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06/05/2005: Garfield’s Garfood!

As you can see, I’ve only made good on half the promise. We’ve got the blog rollin’ in the new layout, but there were just too many cross-browser bugs to put it up on the main page quite yet. (Plus, there’s the issue of redoing about a hundred images within the new format.) At least y’all can converse without pine to the left and Santa to the right — we’ll get the whole ditty up soon. Thanks to Brian for putting it together. Still have some tweaks to make here and there, but we’re getting close.

I didn’t have high hopes for this one before putting it together, but I kinda dig the way it came out. And if you’ve ever eaten a package of Garfield and Friends fruit snacks, you will too. It’s an essay on Garfield’s Garfood — a collection of candies, snacks and kitty treats branded with the fat cat, all from the late `80s/early `90s. I just picked up season 2 of Garfield and Friends on DVD, and realized how much that show used to mean to me. It was my absolute fave for a short while. If you’re around the same age as me and were also bit by the Odie bug, you should remember at least a few of the things seen in the article. Get to it. And while you’re at it, pick up the DVD sets. I know how the strip’s been received in the past few years (read: poorly), but the cartoon was great stuff. I haven’t gotten up to any of the episodes with the “oh we’re the ants” songs yet, but it’s good to know that the future holds treasure.

Also picked up Freddy Vs. Jason, the only film featuring either character that I hadn’t yet bought. It was moreover to see the infamous original ending, and after seeing the infamous original ending, I can say for sure that it’s a good thing they changed it to the dreamy Freddy/Jason lake epilogue. If you thought the film relied too heavily on the kids and not at all enough on the title characters, the original ending would’ve really pissed ya off. I hope they get around to making whatever kind of sequel they decide on — at the horror convention, Englund pretty explicitly said not to expect Freddy Vs. Jason Vs. Ash, as Raimi/Campbell would prefer to do an all-new Evil Dead flick than throw their legacy to the wolves, so to speak. On the upside, he seemed confident that Freddy would be tangling with Michael Myers down the road, and I only hope that doesn’t mean Jason’s going to be left in the dust. I’d personally rather see each character return to their respective series for individual films closer to their original appeal, but that’s seeming less and less likely. Ah well.

Speaking of movies, it’s looking to be a way-great summer with Batman Begins and War of the Worlds being two definite must-sees. X-E’s reliable snail of a designer, Brian, saw Batsy last week and loved it. And as far as War of the Worlds goes, I’m pretty sure I’ll love it even if it’s the worst movie ever made. I’m even slightly interested in Shark Boy and Lava Girl due to the 3-D thing, which is overstated in the television ads to the point where it’d be worth seeing in theaters just to watch all the kids cry with disappointment.


Posted by Matt. E-mail me!

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Discussion Thread: 141 comments

HOLY SHIT! KRANG’S BODY! KRANG’S BODY! WOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Ghosted by jhnnywalkr @ 06/06/2005 5:43 PM EDT


Damn. I got beat.

Ghosted by jhnnywalkr @ 06/06/2005 5:44 PM EDT


I haven’t seen the "static" background yet, but I really like the wood.

I’m glad someone else liked the U.S. Acres part of Garfield and Friends. Everyone I know hates it.

Ghosted by BrightNoah @ 06/06/2005 6:36 PM EDT


Actually I believe Garfield and Friends shows up every now and then on Toon Disney. I don’t know the exact times, but if you have a satellite dish you might get the channel.

And thanks for the MST3K info, I wonder how they got the rights to all those episodes for DVD releases. My favorite episode in that was the Final Sacrifice, although I also liked the Wild Wild World of Batwoman and Manos: Hands of Fate.

Ghosted by mjf7583 @ 06/06/2005 6:54 PM EDT


New layout looks good. Come on everyone, let’s not be too hard on Matt for leaving the Christmas stuff up, I am sure he had been working to take it down, and came across some problems. Let’s just enjoy it as is, and have fun!!

Ghosted by nobody @ 06/06/2005 7:11 PM EDT


I LOVE GARFIELD!! Do you guys remember a cat litter box commercial several years ago with Garfield on it, but it was after Lorenzo Music died, and the voice just wasn’t the same? Depressing as hell–right up there with the cocky Snuggles bear. I wish I had my old Snuggles Bear, because I would rip its head off for being so freakin cocky. Now that I feel better…

I have Garfield stuff around–pj pants, checkbook (a couple of different designs from Garfield’s 25th Anniversary 2 years ago), a big plush pillow, the movie DVD, the Christmas special on a used VHS my boyfriend won on Ebay for me (I dont want the DVD–the video is more nostalgic!!!!!!!!!).

This trove of interesting items looks appealing, but blackened candy ruins it for me. I was still hoping this stuff would look at least somewhat edible, not like poopies and tar. Yeah, that sounded really immature. who cares?

By the way Matt, I’m interning at CBS-3 in Philadelphia, and I remembered how CBS and Nickelodeon are connected by the mere fact that their ownership is under Viacom. Pretty groovy.

