Product Description: For Better or For Worse's Patterson family has grown and grown up for decades on the comics page. Facing real-life issues with a continuously humorous, often poignant, sometimes sentimental stance, For Better or For Worse delivers storylines that reflect the life moments and family challenges that most people face. In this collection, Graduation: A Time for Change, life is transforming for each family member and their widening circle of friends. Elly and John face middle age and the decision to ask Elly's dad to move in. As Michael graduates from the safe confines of university, Elizabeth begins her college years with a surprising roommate. The pleasures of being the number one kid sometimes escape the often-lonely April. Throw in the engagement of Michael and Deanna and add another dog to liven up the household and you get a lot of laughs and a bit of chaos--just like real life.
Another Great book ... Another Great book to visit the Patterson's with. "For Better / For Worse" has to be one of the best comic strips of all time. It really makes you think, "They are just like my family", and if you do not have kids, read the books so you know what to prepare for.
Loyal Follower I have just about all the For Better or For Worse books. I haven't read a bad one yet.
Time for change is right. I am thinking that Texino has had enough good times with Patterson family. Maybe Canadian peoples are really that happy and white, but since Mrs. Johnston sells the majority of her wares in USA, I think the stories should be more in line with the happenings in this lovely land. In real life: Deana could be addicted to pills, her baby could die from SIDS. Without free medical care the goofy husband could die of heart attack or better yet, kill himself like many a dentist does. Elly could become a bag lady drunk and the rest could just drift off for the worse. If Texino was writing comics, this would definately be the fact of the matter. Go USA #1.
Another worthy addition to the collection Ever since I picked up the For Better or For Worse 20th Anniversary collection last year, I've been spending a lot of time searching out the older books, reading stories that anthology touched on but didn't cover completely and learning more about characters I already knew and loved. The progression of those two decades really is remarkable. Now, amidst all the nostalgia I (and, I suspect, many other FBoFW fans) got caught up in, comes a reminder that our favorite strip is still better than ever today.
From a strictly artistic point of view, Lynn Johnston's drawings have grown steadily sharper and more detailed over the years. But the real star of the show remains Johnston's knack for engaging stories, which are - as always - a nice blend of laughs and serious looks at the everyday problems we've all got to overcome. Much of this collection is concerned with Michael's post-graduation blues and his efforts to establish his career and Elizabeth's struggles to adjust to college life, two things many of us have been through or will go through in real life. Anyone who knows those experiences will tell you they're not often funny, and as such Johnston doesn't try to sugarcoat them - but she does produce a knowing chuckle all the same, as usual. As for April, love her or hate her, there's plenty here as well for the fans to argue - and maybe even laugh - about as always. (Perhaps in response to frequent complaints from some fans that April is a spoiled brat, we're actually treated to John and Elly discussing that issue in this collection...nothing like a cartoonist who listens to her fans!)
It's still among the most serious strips out there, but FBoFW remains good for a laugh this time around.
5 stars as usual The continuing funny and sometimes poignant saga of the comic pages' favorite family. I look forward to each daily strip and each periodic anthology.
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