Despite its nearly five-decade run and global recognition, the Garfield comic strip and its titular character often face a lack of critical respect. This skepticism frequently stems from creator Jim Davis's candid admission that Garfield was intentionally designed to be mainstream and marketable. In a 1982 interview with The Washington Post, Davis stated, "I'd like to say it was some sort of a divine inspiration that created the strip. In fact, it wasn't so much that as a conscious effort to come up with a good, marketable character." This openness has led some to dismiss Garfield's success as purely cynical.
However, this perspective overlooks the considerable artistic talent required to achieve such widespread marketability. Davis himself overcame years of failed attempts in the comics industry, including his unsuccessful strip "Gnorm Gnat," before finding success with Garfield. The character's iconic design and his relatable persona as a gluttonous, lazy slacker have cemented his place in Americana, arguably foreshadowing the slacker culture of the 1990s.
While the phrase "I hate Mondays" is Garfield's most universally recognized quote, and a testament to Davis's ability to tap into a common human sentiment, it might not be the most profound example of the strip's writing. The universality of hating Mondays is undeniable, and Garfield's ownership of this feeling is a significant accomplishment, especially considering the character has no job and thus no inherent reason to dislike Mondays. The phrase's ubiquity on merchandise, however, could also be seen as evidence of Davis's marketing acumen rather than his literary skill.
Beyond the catchphrases, Garfield's comedic strength often lies in its visual gags, some of which are surprisingly dark and well-crafted. These visual jokes, while not reliant on dialogue, still require adept writing and execution.
Arguably Garfield's most insightful and sincere quote comes from a March 18, 1979 strip. In it, Garfield sits at a drawing board and writes a letter to the world, expressing a heartfelt plea for a better society. The quote includes wishes for countries to resolve differences peacefully, for people to smile at strangers, for an end to theft, for more laughter, and for universal well-being. Amidst these earnest aspirations, Garfield humorously includes specific feline desires: "If everyone fed their cats all the lasagna they could eat" and "If everyone stopped at least once a week to stroke a cat." This blend of sincerity and characteristic humor makes it a uniquely Garfield-esque articulation of a desire for a kinder world, showcasing a depth that transcends simple marketability.
Even if this lengthy quote is considered too earnest, the enduring power of "I hate Mondays" on countless pieces of merchandise serves as undeniable proof of Garfield's lasting impact and cultural significance.