Garfield Beefs Up

Garfield #37

by Jim Davis

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER 10 POUNDS!

Once again, Garfield spreads his mirth--and his girth--to cartoon lovers everywhere.  Whether he's poking fun at Jon's latest dating disaster, punting Odie off the kitchen table, or pigging out on pork skins, this well-rounded cat is always hungry for fun.

Genres: Comics, Humor, Comic Book, Comic Strips, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Childrens

96 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

James Robert "Jim" Davis is an American cartoonist who created the popular comic strip Garfield. Other comics that he has worked on are Tumbleweeds, Gnorm Gnat, Slapstick, and a strip about Mr. Potato Head.

Jim Davis was born in Fairmount, Indiana, near Marion, where he grew up on a small farm with his father James William Davis, mother Anna Catherine (Carter) Davis, brother Dave, and 25 cats. Davis' childhood on a farm parallels the life of his cartoon character Garfield's owner, Jon Arbuckle, who was also raised on a farm with his parents and a brother, Doc Boy. Jon, too, is a cartoonist, and also celebrates his birthday on July 28. Davis attended Ball State University. While attending Ball State, he became a member of the Theta Xi fraternity. He earned the dubious honor of earning one of the lowest cumulative grade point averages in the history of the university, an honor incidentally shared with Late Show host David Letterman.

Davis as of 2007 resides in Muncie, Indiana, where he and his staff produce Garfield under his company, Paws, Inc., begun in 1981. He was married to Carolyn, a singer and elementary teacher whom he met while both were attending college, and has a son named James with her. However, the couple divorced, and Davis since 2000 has been married to Jill, Paws' senior vice president of licensing, who has worked there approximately 25 years.

Ironically, Davis did not own cats when he started Garfield because of Carolyn's allergies, but they owned a Labrador retriever named Molly. With Jill, the family has expanded to include children Ashley and Chris; three grandchildren, Chloe, Carly and Cody; cats, Spunky and Nermal; and a dog, Pooky.

Reviews

[Moira Fogarty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much pizza and diner food, not enough lasagna. No Nermal, no Arlene, few scary spiders, heavy on the household misery and lack of dates, light on the shenanigans. Feels like 2000 wasn’t a banner year for Jim Davis. Nevertheless, his undaunted output and dedication to producing a comic a day is admirable, given his clear fascination with laziness and sloth. There’s comfort in his ceaseless continuity.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very amusing comic book. I have read some of the comic strips in other books before but other than that I enjoyed this one. It had comic strips from a few different seasons and holidays as well as a ton of random ones. Garfield fans will enjoy it.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book about Garfield eating too much, eating other people's food, watching TV, and mostly interacting with Jon. I would like to see a larger variety of characters. Bring Jon's family and Arlene and Nermal in more often.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite Garfield book. The comics in this one were just okay for me.

[Ann L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is more like a 3.5. Not nearly as funny as some of the other Garfield comic books..... it still has some good ones, but I didn't laugh as hard with this one.

[Galion Public Library Teens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review by C.N. : "Dislike it's called 'Beefs Up' and didn't even talk about food. [Recommended for] my brother."

[Abdul Rehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first comic and that's why I like it.

[Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Garfield Fun

Another good blast of a Garfield book! No big series or runs this time, just a couple of short ones, but I enjoy Garfield however it comes!

[Ana Ibarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bringing back memories, Didnt love that most of the stories are 3 squares long, but all fun and cute

[Rachel Svendsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't quite understand what it is I love about Garfield. It's more a more slapstick brand of humor than I normally go for, but something about him being a cat and hating spiders and loving naps and eating and teddy bears just feels so relatable.

I think he's my spirit animal.

[Meg McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very funny collection of comics. I have always loved Garfield and the gang and this book didn't disappoint.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Garfield is laying down, (of course) and Jon is measuring the distance. He says to Garfield. "Yesterday you were here. Today, you're here. We have movement!!! Garfield replies, " I wonder if Charlie Brown could use a cat?"

Garfield is walking along and says, "Death, taxes, and teddy bears. Three things you can always count on!" Of course, I wouldn't mind missing out on the first two, Garfield.

Garfield tells Odie, "Christmas is just around the corner, Odie!" And then Odie looks around the corner. I love that dog!!

Garfield is sitting at his computer and he needs to think up a password. He sits there for a while and then decides on one. Jon says, "Its lasagna, isn't it?" Garfield wraps the mouse cord around Jon's face. Jon says, "Just a lucky guess."

[Mary Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garfield Beefs Up is a funny little graphic novel that will have you laughing. It is full of stories about Garfield getting into all kinds of things and then getting into all kinds of trouble. If you have spare time and want a good laugh, this is the book for you.

[Iggy Igwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garfield awakens Jon rudely.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was funny

[Gabbie fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading this to my little brother he find is hilarious and the more he laughs the more I want to read.

[Teri Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Garfield!

[Little Miss and the Legomeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legomeister loves Garfield. Especially these hardbound colorized books they have at our new library.

[Mustang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was halaries and amazing at the same time. garfield is amazing asnd i love his little teaddy bear.

[Rhys · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the funniest Garfield books I have ever read!

[Joanna Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have 2 of this one.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Garfield. Book #37.