The Big 5-0

For Better or For Worse #18

by Lynn Johnston

For Better or For Worse reflects universal family feelings so well it's translated from English into eight languages. What makes creator Lynn Johnston's portrayal of the Patterson family and friends so beloved shines once again in The Big 5-0 . This book follows the blooming romance of son Michael and his girlfriend, Deanna, daughter Elizabeth's last year in high school, and John, the father, turning 50. The book overflows with the heartwarming and realistic family exchanges that have become For Better or For Worse trademarks.

Genres: Comics, Humor, Graphic Novels Comics, Cartoon, Comic Book, Fiction, Comedy

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

About the author

Lynn Johnston CM OM is a Canadian cartoonist, well known for her comic strip For Better or For Worse, and was the first female cartoonist to win the Reuben Award.

Reviews

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of the comics aren't that funny anymore, but I just love there Patterson family and the people in their lives. It gives me so much joy watching them all grow. They are so relatable.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming out in 2000 with strips from August of 98 through May of 99. John’s turning 50 made the cover but in the strip itself it really didn’t get all that much play. No huge plot developments in this run, maybe Michael and Weed selling a story to a large magazine might top the lot. But it’s all good.

[Pete Payton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covers from August 1998 to June 1999,so Liz’s last year of high school and Mike’s last of college.

[tyRonE hArDing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great. Love the Patterson Family.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to take a break with the little snippets of life that Lynn Johnston does.

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trials and tribulations of everyday life. Delightful!!

[The other John · Rating 3 out of 5]

In yet another amusing For Better or For Worse collection, Michael and Weed make a business trip to Quebec, Elizabeth enjoys her last year before University, Elly gets some more hours at her bookstore job, Grandpa Jim gets a dog, April engages in miscellaneous shenanigans, and John celebrates his 50th birthday. (even though he said it was only a few weeks away two books ago)

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best collection, but still an interesting portrait of everyday life and its silly nuances. I love Lynn and I think she is one of the best cartoonists out there. I will continue to read her strips for ideas on how to deal with everyday life.

[Adrian Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always thought of the Pattersons as the neighbors. I started reading the strip when I was a kid and was faithful to the end. I have the entire collection and I read it every few years. It's a classic!

[Mireille Duval · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun as always! I liked the strips with Grandpa Jim especially, and the relationship between Elizabeth and April is really lovely.

[Child960801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone is growing up, with Michael finishing up college and planning for the future, Elizabeth doing grade 13, and John turning 50.