Anyways, as usual, another great article! Great blog design!!!!!!!

Ghosted by Allison @ 06/06/2005 7:44 PM EDT


Black Jack gum is awesome! 8000 points for referencing it :D

P.S. Has anyone picked up the Toys ‘r’ Us exclusive Kids Next Door action figures yet? If so, are they cool?

Ghosted by Eddie Lightning Frog @ 06/06/2005 7:49 PM EDT


I forgot to mention that I was a few days shy of 6 when Garfield and Friends came on, and it was vital Saturday morning cartoon viewing. CBS always showed the best cartoons. Apparently, I’m supposed to suck up at the internship and say this, but I don’t. I just say that I watch the news and Dr. Phil. There’s a crazy habit.

Ghosted by Allison @ 06/06/2005 7:51 PM EDT


Looking back on my gradeschool self I must’ve been a real loser because I preferred the Heathcliff to Garfield.

Whereas Heathcliff was an everyday Nick cartoon for me, my only love for Garfield was contained to his holiday specials and wacky Colorform set. That should’ve clued me in that Garfield was the better orange cat… only the elite get holiday specials and Colorforms.

Ghosted by Carri @ 06/06/2005 8:02 PM EDT


nice little layout, Matt.. I myself am also a fan of Calvin and Hobbes and the far side..erm..garfield not so much, but nice little article.. the movie I’m looking forward to this summer is Charlie and the chocolate factory..I like burton and Depp is good in his movies..whoo.

Ghosted by Jenny @ 06/06/2005 8:14 PM EDT


I remember checking out garfield books at the library and getting the "that’s not appropriate for second grade reading time" from my teacher.
My favorite part of the US acres part of garfield was the depressed duck with the innertube. poor thing, i always felt bad for him.

Ghosted by kb @ 06/06/2005 8:55 PM EDT


Hey Matt, is there a blockbuster summer you antcipated more than the rest?

For me it’s a tie between 1989 and 1990. There were too many good movies for a preteen kid those years. For those of us just slightly too young to fully understand the Star Wars hype, the years of Batman, Back to the Future 2&3, Gremlins2, TMNT, Dick Tracy, Indy JonesIII, etc. were probably our first real taste of sequel and/or over-merchandized movie anticipation.

Ghosted by Carri @ 06/06/2005 9:35 PM EDT


Actually Mars, "Frumpy the Clown" was a comic strip by Judd Winick (from "The Real World") that lasted for about two years. Like I said, time forgot him.

Ghosted by Alex @ 06/06/2005 10:18 PM EDT


Matt – I keep forgetting to post this, but I wanted to let you know I have an old Garfield coloring book from 1983 that is in good condition (except for the handful of pages I colored with my horrible neon crayons) that I could send you some pics/scans of if you’d like.

Ghosted by Ryane @ 06/07/2005 12:43 PM EDT


NEON? ….ugh. That is SO bitner.

Ghosted by Bitner @ 06/07/2005 12:47 PM EDT


Love this article, especially that first paragraph? When did cartoons get so political anyway? As a kid I could care less about what president made office. All I wanted to see was Odie get booted across the room. Oh yeah, congrats – you made Fark today. http://www.fark.com/

Ghosted by Derek G @ 06/07/2005 1:03 AM EDT


I LOVED Garfield & Friends, and when I get money, i’m gonna get the DVDs.

I am also saddened to say that the voice of Wade Duck, Howard Morris, passed away May 21. Sucks. Wade was one of the best characters on that show.

Ghosted by Invader Norbert @ 06/07/2005 1:11 AM EDT


Always fun to read about Garfield.

Ghosted by Aristobulus @ 06/07/2005 3:20 AM EDT


I can’t believe you forgot the Garfield and Odie suckers! They were these huge suckers with a piece of rubber molded around them and giant wax plug along the bottom to seal them in.

Ghosted by Bobbo @ 06/07/2005 10:24 AM EDT


anyone remember scooby doo dog treats?

think they still make em

Ghosted by Zodiac Digital @ 06/07/2005 7:53 PM EDT


Oh how I loved me some US Acres! I think my parents were even aware not to mess with me while that was on.

Condorman. I remember the cover box more then the movie. Basically some superhero dressed as a condor that could fly. I would rent it, be let down, forget about it, and repeat.

cheers

Ghosted by Dopus @ 06/07/2005 8:03 PM EDT


Anyone remember the Garfield ice cream bars?
Talk about licking some p—y!

Ghosted by jbird @ 06/08/2005 2:34 PM EDT


Matt, the recent run of articles have been really strong. Good job. The House article is in my X-E Top 3.

Ghosted by Jason @ 06/08/2005 8:32 PM EDT


Recently, in a country gas station between Dallas and Austin, I spotted a Garfield food product: a gummy pizza about the diameter of an orange, loaded with gummy toppings of all shapes, colors, and presumedly, flavors. I’m not sure what the crust was made of.

