A creation of cartoonist Jim Davis (1945–), Garfield is a lazy but scheming cat who ranks with Felix the Cat (see entry under 1910s—Film and Theater in volume 1), Sylvester, and Krazy Kat (see entry under 1910s—Print Culture in volume 1) among the most popular feline comic-strip characters of all time. Described by his creator as a "fat, orange couch potato," the cat with the huge saucer eyes first made his appearance on June 19, 1978, in a strip populated with his owner, Jon Arbuckle; his Teddy bear, Pooky; and his sidekick, Odie, a constantly panting dog whose energy contrasts sharply with Garfield's relaxed persona.

Garfield creator Jim Davis pauses after drawing the lazy and always hungry cartoon cat. Photograph by Michael Conroy. AP/Wide World Photos. Reproduced by permission.

Garfield is happiest when indulging in his favorite food, lasagna, or engaging in his preferred pastime, raiding the cookie jar. Next...