Product Description: For more than two decades, For Better or For Worse has captivated readers around the globe. This best-selling contemporary cartoon-syndicated since 1979-now appears in more than 2,000 newspapers throughout the U.S., Canada, and twenty-three other countries. The strip 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, a collection comprising cartoons from August 1998 through June 1999. 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.
a TRUE picture of growing older As always, Lynn Johnston captures the essence of a family whose members are maturing. She treats with especial sympathy the subject of young Gordon, an abused boy who has grown into a successful businessman and a wonderful father, even weaving into the storyline that his parents have gone into rehab for their alcohol problem. While there are conflicts, as anyone with siblings or multiple children knows, it is a joy to see some maturation between the older two's relationship. Also, I love seeing the community involvement, such as when Elizabeth helps with the foodbank and Michael works on a project to enlighten others as to the Canadian past. One of the final panels depicts all 3 of the Patterson children working together to cook dinner for Elly - and is a treat - and very true to life.
Fans will relish this collection Fans of Lynn Johnston's 'For Better or For Worse' comic strip about a family's interactions and aging will relish this collection, which provides black and white strips from some recent comics. While truly avid fans may find little new here, The Big 5-0 gathers cartoons from 1998 through 1999 and any who have missed a few will certainly find some 'new' material.
APRIL IS THE FLY IN THE OINTMENT This is a delightful comic series with believable characters. It is a good sign if any characters cause strong reactions and responses from their readers. I, too, dislike April. April is devious and sassy and often provokes others. I don't think she's a good kid. She is a spoiled little brat who needs a bun warming session. She's a good literary example of what overindulgence can do -- create a sense of entitlement and no respect for others. AztecPrincess said it best -- April is a spoiled brat who has no respect for anything.
The rabbit and dog chases are funny. Mr. Bunny Rabbit is a scream, the way he hops after that dog. It's a good thing the two species get along so well. Mr. B. is the best fictitious rabbit to ever grace the funny pages! Drawings of the rabbit really show the sense of speed and motion -- another nod to a great cartoonist.
Grandpa Jim is the best of the family characters. It is such a refreshing treat to see a senior citizen with a regular voice in the funnies. One of the best ones appeared in the paper on Veterans' Day, when he says the lucky ones came home. I also like the one on Memorial Day when he remembers dancing in his sergeant's uniform with his late wife, Marian. Hip, hip, hooray for Grandpa Jim!
The rest of the bunch are equally delightful, but for different reasons. Liz and Michael bring home the realities of college, job and impending marriage; they are wonderful characters who have never once lost their senses of humor.
i LIKE April! I've sort of grown up with FBOFW, being basically the same age as Michael. My mum turned 50 this year so i found the book of appeal for that reason as well! Personally, i like April. She's a good kid that is trying to grow up in a hard world where on one hand she is supposed to know all the things a teenager is supposed to know, deal with knowledge that most of us didn't encounter until we were much older, deal with a throw-away culture and on top of that remain a child to fit the stereotype we hold of little girls. I worked at a primary school for a little while and i think Lynn has trully captured the dualistic nature of kids today. So leave April alone!:-) The book is great, although i'm not sure why 50 flamingoes, is there some sort of symbalism involved there? Is it a Canadian thing? If so, probably a bit of clarification for us other fans would be a good idea!:-)) Love the strip, love the book!
April Cost This One Star I, too, dislike April. It's good that other people have pointed out the pipsqueak's shortcomings. I think she makes Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes look like a pure little angel. She really asks for it. She's the one who made up that stupid song about Jeremy. It would serve her right if he fixed her wagon. Somebody should. She rides roughshod over everybody and contributes nothing. I think she needs a good wet towel across the face and across the rump. All the other characters are good, solid, sympathy inducing and realistic. You love them. When it comes to being decent and considerate, that is where stupid little April gets off the train. You might want to put her outside with those pink flamingoes.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
