AWN shares the March 14, 1969 moon landing strip, along with former Shuttle astronaut Mike Massimino’s piece about bringing his stuffed Snoopy into space, from the new book that celebrates Charles M. Schulz’s iconic comics’ 75th anniversary.
Abrams ComicArts has shared with AWN’s readers an exclusive look at the March 14, 1969 moon landing strip, along with an essay by NASA astronaut Mike Massimino about the impact of bringing his beloved stuffed Snoopy into space aboard the Shuttle Atlantis, from the brand-new book, “The Essential Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time.”
The just released deluxe coffee table book is the definitive tribute to the pioneering artistry of Charles M. Schulz — a landmark publication timed to the 75th anniversary of the world’s most influential and enduring comic strip of all time. Written by award-winning author Mark Evanier, “The Essential Peanuts” is now available as a hardcover in a slipcase with a portfolio of bonus extras.
Evanier presents the most iconic and essential “Peanuts” comic strips with fresh historical and cultural context. Featuring an introduction by Patrick McDonnell, a foreword by Jean Schulz, and contributions from 16 notable commentators, the volume boasts a design by Chip Kidd plus a portfolio of collectible “Peanuts” ephemera — including postcards, prints, an embroidered patch, stickers, and a facsimile of a classic “Peanuts” comic book.
“The Essential Peanuts” builds upon Abrams ComicArts's celebrated “Peanuts” publishing program, which includes the Eisner Award-winning “Only What's Necessary: Charles M. Schulz and the Art of Peanuts” (Abrams ComicArts; April 2025; $29.99) by Chip Kidd and Geoff Spear.
“Having loved ‘Peanuts’ since I was about Charlie Brown's age (and no more successful at kite-flying), I was thrilled when Abrams ComicArts asked me to spend weeks reading and writing about the comic strip that was so much more than just a comic strip,” says Evanier. “The only drawback was that I tried writing the book sitting on the roof of a doghouse, but I kept falling off.”
“As we mark 75 years of ‘Peanuts’, this partnership with Abrams ComicArts is a testament to the lasting impact of Schulz’s beloved characters,” says Craig Herman, VP of Global Brand Experiences, & Publishing at Peanuts Worldwide. “Since being introduced to the world on October 2, 1950, ‘Peanuts’ has been at the forefront of pop culture, and we can’t wait for fans to discover this extraordinary anniversary edition.”
Timed for its 75th anniversary, the book underscores how and why the comic strip transcends cultural, generational, and linguistic barriers to remain relevant and beloved. By exploring the creative ambition of Charles M. Schulz, his wry commentary on childhood struggles and triumphs, and his enduring influence on art, literature, and everyday life, Evanier not only celebrates an incomparable legacy but also reveals the universal appeal at the heart of “Peanuts.”
75 Years of “Peanuts”
Happiness is . . . 75 Years. In 1950, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the “Peanuts” gang were first introduced to the world. In the 75 years since, “Peanuts” has become a global phenomenon, encompassing award-winning animated content, stage shows and live experiences, high profile collaborations, and retail programs around the world. Artists, musicians, philosophers, and fans have been inspired by Charles Schulz’s creation for over seven decades and there is no end in sight for this beloved cast of characters who speak so beautifully and simply to the human experience.
About Charles M. Schulz
Charles M. Schulz (1922–2000) was an American cartoonist whose comic strip “Peanuts” chronicled the adventures of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire gang, becoming one of the most widely recognized and beloved strips of all time. His gentle humor and keen insights into everyday human struggles earned him a reputation as one of the most influential voices in the history of comics and modern- day culture. To learn more about Schulz’s life and work, visit schulzmuseum.org.
About the Author
Mark Evanier is the award-winning author of “Kirby: King of Comics” and “MAD Art.” A respected writer, historian, and editor, he has worked extensively in the worlds of comic books and television, earning a reputation as one of the foremost authorities on comics and animation. Evanier has three Emmy Award nominations and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for animation from the Writers Guild of America. He lives in Los Angeles, California.
About the Book
- “The Essential Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time”
- By Mark Evanier
- Introduction by Patrick McDonnell and Foreword by Jean Schulz
- From Abrams ComicArts; October 7, 2025; $75; hardcover in a slipcase with a portfolio of bonus extras.
- Original Contributions by Robb Armstrong, Derrick Bang, Rob Boutilier, Paige Braddock, Alberto Brambilla, Benjamin L. Clark, Alexis E. Fajardo, Ben Folds, Sarah Gillespie, Chip Kidd, Amy Lago, Mike Massimino, Akio Matsunaga, Jeff Morrow, Hilary B. Price, and Shuntarō Tanikawa
Source: Abrams ComicArts
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