Ghosted by joeyjojo @ 06/08/2005 11:50 PM EDT


I loved Garfield when I was younger. Does anyone remember the U.S. Acres cartoons that came one around the same time as Garfield & Friends? I loved Roy Rooster.

Anyways, my fondest Garfield memory comes from making my Garfiled stuffed toy talk. One time he told me that if my dad gorrected me on more time, he was gonna kick my dad’s ass.

Garfield ended up on the roof of the house for a day. He kept his fat mouth shut after that

Ghosted by Brownbag @ 06/09/2005 10:36 AM EDT


Great entry about all of Garfield’s foodstuffs. One would think the cat born in an Italian restaurant would have a line of pizza or pastas.

Ghosted by Divaah46 @ 06/09/2005 11:43 PM EDT


I distinctly remember Garfield having a line of "round ravioli" in the early to mid 90’s. I have an ad for it on the back of a comic book somewhere. They kept pushing the fact that the ravioli was round-shaped in the ad, like that made it better tasting than the squared variety.

Ghosted by Joseph McKlay @ 06/10/2005 9:51 PM EDT


I have to disagree about this summer’s movies. All these remakes just point to "baaaaaad!". I’m boycotting Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in my own little way.

Revenge of the Sith IS the summer of 2005.

Ghosted by Ekkostar @ 06/11/2005 2:20 PM EDT


Firstly its nice to see that You found the time to finally ditch the christmas layout tho I didn’t really mind it sticking around way past the season I guess the fact that my rents have left a handful of christmas lawn ornaments in the front yard for almost a year. Secondly I always found it a little odd that no one ever thought to make a Licensed Garfield Lasagna you would think that its a no brainer since Garfields a lasagna junkie

Ghosted by The Krypt Angel @ 06/13/2005 11:37 PM EDT


–>> Hey and look.. nomore X-mess!!

Ghosted by ~tOkK @ 06/14/2005 3:42 AM EDT


Garfield stripes were definitely available in the summer of 1989. my birthday is in late August and I recall well my strong Batman urges at the time and a resultant sleep-over wherein Garfield stripes were a goodie bag item.

Ghosted by Belgand @ 06/14/2005 9:51 AM EDT


Garfield is the spitting image of my dad. I once got him a stuffed Garfield for father�s day and he hugged it like a kid. Even he admits he looks like him, chubby, dry, square teeth and all. Funny it’s almost Fathers Day again with this article. Maybe aliens are after Tom Cruise. What do other girls see in him anyway? Personally I like Johnny Depp over him even at his worst… Cry Baby anyone?

Ghosted by Christi Oblivion @ 06/16/2005 7:24 AM EDT


Garfield and Friends Fruit Snacks are the best "fruit snack" I ever had and my cat loves them too, seriously.

Ghosted by joey @ 06/16/2005 11:12 AM EDT


I used to LOVE those Garfield rollups! The thing I remember the most vividly about them is that they made your shit turn this BRIGHT GREEN color! And you know that counts alot when you’re a kid!

I only vaguely remember the fruit snacks though. Which is weird, because I was a huge fan of the fruit snacks of the late 80’s/early 90’s.

Ghosted by Al @ 06/16/2005 8:38 PM EDT


Do they even make those Garfield Nachos anymore? I loved them, but haven’t seen them in ages… Anyone know?

Ghosted by Julie Ann @ 09/22/2006 1:42 AM EDT


I love garfield too i have all of his books. anyway i saw your page on garfield brand food. there was a product, raisins, come on we all know that garfield most hated food is raisins. look in 20 yrs and still kicking garfield book at the triva page and the answer to question 3 “what is garfields least favorite food?” the answer is D raisins. email me your thoughts

Ghosted by lymen_lover @ 10/13/2006 8:46 PM EDT


Actually, Raisins are Garfield’s least favorite food. Uhh..exuse me, but if I meant the same thing you meant just forget it, ok?

Ghosted by Hubert @ 02/01/2007 5:26 AM EST


I consider myself a fruit snack connoisseur (I hope that’s how you spell that). I have tried every fruit snack on the market and absolutely none of them compare to Garfield and Friends fruit wrinkles, not even close. My dieing wish would be to have one last pack.

Ghosted by Fruit Snack Connoissrur @ 03/01/2007 10:14 PM EST


Hey, everyone needs to check out the fruit roll up flavor Cherry Orange Wildfire. It comes in the variety pack that says color splat tattoos on the top of the cover. I’m telling you, Cherry Orange Wildfire is the closest flavor that’s similar to the red Garfield fruit roll ups. The variety pack also contains another flavoor that’s good, it’s Tropical Tye Dye. This flavor tastes like bubble gum to me. Go and get a box of the variety pack today!

Ghosted by Joe @ 04/05/2007 12:05 PM EDT


I loooooooooooove your food, games.comics, toys, clothes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and all of your stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ghosted by janet @ 05/25/2007 11:12 PM EDT


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