In another month or so, Monte Schulz’s essay in The Comics Journal should be making its appearance. In the meantime, there’s a rather tense exchange over at Cartoon Brew between Monte and someone who had some input in Schulz and Peanuts. Start reading down from this link. You may want to scroll up first, for a fun online reunion Monte has with an old friend, before reading the more uncomfortable parts.
I’d like to emphasize that all of this is about a syndicated cartoonist. No matter which side of this discussion about the biography you’re on, it’s amazing that the creator of a comic strip merits such attention. In generations past, such a thing would not have happened, with Walt Disney being the only exception. As a medium, cartooning and comics have come a long way.
Yes, it’s a curiously heated exchange, with background that is undoubtedly best left unsaid for now. We’re all looking forward to the essay!
What was the anticipated reaction to the book, anyway? That all of the amateur psychoanalysis would be accepted without question? I’m still perplexed that Bill Watterson seemed to do exactly that, because he’s very thoughtful, and he’s certainly careful to guard his own privacy.
Amy’s appearance on CBS News is still online at this link, and I watched it again recently. She did a really great job, effectively explaining how the “negative twist to the book” couldn’t be fixed by correcting the factual errors. Amy also scored major points with her comment, “I find it hard to find a friend that actually wasn’t scared of their father.”
YIKES! That was some blistering stuff. I would have to agree with the lady that perhaps they should meet in person and have it out! Also, I would agree with Monte that she should READ THE BOOK!
Wow, you read that, huh? What a strange exchange. That’s all I’d better say! One day I’ll give you the fully skinny about it all. Gee, I wonder what hornets nest my essay will stir up. And the other essays, too. One of them, in particular, is very good, very insightful, as is his response to our essays. It’ll make for good reading and a lively discussion.