garfield’s game, and he knows she won’t be as easily manipulated as Jon. That said, she does show moments of warmth towards Garfield, even if she refuses to indulge his every whim.

Jon and Liz’s romantic relationship is one of the most notable evolutions in Garfield. For years, Jon’s hopeless attempts at dating were a major source of humor, with Liz being one of his most frequent, if reluctant, targets. However, in 2006, Garfield made a significant shift: Liz finally agreed to go on a date with Jon, and their relationship became official.

This marked a rare moment of character development in the largely static world of comic strips. Since then, Liz has remained a fixture in Jon’s life, and their relationship, while still played for laughs, has become a consistent and heartwarming element of the series.

Liz’s presence adds a refreshing dynamic to the comic strip, particularly because she provides a contrast to both Jon and Garfield. While Jon is awkward and endearingly clueless, and Garfield is self-absorbed and lazy, Liz brings a level of competence and confidence that neither of them possesses. 

She’s often the voice of reason, pointing out Jon’s ridiculous behavior or rolling her eyes at Garfield’s antics. Her presence also helps to humanize Jon—by giving him a stable romantic relationship, Garfield adds a layer of depth to a character who was previously defined by his failures in love.

Beyond her relationship with Jon, Liz’s interactions with Garfield and Odie further highlight her role in the comic strip. Garfield respects Liz in a way he doesn’t respect Jon, even if he occasionally tries to pull his usual tricks on her. She is one of the few characters who can truly challenge Garfield’s smug superiority, making their interactions particularly entertaining. 

Odie, on the other hand, is typically just happy to see her, and while Liz doesn’t have as much interaction with him as she does with Garfield, her presence is still a stabilizing force in the household.

While Garfield is largely episodic and doesn’t follow long-term story arcs, Liz’s inclusion has brought a sense of continuity and growth to the strip. Her relationship with Jon has become a staple of the comic’s later years, and her presence prevents Garfield from becoming too stagnant. 

By allowing Jon to experience some level of romantic success, Jim Davis has added an extra layer of charm and relatability to the series. Liz may not always be in the spotlight, but her role as the intelligent, witty, and no-nonsense veterinarian ensures that she remains one of Garfield’s most essential characters.

Liz Wilson’s presence in the Garfield universe is a testament to how even a comic strip that thrives on humor and simplicity can benefit from character development. She started as a dismissive vet who barely tolerated Jon’s advances, only to grow into one of the strip’s most beloved and enduring figures.

Whether she’s shutting down Jon’s embarrassing attempts at romance, keeping Garfield in check, or simply offering a much-needed dose of reality, Liz continues to play a vital role in the world of Garfield.

Scaring a Fish

 

Here Comes Garfield - Garfield Special

As much as we enjoy the Garfield and Friends Cartoon Series, there's more to enjoy:

Check out this special called "Here Comes Garfield" and enjoy the first TV special starring our beloved rotund comic strip staple Garfield, and his dull-witted canine Odie. In this special they end up at the local pound. Enjoy!

Jon's Drivers license

 

10 More Surprising Facts About Garfield You Might Not Know

If you're anything like us, you probably grew up watching Garfield lazing around, devouring lasagna, and sharing unfiltered thoughts on life. But how much do you really know about the Garfield cartoon beyond the surface?

Today, we're once again deep-diving into the world of everyone's favorite cat to uncover ten more little-known facts that will make you see Garfield in a whole new light. Join us as we get started!

1. Artistic Evolution:

   
   Over the decades since Garfield's debut, Jim Davis has skillfully refined the character's appearance, introducing subtle yet noticeable changes that reflect both artistic growth and the shifting tastes of his audience. Initially, Garfield was depicted as a slightly bulkier, more rounded cat with a somewhat squat posture and smaller, narrower eyes, giving him a mischievous yet laid-back demeanor.

   As the years progressed, Davis gradually slimmed down Garfield's physique, elongating his body and legs to create a more streamlined silhouette, while still preserving his signature plumpness that underscores his love for lasagna and lounging. His eyes grew larger and more expressive, enhancing his ability to convey a wider range of emotions, making him even more relatable to readers.

   The evolution also extended to his fur texture and shading, with Davis incorporating finer details over time, thanks in part to improvements in printing technology and his own mastery of the craft. Despite these adjustments, Davis has consistently maintained Garfield’s core traits: the distinctive orange tabby stripes, the perpetually unimpressed frown, and the endearing blend of cynicism and charm that have cemented the character’s status as a cultural icon.

2. Digital Presence:

   
   Garfield has a significant online presence that keeps him thriving in the digital age. Official websites like Garfield.com offer games, merchandise, and comic archives, while social media accounts on platforms like Instagram and Twitter engage fans with daily strips, memes, and witty commentary in Garfield’s signature sardonic tone. Digital comics, available through apps and subscriptions, provide instant access to both classic and new content. Fan communities on Reddit and X further amplify his reach, sharing fan art and discussions. This multi-platform approach ensures Garfield remains a relevant, interactive icon, seamlessly adapting his lasagna-loving, Monday-hating persona to captivate a new generation online.

