Peanuts - the Rerun Years

[samurainoir]

prior to the end of Peanuts, I really feel like the strip got a huge shot in the arm when Schulz "discovered" the unique voice of Lucy and Linus' younger brother Rerun. As beloved as the strip was, Rerun taking centre stage really seemed to, if not quite re-energize, at least gave the familiar formulas some new vigour.

Any other fans of the Rerun years? Not sure if/when the Fantagraphics get to reprinting these, but I'll definitely be picking up this era in collected form.

[Earth 2 Chris]

Yeah, I liked Rerun a lot, and I agree, he was a shot in the arm the strip needed at that point.

Chris

[rykerw1701]

I forgot about him, but to me he's the Scrappy Doo or Cousin Oliver of the Peanuts universe.

[palitoy]

Seriously, I have zero recollection of this.

[EMCE Hammer]

I enjoyed Rerun, but it almost felt to me like someone else was writing his lines. He didn't annoy me like Scrappy or Oliver, but I can see the comparison.

[Iron Mego]

Definitely feels like a Poochie kind of addition.

[Brazoo]

At the time I was a bit negative towards Rerun. Personally wouldn't go as far as comparing him to Scrappy because he wasn't that screechy to me, but I guess he kind of had the same kind of function. Maybe I didn't like him because I felt like he was taking time away from the classic characters.

I don't think he was a Poochie - he wasn't wearing Nikes and listening to rap - he fit in the Peanuts world. Maybe he was more like the Raven-Symone of Peanuts?

I think samurainoir's observation is correct though. It probably did refresh Schulz' interest in the strip. It gave him a new dynamic to play with and added new sets to the world - like the back of Mr. Van Pelt's bicycle. I liked all the strips that were posted - so maybe I was just being a purest snob at the time?

[rche]

I never really saw the interactions when he was older, but I did enjoy the internal monologue when he was strapped in to the bike seat.

[cjefferys]

I vaguely remember these, but I do like the strips posted above. What period was this? I'm slowly collecting the Fantagraphics reprint books, but right now I'm only into the 60's (1950's-mid 60's era Peanuts are my favourite)

[HardyGirl]

I never even heard of Rerun (which came first, What's Happening, or this kid?) until "I Want A Dog For Christmas, Charlie Brown". And wasn't there another one where some kids stole Rerun's marbles, and Charlie Brown wins them back? That's the only time (that I can remember) where Charlie Brown is actually the hero at the end! But I just can't remember the title.

[cjefferys]

Ok, it was bugging me so I looked it up. Rerun (named by Linus after Lucy was complaining about getting another brother) was introduced in 1973 and was a minor character until the early 80's, after which he rarely appeared. Schulz re-introduced him in the early 90's, and shortly thereafter, practically "took over" the strip, in Schulz's words.

[samurainoir]

Shulz's widow has said that the reason for Rerun's 90's takeover of the strip was Shulz taking inspiration from his grandchildren.

oh wow! Looks like Fantagraphics have already reached the Rerun years.

http://www.fantagraphics.com/peanuts23-24/

I also had no idea that they had adapted some of the Rerun centric comic strips into animation.

[samurainoir]

also, who knew Snoopy had so many brothers and sisters (and a nephew)? growing up, we were only aware of Spike as a recurring character. I know in Asia, particularly at the dedicated Snoopy stores and Universal Studios, this is a merchandising bonanza for them.

[cjefferys]

The strip had definitely lost me by that point.

[Brazoo]

I obviously remember Spike - and I remember seeing Andy and Olaf, but I didn't know their names. The rest are completely new to me!