This Saturday, the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, will host a special panel discussion and signing celebrating Abrams ComicArts’ The Essential Peanuts, a deluxe new collection honoring 75 years of Charles M. Schulz’s timeless comic strip.
The panel will feature a deep dive into the making of the book with author Mark Evanier, joined by contributors Paige Braddock, Benjamin L. Clark, and MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell, along with designer Chip Kidd. The discussion will be moderated by editorial contributor Alexis E. Fajardo. Following the talk, attendees can participate in a book signing session with the panel guests and additional contributors, including Robb Armstrong, Derrick Bang, Rob Boutilier, Charles Kochman, Jeff Morrow, Hilary Price, and Jean Schulz.
A Landmark Tribute to 75 Years of Peanuts
Released October 7, 2025, The Essential Peanuts (Abrams ComicArts; $75; hardcover slipcase edition) is a deluxe coffee table volume that celebrates the beloved strip’s 75th anniversary. Written by Mark Evanier, the book showcases the most iconic and influential Peanuts comic strips, enriched with new cultural and historical context.
The volume features an introduction by Patrick McDonnell, a foreword by Jean Schulz, and commentary from sixteen notable voices. Designed by Chip Kidd, the collection also includes a portfolio of collectible Peanuts extras, such as postcards, prints, stickers, an embroidered patch, and a facsimile of a vintage Peanuts comic book—all housed in an elegant slipcase presentation.
“Having loved Peanuts since I was about Charlie Brown’s age (and no more successful at kite-flying), I was thrilled when Abrams ComicArts asked me to spend weeks reading and writing about the comic strip that was so much more than just a comic strip,” said Evanier. “The only drawback was that I tried writing the book sitting on the roof of a doghouse, but I kept falling off.”
Craig Herman, VP of Global Brand Experiences & Publishing at Peanuts Worldwide, reflected on the milestone: “As we mark 75 years of Peanuts, this partnership with Abrams ComicArts is a testament to the lasting impact of Schulz’s beloved characters. Since being introduced to the world on October 2, 1950, Peanuts has been at the forefront of pop culture, and we can’t wait for fans to discover this extraordinary anniversary edition.”
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
The Essential Peanuts builds upon Abrams ComicArts’ acclaimed Peanuts publishing line, which includes the Eisner Award-winning Only What’s Necessary: Charles M. Schulz and the Art of Peanuts by Chip Kidd and Geoff Spear.
Timed to the strip’s diamond anniversary, The Essential Peanuts captures why Schulz’s work continues to resonate across generations. By illuminating the artistry, humor, and emotional depth of Peanuts, Evanier and his collaborators celebrate the universal humanity at the heart of Schulz’s enduring creation.
Event: The Essential Peanuts Panel & Signing
Location: Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa, CA
Date: Saturday, [Insert date if available]
Featuring: Mark Evanier, Paige Braddock, Benjamin L. Clark, Patrick McDonnell, Chip Kidd, Alexis E. Fajardo, and more
You must be logged in to post a comment.