Snoopy: the icon, the diva, the moment. Created by the legendary hands of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz in the daily Peanuts comic strip, Snoopy emerged in 1950 — two days after the first Peanuts publication — as a normal puppy that walked on four legs. An extensive journey lay ahead to transform him into the Peanuts character with several revisions exceeding that of any other. Despite playing a side character’s role, Snoopy quickly rose to become a fan favorite and stole the show for countless adoring readers, earning him spots in his own comics strips and merchandise.
Marked by his distinctive black-and-white color scheme and a round, protruding nose, the beagle’s design drew inspiration from Schulz’s childhood mutt Spike. This early version of Snoopy seems unrecognizable in comparison to today’s icon, with a personality limited to the stereotype of chasing balls, digging holes and pouncing on birds. After redesigns of a rounder body, walking on two legs and an increasingly humanoid presence, Snoopy attracted an increased audience, spurring his rising role in the cast of cartoons.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” 1965 and 1966, respectively, included Snoopy-centric side plots, furthering his influence on fans. The Halloween special featured the beagle’s intriguing persona as the World War I Flying Ace, originating in a 1965 comic, who donned a helmet, goggles and red scarf to bravely battle his arch nemesis, the Red Baron. Both holiday specials — and the later produced 1973 “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” — quickly became a tradition to watch in households across the U.S. In 1968, the Macy’s Day Parade featured Snoopy for the first time as the Flying Ace. Since then, the beloved beagle has appeared nearly annually in the iconic Thanksgiving tradition.
“I watch Peanuts movies during the holidays occasionally, usually the Thanksgiving one. When I was younger, we would watch Peanuts movies all the time, even the regular slice-of-life kind of movies. I love Snoopy. He’s funny, and he’s very relatable too, with his sassy comebacks and his innovative nature. Despite not having the ability to speak, Snoopy portrays his thoughts and feelings very well. My love for Snoopy is more based on nostalgia and growing up with Charlie Brown during the holidays,” magnet senior Myracle Hurst said.
To ensure historical accuracy, Schulz thoroughly researched various facets of World War I and drew inspiration from popularized aviation films in the 60s. Additionally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reached out to feature Snoopy as a mascot for morale and increased exposure, including during the Manned Flight Awareness program in 1968. Continuing the space-dog relationship, the crew of Apollo 10 nicknamed their command and lunar modules Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Today, the theme continues as the Silver Snoopy Award awards elite members — less than one percent — of NASA with a silver pin that has flown in space.
Woodstock, Snoopy’s yellow-feathered friend, appeared in the 1966 comics but remained unnamed until 1970, drawing inspiration from the Woodstock Music Festival. The companionable creature debuted on screen in 1972’s “Snoopy Come Home.” Whether on-screen or in the comics, the beagle and bird duo appear side-by-side as they dart through countless adventures full of cheer and friendship.
Another Snoopy persona, Joe Cool, appeared in 1971 wearing a groovy pair of sunglasses and a red sweater with his alias on it. In the wake of his diverse personas, Snoopy’s design has evolved and popularized an array of merchandise and its own museum in Japan. Without the comics, the worldwide legacy of Snoopy would not exist. The credit for this hard work draws from a single man: Schulz drew every strip himself for nearly 50 years. The final daily Peanuts strip, published on January 3, 2000, featured a grateful note from Schulz announcing his retirement.
“Snoopy is the star of most Charlie Brown holiday specials. He is also the cutie who took down the Red Baron and helped the pilgrims during Thanksgiving. He’s just a chill guy who has done just about everything. The 1960s to 1980s Snoopy was the best. In his more recent designs [3-dimensional in the 2015 movie,] his head is too long — it makes him look like a vase. [If I spent a day with Snoopy,] we are taking a plane ride, probably playing some pingpong as well, and I’m not missing my chance to cook the most litty fire Thanksgiving meal with him,” senior Nick Daniell said.
Despite the 26 years’ passing since the last daily Peanuts comic publication, the love for Snoopy continues to thrive among fans worldwide. The 2015 “The Peanuts Movie” oversaw a recent revolution in the Snoopy design, transforming the cartoon creature into a 3-dimensional figure. Ultimately, the love for the forever-young beagle withstands the test of time, earning his place in the hearts of millions of fans.
