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30 Years of Laughs & Lasagna: The Life & Times of a Fat, Furry Legend!
Celebrate the big 3-0 with the lasagna-loving legend!
“If Garfield ever lost weight, I’d lose my job security.”
–Jim Davis
When the world’ s most famous feline hits the three-decade milestone it’s time to celebrate! 30 Years of Laughs & Lasagna is a tribute to this tremendous achievement. Organized by decade, each with an introduction by Jim Davis, this lavishly illustrated volume features more than four hundred strips, including thirty of Jim Davis’s all-time favorites–with informative remarks from Jim on why they made the grade. Packed with early sketches, enlightening quotes, and fun facts (did you know that the Garfield comic was originally titled Jon?), this book shows how Garfield evolved from a witty kitty to a world-renowned fat cat.
Of Jim Davis’s “little hobby,” Blondie cartoonist Dean Young “Every one of [these] little treasures is an exquisite menagerie of comic timing, writing, and cartoon art. It’s easy to see why his strip is continually voted one of the best on our planet by readers everywhere.”
So if you appreciate the unparalleled splendors of layered pasta, need something to ward off those nap attacks, or have a healthy appetite for humor, 30 Years of Laughs & Lasagna is just the ticket. Perhaps Jim Davis puts it “This whole line of work is to make people happy and smile.” Garfield’s millions of fans couldn’t agree more.
“If Garfield ever lost weight, I’d lose my job security.”
–Jim Davis
When the world’ s most famous feline hits the three-decade milestone it’s time to celebrate! 30 Years of Laughs & Lasagna is a tribute to this tremendous achievement. Organized by decade, each with an introduction by Jim Davis, this lavishly illustrated volume features more than four hundred strips, including thirty of Jim Davis’s all-time favorites–with informative remarks from Jim on why they made the grade. Packed with early sketches, enlightening quotes, and fun facts (did you know that the Garfield comic was originally titled Jon?), this book shows how Garfield evolved from a witty kitty to a world-renowned fat cat.
Of Jim Davis’s “little hobby,” Blondie cartoonist Dean Young “Every one of [these] little treasures is an exquisite menagerie of comic timing, writing, and cartoon art. It’s easy to see why his strip is continually voted one of the best on our planet by readers everywhere.”
So if you appreciate the unparalleled splendors of layered pasta, need something to ward off those nap attacks, or have a healthy appetite for humor, 30 Years of Laughs & Lasagna is just the ticket. Perhaps Jim Davis puts it “This whole line of work is to make people happy and smile.” Garfield’s millions of fans couldn’t agree more.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Jim Davis
2,307 books630 followersJames 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 16, 2023
I've never met a Garfield retrospective that I didn't like, and this one is no exception. I'm not sure how I missed the 30th anniversary collection, but what a treat to find it at the library! I will definitely be adding it to my "to buy" pile. I just love the early years of the strip, when the jokes are mostly about how cats gotta cat. Some of Jim Davis's favorite strips are also mine, and its fun to see what he likes best about his creation ♥
November 3, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
It is Garfield's 30th birthday and this book celebrates his history, trivia and popularity. This is a book for every fan as it has some great comics, and including some of Jim Davis's favourite panels.
(Review Not on Blog)
It is Garfield's 30th birthday and this book celebrates his history, trivia and popularity. This is a book for every fan as it has some great comics, and including some of Jim Davis's favourite panels.
June 30, 2009
Growing up, I can recall when Garfield mania hit high gear in the early 80s and the fat cat seemed to be everywhere. I recall checking out those early Garfield books from the library and consuming them multiple times, reveling in the jokes and thinking them the epitome of wit and humor.
At some point, my love of Garfield waned a bit. But when I saw this book at my local library, I decided to take a trip down memory lane. And with reflections on the creation of Garfield and the various other characters, as well as strips selected to highlight the fat cats first 30 years, I have to admit it was a nice trip.
The only thing missing was any strips or addressing of the whole "Garfield is dead" storyline that confused readers so many years ago. But I guess that's what Wikipedia is for...
At some point, my love of Garfield waned a bit. But when I saw this book at my local library, I decided to take a trip down memory lane. And with reflections on the creation of Garfield and the various other characters, as well as strips selected to highlight the fat cats first 30 years, I have to admit it was a nice trip.
The only thing missing was any strips or addressing of the whole "Garfield is dead" storyline that confused readers so many years ago. But I guess that's what Wikipedia is for...
February 20, 2017
Perhaps the most famous cat in the world, Garfield delivers in this book. This is a collection of past Garfield comic strips with the cartoonist Jim Davis explaining some of his decision making process. Davis has a different idea about commercialization than Watterson (of Calvin and Hobbes) and he makes a compelling argument.
Garfield, as usual, torments his owner and everyone who comes in his path. There is lovable Odie. There is the gluttony and mad rushes at lasagna. There is Garfield’s laziness which results in the audacity of the mice in the house. And finally Garfield’s terrible singing on the fence in the wee hours of the night.
