National Garfield Day

Cheerful person wearing an orange Garfield t-shirt, enjoying a plate of lasagna in a cozy living room filled with Garfield comics.. — National garfield day illustration

Get ready to celebrate everyone's favorite lasagna-loving feline because it's National Garfield Day! On this special day, we honor the iconic orange tabby and all the joy and laughter he has brought to our lives. So, grab a plate of lasagna, find a cozy spot to curl up with a Garfield comic, and let's dive into the wonderful world of Garfield!

When is Garfield Day?

It's national garfield day on the 19th June.

A Cat Named Garfield

Garfield, created by cartoonist Jim Davis, made his debut in comic strips on June 19, 1978. Since then, this lovable lazy cat has become a pop culture phenomenon, captivating readers around the world with his hilarious antics and relatable personality.

Garfield's sarcastic wit, obsession with lasagna, hatred of Mondays, and love of naps have endeared him to fans of all ages. Whether you're a cat lover or simply appreciate a good dose of humor, it's hard not to smile when you see Garfield's mischievous grin and his iconic thought bubbles.

Celebrating National Garfield Day

On National Garfield Day, the internet lights up with posts, memes, and fan art featuring our favorite lazy lasagna aficionado. Garfield enthusiasts gather online to share their favorite comic strips, trade trivia, and express their love for this iconic character.

There are many ways to celebrate National Garfield Day. You can start your day off right by reading a Garfield comic strip with your morning coffee, or you can have a Garfield-themed movie night with friends and family. Whip up some delicious lasagna, pop in a Garfield DVD, and enjoy an evening of laughter and good food.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Garfield holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's most widely syndicated comic strip? It has been translated into multiple languages and appears in over 2,100 newspapers worldwide! That's a lot of lasagna-loving readers!

History behind the term 'Garfield'

1978

The Birth of a Feline Superstar

In 1978, Garfield, a comic strip created by Jim Davis, made its debut. The title character, Garfield, is a lazy and food-loving orange tabby cat with a sarcastic sense of humor. The strip quickly gained popularity for its relatable humor and lovable characters, including Garfield's owner, Jon Arbuckle, and Garfield's teddy bear Pooky.

1978

Creation of Garfield comic strip

In 1978, cartoonist Jim Davis created the comic strip 'Garfield.' It follows the life of Garfield, an overweight and sarcastic orange cat, and his interactions with his owner Jon Arbuckle and fellow pet Odie. The comic strip quickly gained popularity and became one of the most widely syndicated and beloved comic strips in the world.

1881

Garfield's rise to fame

James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, became widely known and popular during his presidency from March to September 1881. He was a charismatic figure known for his eloquent speeches and his ability to bring people together.

1978

The Birth of Garfield

In 1978, cartoonist Jim Davis created a comic strip featuring an orange, lazy, and sarcastic cat. This comic strip, named 'Garfield', introduced the world to the lovable and lasagna-obsessed feline. Davis drew inspiration from his own childhood pets and the behavior of cats he encountered.

1880

The Birth of James A. Garfield

In 1880, James A. Garfield became the 20th President of the United States. His presidency lasted only a brief 200 days due to his assassination. Although his time in office was short-lived, his impact on American politics and his charismatic personality left a lasting impression on the nation.

1978

The Birth of Garfield

In 1978, the iconic orange tabby cat named Garfield made his debut in the first comic strip created by Jim Davis. This lovable, lazy, and lasagna-obsessed feline captured the hearts of readers worldwide with his humorous and relatable antics.

1980

Garfield's cultural impact

By the early 1980s, Garfield had already made a significant cultural impact. The popularity of the comic strip led to the creation of various merchandise, including books, toys, and animated television specials. Garfield's relatable and humorous personality resonated with readers of all ages, contributing to his widespread appeal.

1881

The Word 'Garfield' Enters Pop Culture

Following his tragic assassination in 1881, the name 'Garfield' gained notoriety and entered pop culture. The media extensively covered the incident, further immortalizing Garfield's name in the public consciousness. The term 'Garfield' started to become associated with themes of heroism, political fervor, and the fragility of life. It became a symbol of the impact one individual can make on society.

1982

Garfield Goes Global

By 1982, the popularity of Garfield grew significantly and the comic strip was being published in over 1,000 newspapers worldwide. This led to Garfield becoming a cultural icon, with merchandise including plush toys, t-shirts, and various other products flooding the market.

1881

The term 'garfield' in popular culture

The name 'Garfield' started becoming associated with something or someone lazy or overweight. It is believed to have originated from the character 'Jim Davis' Garfield', a fat and lasagna-loving cartoon cat created in 1978, but the term was first used in 1881, well before the comic strip character's existence.

1981

Newspaper Syndication

The popularity of Garfield soared, leading to its syndication in newspapers across the United States. By 1981, the comic strip appeared in over 100 newspapers, captivating readers with its humorous depiction of Garfield's interactions with Jon, his owner, and Odie, his playful but dimwitted canine companion.

1981

Garfield's Widespread Syndication

By 1981, the Garfield comic strip was being syndicated in over 100 newspapers worldwide. Jim Davis' creation struck a chord with readers, who eagerly followed the adventures and misadventures of Garfield and his friends. The popularity of the strip led to merchandise, animated specials, and eventually a television series.

Late 20th century

'Garfield' as a humorous cultural reference

'Garfield' went on to become a popular cultural reference, especially in the late 20th century. It became a term used to describe anyone who exhibited laziness or a lack of motivation. The term often appears in comedic contexts, whether in literature, film, or everyday conversations.

