Garfield Minus Garfield is a web-based comic strip created by Dan Walsh, a 33 year old from Ireland,[1] which received considerable attention during 2008.[2] Each strip consists of an episode from the comic strip Garfield, from which all main and/or non-essential characters except Garfield's owner, Jon Arbuckle, have been removed through photo manipulation.

The resulting strips thus consist of Jon talking to himself (or not talking at all), and any sudden change in behaviour appears to be due to Jon thinking or realizing something, rather than a reaction to someone interacting with him. The strip's website characterizes it as "a journey deep into the mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against loneliness and depression in a quiet American suburb".[3]

Garfield artist Jim Davis has commented on the webcomic, stating that he is an occasional reader and finds it "fascinating"[1] and an "inspired thing to do".[4]

Publication[edit]

On 28 October 2008, Ballantine Books released a Garfield Minus Garfield book in full color, with the original comics alongside the "minused" ones.[5] It was credited to Garfield creator Jim Davis and with a foreword written by Dan Walsh.[6]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Doty, Cate (2 June 2008). "Is the Main Character Missing? Maybe Not". The New York Times. Retrieved 31 October 2008.  Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  2. ^ See the following two articles from Mother Jones: [1]; [2]
  3. ^ Walsh, Dan. "Garfield Minus Garfield". Retrieved 31 October 2008.  Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  4. ^ Orndorff, Amy (8 June 2008). "When the Cat's Away, Neurosis Is on Display". The Washington Post. Retrieved 31 October 2008.  Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Marotta, Mike (5 August 2008). "Garfield Minus Garfield equals book deal". The Boston Herald. Retrieved 31 October 2008.  Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  6. ^ "Garfield Minus Garfield (paperback)". Amazon. Retrieved 31 October 2008.  Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)

External links[edit]