Garfield, as usual, torments his owner and everyone who comes in his path. There is lovable Odie. There is the gluttony and mad rushes at lasagna. There is Garfield’s laziness which results in the audacity of the mice in the house. And finally Garfield’s terrible singing on the fence in the wee hours of the night.
January 26, 2018
a true modern master piece. In a wonderful metaphor for civil war Garfield must realize that he is stronger than all the mondays in the year combined and than he is the only one who can stop the world from going lasagnaless. A true classic from the God amoung men Jim Davis.
March 7, 2020
Excelente comic que contiene los mejores chistes de garfield en los últimos 30 años, sirve de referencia histórica que muestra como Lucía garfield desde sus inicios hasta ahora y como a ido evoluciónando.
July 21, 2015
I personally love the book Garfield. Garfield is a great graphic novel that is funny, entertaining, and gives family friendly laughs.
September 8, 2025
Nunca había leído nada de Garfield. Me gusta mucho la personalidas del gato, y Odie me parece un personaje estupendo. Pero a decir verdad me parece que las viñetas son bastante simples, con un humor que personalmente me deja fría. No es que me disguste el cómic sencillo, pero quizás estaba esperando algo más... profundo.
October 28, 2019
Garfield is a legend. The end. ;)
December 9, 2021
This was a fun trip down memory lane!
December 24, 2021
p.o.o.p.y.p.a.n.t.s. :-)&(&+$+*-**#*$6&6&&66& stnaprednu niatpac? haggard is the worst part in this world
March 12, 2023
Recopilación de 400 tiras a través de 3 décadas de historia del gato más famoso.
March 30, 2023
Perfect introduction and journey with Garfield :) wish there was more but I can always reread 💓
January 5, 2025
He vuelto a mi infancia. Una gran colección de tiras cómicas del adorable Garfield. 😍
August 30, 2025
30th anniversary collection. Would've given this an extra star if it weren't for the lack of some comics I enjoy.
March 14, 2017
I remember when I first discovered Garfield. It was right around 1982. I was in elementary school and I fell in love immediately. I had a collection of the short rectangular books and was always excited when a new one came out. I wonder where I put my old collection, hmm... Anyway, reading this book was a fun stroll down memory lane. I remember some of the earlier ones and enjoyed some I hadn't seen before.
February 15, 2017
Great selection of the creators favorite strips. Shows how Davis's Garfield has transcended generations and remains one of the worlds most read funny papers.
October 30, 2012
There's no need for me to even tell you how amazing this comic book is. It's funny, exciting, well-drawn, and even heartwarming. Jim Davis is a talented artist and a kind man. I am in love with his work and always have been since I was a child. I cannot wait to read more of his work because I know I have not read all of Garfield yet. Garfield is a cat that you can learn all vices from! XD He brings happiness to anyone who reads it. I suffered through a lot lately and if it wasn't for my family, best friend, Cloud Strife, Tom Hiddleston, and Garfield... I'm sure I would have gone insane a long time ago. (Yes... I owe a lot to fictional characters... they are much better than real people. X3) Give this book a look! It will NOT disappoint. Here's to more adventures in the future!!!
July 19, 2018
I have been a fan of Jim Davis’ comics of “Garfield” since my childhood in the early 1990’s. His books actually were one of the series that my parents had read to me and helped me learn to read!! Thank you Jim Davis for a lifetime of “Garfield” comics!! And still working on them to this day. From a loyal fan of 30+ years.
June 17, 2012
My kids are spoiling it for me...every time it gives my son a double turn, he would call me & he couldn't stop himself from telling me about it :D I am sure to rate this with 5 stars :D i am so in love with garfield since i can't remember when ahahha :D
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March 25, 2009This is terrible.
Here are one million words about it:
http://everydayislikewednesday.blogsp...
Here are one million words about it:
http://everydayislikewednesday.blogsp...
July 19, 2010
Hilarious!!
August 4, 2011
Good collection of comic strips. I would have liked a little more of Jim Davis thoughts behind the strips, but he does add them here and there. I also liked the brief character descriptions.
January 7, 2017
Fun, quick, easy read. A collection featuring the best of the best of the world's favorite orange lasagna easting feline. Worth a read if you love cats, a good laugh, or the rotund furball himself.
March 27, 2012
Great collection of strips from 3 decades of Garfield along with some insights from Jim Davis.
July 8, 2012
Anything and everything Garfield brings joy to my life. Great retrospective on 30 years with wonderful insights into Jim Davis, the characters, and all things Garfield.
July 19, 2012
Loved this book! Who could not love it? I had it up for a Garfield display, having ordered it from another library. Fortunately, I got my librarian to order it so I can read it and and again.
May 12, 2013
I LOVE GARFIELD!!! I forgot how much since I was a kid reading it in the papers & watching on tv as well. It is a great compendium of comic strips!
October 17, 2014
I tried to connect to this book and get the jokes: it was not easy. I guess I am spoiled by "peanuts".
August 2, 2015
A funny and enjoyable read. There were quite a few laugh out loud moments and sharing of cartoons with my husband. I rekindled my love of the cat!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews