In creating the Peanuts comics, Charles Schulz incorporated numerous ideas, comedic styles, and literary devices. Most of his work resulted in timeless material inspiring laughter and thought. However, not all strips came out as well as others. Due to the ceaseless evolution of the Peanuts comics, some came out downright weird. Entertainment has forever welcomed oddness or unconventional storytelling, though some creative decisions have been viewed as just plain strange without much creative messaging.
Much of the strange material stemmed from Schulz’s continually pushing the envelope. Comic strip artists have forever been allowed to be experiemental with their medium. Never satisfied with a set formula, he was constantly adapting and trying new devices for presenting his comedy and messages. There was bound to be some weird work, from different styles of jokes to new characters, environments, and situations.
Snoopy Gets a Job as a Census Taker
Publication Date: March 31, 1980
Snoopy is known for being a dog-of-all-trades. Over the years, he has tried his hand at numerous jobs. Some have proven comical, such as being a lawyer and a pilot. Others seemed a bit odd. One example is Snoopy donning a hat and clipboard and going door to door as a census taker. At his first stop, Snoopy reveals his unique way of identifying those he’s visited.
Throughout a week of Peanuts comics, Snoopy continues his work as a census taker. Each strip is similar to the last, and not one contains a shred of humor. Because the unexpected nature of Snoopy’s behavior in different jobs, and the reactions to it, were typically successful, Schulz gave his popular character numerous roles. Although it comes as no surprise that at least one would fail to hit the mark, the oddity and lack of comedy sneak this entry into the rankings.
Charlie Brown Tries Flying a Kite in Winter
Publication Date: Feb. 21, 1960
When it comes to kite flying, Charlie Brown is as determined as they come. If there’s at least a slight breeze, he’ll give it his all, regardless of his continued failure. Still, the reader would likely not expect him to try in the middle of winter, which is precisely what he does. Charlie Brown takes his kite out on an extremely cold day in a strange Sunday strip.
He’s persistent, I’ll say that for him!
While the results are fairly obvious, Charlie Brown’s determination and frozen kite make for sound comedy. The situation also seems strange. Even though Charlie is unusually stubborn, he is also level-headed. A trait best revealed in his interactions with Sally. With the core of his character in mind, Charlie Brown attempting to fly a kite in winter is a bit weird.
Snoopy’s Ears Double as Helicopter Blades
Publication Date: March 14, 1960
Sometimes, as funny as it is, Snoopy’s behavior is quite strange. This is the case when Linus tells Lucy about seeing a “whirlydog.” In typical fashion, she disregards what her brother says as nonsense. To her disbelief, Snoopy comes zooming by, using his ears like helicopter blades. In a rare moment, Linus proves Lucy wrong. These two unexpected events provide an ample amount of humor.
While the strip is highly amusing, the cameo of a flying Snoopy is odd. Snoopy is known for a different approach to flight. His aerial exhibitions in his doghouse became popular enough to be used in merchandising. That said, a self-propelled Snoopy seems weird. The strips released in the week to follow continue the “whirlydog” story. Unlike his time as a census taker, these comics featuring Snoopy are comical.
Charlie Brown’s Pitching Mound Has a Mind of Its Own
Publication Date: Nov. 4, 1976
Schulz often used personification in his work, but not always with the intended results. An example of the oddity that can result in these circumstances comes at the end of the baseball season. Charlie Brown approaches the pitcher’s mound, wondering what will become of it over winter. The mound is personified with its thought bubble that presents the joke’s punchline, which isn’t very funny.
In this instance, the personification employed comes off as strange. The mound had not previously exhibited such behavior, and few objects had been personified up to that point. The device was typically used with animals such as Snoopy and Woodstock. The unexpected use of the technique and the lack of substantial humor result in one weird strip.
Woodstock and Snoopy Hold a Silent Conversation
Publication Date: Nov. 6, 1987
Peanuts comics without words are not uncommon. Many strips in the vast collection lack dialogue but not humor. One of these silent pieces is also slightly odd. In said strip, Woodstock and Snoopy seem to be having a conversation, but there are no words. The final frame states the reason as a sound problem. It’s a good joke, but one that makes this comic strange and unique.
Most Peanuts comics without words present a story, often using the allotted space as a single frame. Strips of this style usually have lots of action and well-illustrated motion. In contrast, this piece has very little movement. Combined with the lack of text, the reader does not know the story or how to react. While the joke works, the exclusion of expected elements is weird.
Peppermint Patty Fights a Ferocious Feline
Publication Date: Oct. 20, 1976
One of the stranger events in Peanuts history occurs after Snoopy angers Peppermint Patty. Having run out on his duties as her lawyer, Patty hunts down Snoopy to pick a fight. The problem is that she doesn’t find Snoopy. Instead, Patty accidentally gets into a brawl with the neighbor’s cat. Thinking Snoopy has found another disguise, she jumps the monstrous feline known as World War II.
You can’t fool me Chuck! That’s Snoopy in a cat suit!
Amazingly, Peppermint Patty holds her own against a cat capable of destroying Snoopy’s doghouse in a single swipe. Eventually, Snoopy appears and plays the hero. After being pulled from the battle, Patty is grateful and forgives Snoopy. Both characters wind up with a renewed respect for the cat, and the reader is left questioning what happened. The awkward and unexpected nature of the situation places this entry in the middle of the rankings.
Linus Just Wants to Know Her Name
Publication Date: Dec. 17, 1987
When Linus tries to send Christmas cards to his classmates, he encounters a strange problem. One of them insists that their names change daily, which stumps Linus. His only feasible solution is to use a pronoun. The conclusion of the strip could easily leave a reader confused. There are a few possibilities, but the comic’s intent is unclear and debatable.
Once again, a strange story continues throughout the week following the release. Each strip is similarly confusing, presents little humor, and feels weird. The result is Linus receiving a card while unable to send one, leaving him feeling outdone. As the comics within the story tend to be viewed as lacking in humor, a reader might wonder if there was a point to the bewildering tale.
The Peanuts Gang Cleans Snoopy’s House
Publication Date: June 23, 1964
Another weird occurrence takes place when Charlie Brown asks his friends to help clean Snoopy’s doghouse. Linus brings a broom, and the next few children bring typical cleaning supplies. What follows is unexpected, to say the least. As the kids prepare to enter Snoopy’s home, Charlie Brown tells them to be careful of the “stairs” and “carpet,” leaving the reader with more than a few questions.
When Charlie mentions stairs, the reader’s mind is opened to multiple possibilities. In the following strips, the children pull out an abundance of furniture and a large rug, suggesting the size of Snoopy’s underground home to be quite large. In the next issue, Snoopy also worries about the cost of the cleaning, implying there is enough required upkeep to strain the finances. Knowing he has such a large place, the reader might wonder why Snoopy spends so much time on top of his house.
Charlie Brown Talks to Voices in The Dark
Publication Date: Oct. 27, 1994
Charlie Brown sometimes finds himself unable to sleep. On these occasions, he uses the time to think about his life and express opinions. During a bout of insomnia, he begins to consider how appreciative he is of his comfortable lifestyle. His follow-up statement is one of the strangest ever uttered by Charlie Brown. He notes a voice in the dark and alludes to it not being alone.
Usually, when Charlie lies awake talking about his thoughts, he refers to a single voice—one that is implied to be in his head and could be viewed as an inner monologue. In this case, he states the voice comes from “out of the dark,” not his head. He further claims the voice said “we,” which suggests multiple intruders. The complete disregard for an established format within the running gag and its contents is just plain weird.
Lucy Meets Children With Numbers For Names
Publication Date: Oct. 17, 1963
Quite possibly, the strangest event in the history of Peanuts comics is the introduction of 3 and 4. Out of nowhere, two children introduce themselves to Lucy, stating their first and last names are numbers. Little 3 and her sister, 4, mention having a brother named 5. The joke provided involves their father getting headaches. Many readers might be left to ponder the meaning of a strip lacking humor.
Simply put, Schulz was upset when zip codes were introduced. As he had done before, Schulz used his Peanuts comics to express his opinions. In terms of effectiveness, the strip mirrors the creator’s feelings about the creator well. However, without context, the comic is unhumorous and confusing. The use of such a strange device and its purpose place this entry at the top.
- Writer
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Charles M. Schulz
- Publisher
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United Feature Syndicate
- Artist
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Charles M. Schulz
Charlie Brown, an everyman plagued by self-doubt, navigates life’s challenges with his loyal dog Snoopy and friends like the bossy Lucy, philosophical Linus, and talented pianist Schroeder. Through everyday adventures and heartfelt moments, the series explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the simple joys of childhood.
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