The concept of Baby Garfield makes so much sense as an easy pickup for old fans curious about his backstory or young readers who like cute cat tales. The ornery cat who loves lasagna had to grow into the final form we enjoyed in the comic strip, so why not find out about his firsts as he grew up? In Baby Garfield #1, we see everything from Garfield’s first word to his first hairball. Only a four-issue series, these are the big moments that made him into the grumpiest icon ever.
Grace Ellis writes the first tale, with art by Asia Simone, in a shorter, vignette-style format that’s light and breezy. The first story kicks off with a great full-page splash of Garfield on Jon’s head, pointing at all the delicious junk food raining down all around them.
The first story kicks off with a younger-looking Jon making a salad while baby Garfield looks on, waiting for his lasagna. While Jon cooks, he has no idea Garfield is hungry, and since Garfield can’t speak, a major conflict kicks off. As Jon is none the wiser and is completely oblivious, Garfield enacts far more extravagant and dramatic acts to get his attention. From hosting a parade to fire throwing, Jon is ignorant.
Outside of getting his attention, Ellis uses daydreams to show how awful Jon is in Garfield’s eyes. Ever the drama queen, all that buildup leads to that first word and a satisfying conclusion.
Simone’s art is energetic with a manga style that’s unmistakable. The use of colors is particularly effective, with a pop to the neon signs that read “feed me” as a standout moment.
Bright idea, indeed!
Credit: BOOM!
While the first story was a race of escalation and drama queen behavior, the second tale is a bona fide adventure. The story opens with Jon attempting to comb Garfield, who isn’t very good at cleaning himself. Too lazy.
Being a bit of an airhead, Jon loses interest in the combing, and soon he and Garfield are off to the movies. From Garfield raiding the snack bar to the outrageous cat-themed spy drama on the screen, it’s a wild night. Michael Northrop writes this second story and ties the hairball predicament well with the movies on the following day, leaving us with a well-plotted little yard.
As for the writing, the second story is packed with puns and silly naming jokes, like Enzo the enzyme. Northrop keeps you smiling while artist Rob Justus does some great cartooning. A Garfield with slicked back hair has never looked so dapper. Justus’ hand-drawn style is a nice change of pace from Simone’s digital art style, adding a creative spark to the second story. It’s worth plenty of chuckles for young and old readers alike.
Baby Garfield #1 succeeds by embracing the simple joys that made the character beloved in the first place. The stories lean into Garfield’s dramatic personality and playful imagination while exploring the small moments that helped shape the grumpy cat readers know today. Readers who grew up with Garfield will appreciate the playful nods to the classic strip, while younger readers will find plenty of laughs in Garfield’s over-the-top kitten behavior. It’s a playful beginning for Garfield’s smallest and silliest adventures.
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