The Peanuts comic strip has featured an extensive array of storylines, many of which are widely recognized thanks to their adaptations into animated specials. For example, the narrative foundation for the beloved A Charlie Brown Christmas stems directly from the strip. However, alongside its well-known stories lie lesser-known yet fascinating plots that deserve the same attention, notably for their peculiar and amusing qualities.
Among these offbeat yet delightful tales, you’ll find Snoopy’s foray into tabloid-style writing and Lucy’s unconventional methods of critiquing Charlie Brown’s shortcomings. While these stories may not garner the popularity of others, they are rich in humor and creativity, showcasing the unique charm of the Peanuts universe.
15 5 Moves to the Neighborhood
September 30th, 1963 to October 4th, 1963
Introducing a new kid to the Peanuts neighborhood is not unusual, but this newcomer, aptly named “5,”certainly is. The rationale behind his numerical name is a quirky decision made by his father, who opted to assign numbers to his children as a commentary on society’s growing impersonality. This unconventional naming convention draws mild teasing from the Peanuts gang, but they ultimately accept 5 for who he is.
14 Peppermint Patty Uses a Hair Dryer at School
March 19th, 1996 to March 22nd, 1996
After trudging to school in the rain, Peppermint Patty arrives with drenched hair and a plan. Knowing she can’t stand the discomfort of wet locks, she sneaks her hair dryer into school and enlists Marcie to plug it in behind the teacher’s desk. Unfortunately, they get caught and sent to the principal’s office, where Peppermint finally achieves her goal of drying her hair, only to repeat her rain-soaked journey the next day.
13 Lucy Puts Charlie Brown’s Faults on a Slide Show
January 24th, 1964 to February 8th, 1964
In a classic display of her domineering nature, Lucy devises a tedious slideshow aimed at making Charlie Brown confront his numerous faults. This elaborate and drawn-out presentation leads to Charlie reaching his breaking point, ultimately demanding the showcase come to an end. This peculiar episode captures Lucy’s penchant for pointing out others’ flaws, taken to an absurd level.
12 Harriet Is Arrested
October 24th, 1980 to November 26th, 1980
In an unprecedented twist for Peanuts, Harriet the bird ends up behind bars following a camping escapade gone awry. When Snoopy’s Beagle Scouts venture into town, a brawl ensues with blue jays. Afterward, it’s revealed that Harriet was incarcerated for throwing an angel food cake as a protest, leading Charlie Brown to heroically bail her out, only to discover she was at the Humane Society all along.
11 Rerun Is Suspended for Harassment
January 13th, 1997 to January 20th, 1997
This storyline, which inspired the animated special I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown, unfolds when Rerun innocently suggests running away to Paris after his crush expresses boredom with kindergarten. Misinterpreted as a serious proposal, the girl’s mother informs the principal, leading to Rerun’s unusual suspension for harassment. The storyline cleverly parodies modern issues through the innocent lens of childhood.
10 Sally “Falls Down”a Christmas Tree
December 18th, 1986 to December 24th, 1986
In a whimsical Christmas caper, Sally devises an unorthodox tactic to acquire a Christmas tree. Instead of cutting one down, she resolves to merely “fall down”onto a tree in someone else’s property. To her amazement, the plan succeeds, leading to a comical exchange with the original owner who is less than thrilled with her peculiar method.
9 Peppermint Patty Asks Charlie Brown to Be Her Team Mascot
March 14th, 1983 to March 29th, 1983
During a meeting of Peppermint Patty’s baseball team, Charlie Brown mistakenly anticipates being asked to play. Instead, comes the shocking request to don a pelican costume and act as a mascot. This amusing twist highlights Peppermint Patty’s quirky thought process while showcasing Charlie’s unique predicament as he balances his responsibilities as both a player and a friend.
8 Linus van Pelt Tries to Get Snoopy into the Supreme Court
May 19th, 1993 to May 27th, 1993
In one of the more imaginative arcs, Linus concocts a plan to get Snoopy considered for a position as a Supreme Court Justice, leveraging Snoopy’s alter ego as a “World Famous Attorney.”This humorous storyline even references Joe Biden as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, showcasing the strip’s knack for weaving contemporary elements into its narratives. Ultimately, Charlie Brown serves as a voice of reason, reminding Linus the challenges Snoopy would face beyond the courtroom.
7 A Zamboni Appears on the Baseball Field
June 26th, 1986 to June 28th, 1986
In an absurd scenario, Snoopy commandeers a zamboni on the baseball field, much to Charlie Brown’s chagrin. Lucy also gets swept up in the chaos, expressing her frustrations about being treated like ice on a rink. This strip not only highlights Snoopy’s whimsical nature but also marks the fifth time a zamboni has made an appearance in Peanuts.
6 A Chicken Tells Snoopy That the Sky Is Falling
October 14th, 1987 to October 16th, 1987
A random storyline inspired by the classic tale of Chicken Little sees Snoopy confronted by a frantic chicken claiming the sky is about to fall. While initially skeptical, Snoopy’s worries escalate upon learning the chicken was locked up for this bizarre assertion. The tale humorously draws parallels between poultry and Woodstock, illustrating the quirky nature of Peanuts storytelling.
5 Rerun Works on Underground Comics
September 9th, 1999 to September 15th, 1999
In a fascinating turn, Rerun rebels during an art class focused on flower painting by opting to create underground comics featuring iconic characters in combat. His wild sketches, deemed too radical for the classroom, earn him a spot on the fringes, displayed upside down. This fun and edgy storyline showcases the evolution of Rerun’s creative spirit.
4 Snoopy and a Bug Talk About Santa Bug
November 30th, 1981 to December 5th, 1981
In a whimsical holiday twist, Snoopy encounters a curious little bug who regales him with tales of Santa Bug, leading to a series of absurd questions about how this diminutive gift-giver operates. Eventually, Santa Bug makes an appearance with gifts, only for Sally to intervene, humorously disrupting this unconventional festive moment.
3 Linus Worries About Rolling Dice
March 20th, 1979 to March 23rd, 1979
In a humorous exploration of fears, Linus develops an anxiety about rolling dice, believing it might lead to a gambling addiction. His comedic struggle intensifies during a game with Lucy, who encourages him to roll, leading to a relatable moment that mirrors real-life pressures in an exaggerated fashion.
2 Snoopy Writes a “Kiss and Tell”Book
July 6th, 1988 to July 9th, 1988
After Lucy jokingly suggests that Snoopy pen a “kiss and tell”book, he takes her advice to heart and proceeds to kiss her before running off to write his memoir. However, one hurdle emerges: Snoopy struggles to remember Charlie Brown’s name, adding a layer of humor to the storyline while exploring the complexities of canine relationships.
1 Lucy Floats in the Outfield with a Large Bubble Gum Bubble
March 12th, 1984 to March 14th, 1984
In one of the series’ most whimsical tales, Lucy, while chewing bubble gum, accidentally gets blown away as her bubble catches a gust of wind. This fantastical episode sees her levitating above the outfield until the bubble bursts, humorously capturing the imaginative spirit that defines the Peanuts comic strip. Lucy’s outlandish adventure stands as a testament to the playful absurdity that has made Peanuts beloved for generations.
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