1984

Garfield's TV Debut

In 1984, Garfield made his first appearance on television with the animated special, 'Garfield on the Town.' This marked the beginning of Garfield's animated journey, which would include multiple TV series, specials, and movies in the years to come.

1988

Garfield and Friends animated series

In 1988, the animated television series 'Garfield and Friends' premiered. The show expanded on the comic strip's universe, showcasing Garfield's adventures with a variety of other animal characters. The series ran for seven seasons and further solidified Garfield's place in popular culture.

1982

First Garfield Book

In 1982, the first Garfield book, titled 'Garfield at Large', was published. This compilation of comic strips allowed fans to enjoy Garfield's witty and snarky commentary in a portable and convenient format. The book quickly became a bestseller, solidifying Garfield's place in popular culture.

1978

The Creation of the Garfield Comic Strip

In 1978, Jim Davis created the iconic comic strip 'Garfield,' featuring a lovable yet lazy orange cat named Garfield. The character quickly became beloved for his sardonic humor, love of lasagna, and disdain for Mondays. The comic strip's immense popularity led to the term 'Garfield' becoming synonymous with humorous and relatable observations about everyday life. Through his comic strip, Davis introduced a new layer to the cultural legacy of the name 'Garfield'.

1984

Garfield's Television Debut

In 1984, the animated television special 'Garfield on the Town' aired, marking Garfield's first appearance on TV. The special was well-received and led to the creation of the 'Garfield and Friends' animated series, which aired from 1988 to 1994. The TV adaptations further increased Garfield's fanbase and solidified his status as a cultural icon.

1995

Garfield movie

The year 1995 marked another milestone in Garfield's history with the release of the live-action/CGI hybrid film, 'Garfield: The Movie.' The film brought the iconic cat to life on the big screen and introduced him to a new generation of fans. Garfield's mischievous and lasagna-loving antics were translated into a lively and entertaining film.

1981

Garfield's Leap to Television and Film

In 1981, Garfield made his debut on television with the animated series 'Garfield and Friends.' The show further solidified the character's popularity and expanded the reach of the term 'Garfield.' Garfield's on-screen presence extended beyond just television, with various films and specials featuring the iconic feline. The animated adaptations introduced new generations to the comic strip character, guaranteeing the continued cultural relevance of the term 'Garfield'.

1991

Garfield and Friends TV Show

Garfield's fame reached new heights in 1991 with the launch of the animated TV series 'Garfield and Friends'. The show featured Garfield's humorous escapades alongside his farm animal friends, including Orson the pig and Roy the rooster. It became a beloved Saturday morning staple, entertaining both children and adults alike.

1991

Garfield: The Movie

In 1991, Garfield leapt from the comic strip and small screen to the big screen with 'Garfield: The Movie.' This live-action/CGI film starred Bill Murray as the voice of Garfield and introduced the character to a whole new generation of fans.

Modern era

Garfield's influence in the digital age

With the rise of the internet and social media, 'Garfield' has continued to be a source of inspiration for memes and online humor. Countless memes featuring Garfield's image and humorous captions have gained popularity, further solidifying the term's presence in popular culture.

1991

The Garfield Movie

In 1991, 'Garfield: The Movie' was released, bringing the beloved comic strip character to the big screen for the first time. The live-action/CGI-animated film starred the lasagna-loving feline in a family-friendly adventure. Although the movie received mixed reviews, it introduced Garfield to a new generation of fans and paved the way for more cinematic adaptations.

2004

Garfield and Internet Memes

The term 'Garfield' took on a whole new dimension with the rise of internet culture. In 2004, a webcomic called 'Garfield Minus Garfield' emerged, removing the character Garfield from the original comic strips. This simple alteration transformed the comic into a surreal and existential exploration of Jon Arbuckle's (Garfield's owner) psyche. The webcomic became a viral sensation, inspiring countless memes and spin-offs. The absurdity and introspection of 'Garfield Minus Garfield' introduced a new layer to the term 'Garfield,' showcasing its adaptability to different artistic interpretations and its resonance with online communities.

2019

The Garfield Effect

Garfield has had a lasting impact on popular culture and language. The term 'Garfield' is sometimes used colloquially to describe someone who is lazy, loves food, or exhibits a sarcastic personality. This 'Garfield Effect' demonstrates the enduring legacy of the character and how he has permeated various aspects of modern society.

2004

Garfield's Web Expansion

With the rise of the internet and online comics, Garfield's presence expanded into the digital landscape. The official Garfield website was launched in 2004, providing fans with access to comic strips, games, merchandise, and interactive content. This digital expansion allowed Garfield to maintain and grow its relevance in an ever-changing media landscape.

2004

Guinness World Record for Garfield

In 2004, Garfield earned a place in the Guinness World Records as the 'Most Widely Syndicated Comic Strip.' This record highlighted Garfield's vast reach and enduring popularity, solidifying his status as one of the most beloved comic strip characters of all time.

2004

Garfield: The Movie

Garfield's transition from the comic strip to the big screen occurred in 2004 with the release of 'Garfield: The Movie'. This live-action/CGI hybrid film brought Garfield's antics to life, delighting fans who had grown up reading the comic strip. While the movie received mixed reviews, it further solidified Garfield's enduring popularity.

2019

Garfield's Enduring Popularity

Garfield continues to be a beloved character, even after more than four decades since its creation. The comic strip is still published daily in numerous newspapers, and the Garfield brand thrives through licensing deals, books, and merchandise. The character's snarky personality and relatable antics have resonated with people of all ages, ensuring Garfield's place in pop culture history.