Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Snoopy walks on two legs!

Comics...the best part of the daily, especially Sunday, newspaper! Some of the best comics' characters starred in the syndicated daily and Sunday comic strip Peanuts written and illustrated by Charles M. Schultz. There are many milestones in the history of Peanuts from October 2, 1950 - the first Peanuts comic strip, and the first time Charlie Brown is called, "Good ol' Charlie Brown" to February 13, 2000 - the last Peanuts comic strip, and the last appearance of Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

Today in comics history reports with a bit of date controversy one of Snoopy's milestones. Keep in mind Snoopy is a dog and dogs as we know them walk on all fours.

This Day in Comics History: October 19, 1952, January 5, 1956 or June 28, 1957

The 'normal' Snoopy

In 1951, Snoopy began life in the comic strips as any ordinary mischievous dog walking on all fours. It has been 'rumored on the Internet' that Snoopy "walked for the first time" as a human on two legs January 5, 1956. Should that be the case, a historical moment would indeed be in order for celebration today.

The Internet reports as read on the Web and is accepted to be factual much like the 50s and 60s as seen on TV. As for the Internet, it is there in print often in bold type so it must be true. Right? All depends upon the source and a major problem is all sources are not in agreement. There are many inconsistencies. Who is right? While As seen on TV was once accepted as truth without question (even today many still believe TV is gospel), the same definitely does not hold true for as read on the Web. A prime example is the case today for our lovable friend, Snoopy.

If you Google when Snoopy first walked on two legs, a plethora of results will appear, some with the same date and others with different dates. Multiple sources might be in agreement on any one date but the date changes about as many times as the source changes. Some sources do not place the first Snoopy on two legs walking as a human but instead depict the Snoopy dance. Whichever report you choose to believe, several sources still relate information that today, January 5, is the day Snoopy 'walked on two legs' like his human counterparts.

The Peanuts Timeline on Peanuts Wiki...

October 19, 1952: The first time Snoopy dances on two legs. (Notice this one reflects dancing rather than walking but still first time on two legs.)
History according to Wikipedia...

Snoopy appeared on the October 4, 1951 strip, two years after the first strip. On March 16, 1952, his thoughts were first shown in a thought balloon. On June 28, 1957, Snoopy walked on his two hind legs like a human, for the first time.
'Peanuts' Timeline from The Seattle Times Arts & Entertainment...

Jan. 5, 1956: Snoopy walks on two legs, continuing a pattern of most undoglike behavior.

A Bit of 'Peanuts' History...

Peanuts by Charles Schulz

First Peanuts Comic Strip

The most popular comic strip in history was created in 1950 by Charles Schulz. However, it actually began somewhat earlier originally being named Li'l Folks.

1949 Charles Schulz "Li'l Folks" Original Cartoon a strip
that ran from 1947 to 1950 in the St. Paul, MN Pioneer Press

The cartoon's claim to fame does not bare that title; instead, it became known as Peanuts.

Charlie Brown - 1950

Snoopy - 1950

The two 'stars' to shine throughout the history of the comic strip turned out to be Charlie Brown and his dog, Snoopy. Snoopy did begin his claim to fame running on all fours as a dog should but history was made when he became human like in the sense of walking on two legs.

Snoopy as he is best remembered...