3. Legacy:

   
   Garfield’s influence on pop culture remains robust, a testament to its enduring appeal since its 1978 debut. The lasagna-obsessed, Monday-loathing cat has inspired a flood of memes, from sarcastic one-liners about dieting to relatable grumbles about workweek woes, circulating widely across platforms like X and Instagram. Fan art thrives online, with artists reimagining Garfield in styles ranging from anime to minimalist sketches, reflecting his versatility. His presence echoes in other media too—TV shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy have nodded to him, while movies, video games, and even music lyrics borrow his iconic traits. The 2004 live-action film and its sequel further cemented his legacy. Over four decades later, Garfield’s blend of cynicism, humor, and charm continues to resonate, proving his cultural staying power and ability to adapt to new generations while retaining his core identity.

4. Garfield’s Name Origin:

   
   Jim Davis drew inspiration for Garfield’s name from his grandfather, James Garfield Davis, a nod to familial roots that added a personal touch to the character. His grandfather, a farmer with a larger-than-life personality, indirectly shaped the cat’s moniker. In turn, James Garfield Davis was named after U.S. President James A. Garfield, the 20th president, known for his brief tenure in 1881 before his unfortunate assassination. This layered naming connects the lasagna-loving feline to both Davis’s heritage and a slice of American history, blending sentimentality with a subtle historical echo that enriches Garfield’s origin story.

5. Jim Davis’ First Comic Strip:

   
   Before Garfield took the world by storm, Jim Davis experimented with Gnorm Gnat, a comic strip centered on an insect protagonist—a quirky gnat navigating life’s absurdities. Launched in the mid-1970s in the Pendleton Times, an Indiana newspaper, it showcased Davis’s early humor and style. However, when he pitched it to broader syndicates, editors dismissed it, arguing that readers couldn’t empathize with a bug. Undeterred, Davis pivoted, drawing from his farm upbringing and love of cats to create Garfield. The rejection of Gnorm Gnat proved a turning point, steering him toward a more relatable feline hero. Ironically, the insect’s obscurity later earned it a cult following among comic enthusiasts, highlighting Davis’s creative resilience.

6. Garfield’s Original Design Was Very Different:

   
   In Garfield’s early strips from 1978, Jim Davis drew him with smaller, narrower eyes, a bulkier, rounder body, and a more cat-like shape—low to the ground with a mischievous, feline air. This design reflected a realistic housecat, emphasizing his lazy, sardonic nature. Over time, Davis tweaked Garfield’s look to enhance his expressiveness and appeal. His eyes grew larger, amplifying his deadpan stares and sarcastic reactions, while his body slimmed and stretched into a more upright, anthropomorphic form. This shift gave Garfield a cartoonish flair, allowing him to gesture and emote like a human—whether scoffing at Jon or plotting lasagna heists. By standing taller and losing some bulk, he gained versatility for physical comedy and facial expressions, solidifying his evolution from a typical cat into a dynamic, relatable comic icon beloved worldwide.

7. The First Newspaper to Publish Garfield:

   
   When Garfield debuted in 1978, the Chicago Sun-Times was among the first major newspapers to carry the comic strip. However, shortly after its initial run, the paper decided to drop Garfield, believing it wouldn't resonate strongly with readers. This decision was met with an unexpected wave of backlash from fans who had already grown attached to the lasagna-loving cat. The public outcry was so overwhelming that the newspaper was ultimately convinced to reinstate the strip. This early controversy proved just how quickly Garfield had captured audiences’ hearts and foreshadowed the comic's long-lasting popularity.

8. Garfield’s Birthday:

   
   According to the comic’s lore, Garfield was born in the kitchen of Mamma Leoni’s Italian restaurant on June 19, 1978—the very same day Garfield made its debut in newspapers. From the moment he was born, Garfield had an insatiable appetite for pasta, particularly lasagna, which quickly became his defining trait. His love for food was so overwhelming that the restaurant had to choose between keeping the kitten or staying in business, ultimately selling him to a pet shop. This humorous origin story perfectly set the tone for Garfield’s gluttonous, self-indulgent personality and cemented his deep, lifelong obsession with Italian cuisine.

9. Odie Wasn’t Originally Jon’s Dog:

   
   In the early days of the Garfield comic strip, Odie wasn’t originally Jon Arbuckle’s dog—he belonged to Jon’s roommate, Lyman. Introduced in 1978, Lyman was meant to be a conversational counterpart to Jon, allowing for more dialogue-driven humor. However, as Garfield’s popularity grew, the strip increasingly focused on the dynamic between Jon, Garfield, and Odie, making Lyman less relevant. Eventually, Lyman vanished from the comic without explanation, leaving Odie to become Jon’s full-time pet. Over the years, this unexplained disappearance has sparked jokes and fan theories, with Jim Davis himself playfully acknowledging the mystery without ever providing a definitive answer.

10. The Mystery of Lyman:

    
    Lyman, Jon Arbuckle’s mustachioed roommate and Odie’s original owner, mysteriously disappeared from Garfield in the early 1980s without any formal explanation. While he played a role in the strip’s early days as Jon’s conversational partner, his presence became less necessary as the dynamic between Jon, Garfield, and Odie took center stage. As a result, Lyman quietly faded into obscurity. Over the years, curious fans have frequently asked Jim Davis what happened to him, prompting the cartoonist to jokingly suggest that Lyman might be tied up in Jon’s basement. Though clearly a playful remark, the comment has fueled humorous fan theories and internet speculation about Lyman’s fate.