Funny Things: A Comic Strip Biography of Charles M. Schulz

Praise

“The human being — self-doubting, proud, committed and sometimes dark — who forged one of the most significant artistic creations of the 20th century comes through in these pages. By using the visual language of the Peanuts comic strip, Debus and Matteuzzi tap into our collective unconscious… It’s a brilliant conceit, and it took cojones to do it. Hats off.” — Jeff Smith, The New York Times

“Readers will gain remarkably intimate insights into this quiet but doggedly ambitious man, four panels at a time. Debus and Matteuzzi even manage to alchemize humor and melancholy in a way that anyone who has come across Peanuts… will recognize.” — Booklist (starred review)

“Surprisingly emotional… an affectionate yet bracing portrait of an artist who never overcame self-doubt, workaholism, and insecurities to appreciate his own greatness. Even readers only passingly familiar with Snoopy and the gang will be charmed.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“An insightful and affectionate biography of an iconic American artist… the format masterfully emphasizes the deeply personal quality of Schulz’s work.” — Library Journal

“At every level, Debus and Matteuzzi succeed at presenting us with a biography that is richly informative and comforting, making it an essential work that deserves to be placed on the shelf next to any volume of Peanuts.” — The Comics Beat


“A brilliant and audacious idea… this beautifully published volume is nothing less than magical.” — Air Mail

“Funny Things is a beautiful and clever new way for the world to get to know the dear friend and mentor I knew for thirteen years.” — Lynn Johnston, creator of For Better or For Worse