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The Peanuts were a part of my childhood, but I wouldn’t call myself a big fan, and I certainly didn’t know anything about the artist. Still, something about this standalone volume drew me in, and I find the concept intriguing - getting to know different artists and authors in this way. It’s a relaxed way to dive into their work.
The manga is part of an educational series by Kadokawa Publishing, which focuses on the biographies of well-known authors and illustrators. The volume on Schulz was released in Japan in 2019. For the US market, the publisher Udon secured the rights and plans to release additional manga biographies in the coming years.
How was it?
The manga biography Charles M. Schulz – The Creator of Snoopy and Peanuts tells the life story of one of the most influential cartoonists of the 20th century. Charles M. Schulz, affectionately nicknamed “Sparky,” created a world with the Peanuts that is beloved by millions. This biography traces his journey from a modest childhood to becoming a world-renowned artist. Over 168 pages, it showcases Schulz’s passion for drawing, his setbacks and triumphs, and provides an intimate look at the person behind the legend.
The biography begins with Schulz’s childhood in Minnesota during the 1920s and 1930s. His love for drawing was evident early on, often inspired by his daily life and the people around him. His loyal dog Spike, who later inspired Snoopy, and the mother of his friend Shermy, who played Beethoven on the piano, are just two examples of how Schulz incorporated real-life elements into the Peanuts. The manga draws these connections, creating a tangible link between Schulz and his characters.
The story also delves into his challenges. The loss of his mother, a failed romantic relationship (the inspiration for “the little red-haired girl”), career setbacks, and his shyness all influenced not just his life but the themes of the Peanuts. Charlie Brown isn’t just a simple comic character; he is Schulz’s alter ego - a boy who refuses to give up no matter how often he fails. These parallels between artist and creation give the biography deep emotional resonance.
From his early attempts with the comic Li’l Folks to the worldwide fame of the Peanuts, the manga illustrates how Schulz paved his path with discipline and dedication. Readers learn that Schulz never missed a deadline; in fact, he often worked months in advance because he didn’t want his fans to have to wait for new Peanuts strips. This professionalism and perfectionism remained constant until the end of his life. The biography’s climax is the emotional farewell between Schulz and the Peanuts. On December 14, 1999, Schulz announced his retirement, and on February 13, 2000, the final Peanuts strip was published. That same day, Schulz passed away in his sleep. The timing feels almost symbolic, as though the creator and his characters couldn’t exist without one another. The manga concludes with the realization that Schulz’s legacy transcends his lifetime.
Telling Schulz’s story in the form of a manga might seem unconventional, but it’s a successful experiment. The distinctly Japanese storytelling style offers a fresh perspective, and the adorable, expressive illustrations capture the essence of Schulz and his world beautifully.
In addition to recounting Schulz’s life, the book includes numerous bonus features. A timeline offers an overview of historical events that shaped Schulz’s life, and archival photos enhance the narrative with real-life moments. However, it also feels as though the volume could have been more detailed, given more space to expand on certain aspects of Schulz’s life. Despite this, the biography provides an engaging overview of his work and leaves readers eager to learn more about the artist.
The Udon edition is published in a large format and includes some color pages, adding to the visual appeal of the book.
Is it worth it?
Manga Biographies: Charles M. Schulz is more than just a retelling of a cartoonist's life - it’s a story about passion, perseverance, and creativity. By linking Schulz’s life with his characters, it illustrates how deeply art and reality can intertwine.
For Peanuts fans, this biography is an absolute must-read, offering fresh insights into the creation of these beloved characters. But even for readers unfamiliar with Schulz, the book serves as a wonderful introduction, showing how comics can go beyond entertainment to convey profound human emotions.
Manga Biographies: Charles M. Schulz The Creator Of Snoopy And Peanuts GN
€15,39
Charles M. Schulz is the creator of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, and many more wonderful characters who inhabit the world of Peanuts. Now, learn how a shy, young Schulz first became a cartoonist and how he spent nearly 50 years… read more
