Garfield Vol. 1 (2012)
Genre
Comedy, All-Ages, Slice of Life, Humor
Main Characters
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Garfield – A sarcastic, food-loving orange tabby cat with a disdain for Mondays and a passion for naps.
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Jon Arbuckle – Garfield’s socially awkward but good-hearted owner.
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Odie – A cheerful, loyal, and often clueless dog who frequently becomes Garfield’s comedic punching bag.
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Liz Wilson – Jon’s girlfriend and Garfield’s veterinarian.
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Nermal – A smug, self-proclaimed "cutest kitten alive" who often annoys Garfield.
Writer
Mark Evanier – A veteran comic book and television writer known for his work on The Garfield Show and decades-long collaborations with numerous comic legends. His writing in this volume reflects a deep understanding of Garfield's established humor and character dynamics, bringing a natural flow to the dialogue and story pacing.
Artist
Gary Barker – Longtime Garfield strip cartoonist who brings Jim Davis’s iconic visual style to life with fluid, expressive illustrations. His artwork retains the classic charm of the newspaper strips while adapting seamlessly to the comic book format.
Editor Details
While specific editorial credits are not always prominently listed in KaBOOM! titles, the volume was overseen by the editorial team at KaBOOM! Studios, a BOOM! Studios imprint that specializes in family-friendly and all-ages comics.
Publisher and Brand
Published by KaBOOM!, an imprint of BOOM! Studios, known for high-quality all-ages and licensed titles. The Garfield comics maintain the spirit of the original comic strip under this imprint’s guidance.
Release Year
2012
Brief Plot Summary
Garfield Vol. 1 collects several original comic stories that capture the day-to-day chaos, charm, and comedy of Garfield’s life. Readers are treated to Garfield’s relentless pursuit of food, his timeless battles with Odie, Jon’s hopeless attempts at being cool, and Liz’s struggle to keep everyone sane. These episodic tales are bursting with clever gags, exaggerated expressions, and Garfield’s signature internal monologue that breaks the fourth wall in the most entertaining ways. Unlike the traditional three-panel strips, the longer comic format allows for expanded storylines and deeper interactions between characters.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
While the collection consists of short stories rather than one continuous narrative, several standout segments include:
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"Fish to Fry" – Garfield gets obsessed with a new fish tank and concocts an elaborate plan for a seafood snack.
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"Pet Match" – Jon attempts to enter Garfield and Odie into a pet show, with predictably disastrous results.
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"Dessert Disaster" – A hilarious tale revolving around Garfield’s insatiable sweet tooth leading him into unexpected culinary territory.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some fans enjoy speculating that Garfield’s internal monologue represents a heightened sense of self-awareness not shared by other animals in the comic universe. This gives rise to humorous debates about whether Garfield truly understands human complexities or simply acts on exaggerated instinct. Another fun interpretation suggests Garfield’s laziness is actually a form of passive rebellion against Jon’s dull lifestyle.
Review Summary
Garfield Vol. 1 is a lighthearted, well-crafted comic that captures the timeless humor of Jim Davis’s original vision. The writing by Mark Evanier is crisp, witty, and perfectly in sync with the characters' personalities. Gary Barker’s art maintains the classic aesthetic while adding extra life and movement suited for the comic book page. While the volume isn’t deeply narrative-driven, it doesn’t need to be—it thrives on humor, charm, and relatability. It’s a perfect entry point for young readers and a nostalgic treat for longtime fans. A delightful blend of slapstick and snark that proves Garfield’s appeal is as enduring as ever.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
