The Essential Peanuts: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time - Deluxe

In this review of The Essential Peanuts, the reviewer finds a lavish, collector-focused anthology ideal for longtime fans and newcomers who want a deep, beautifully packaged look at Charles M. Schulz's work. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a substantial 336-page full-color hardcover collection with a slipcase and a suite of bonus materials that make it feel like a museum-quality tribute rather than a simple reprint. This edition emphasizes legacy and context, making it a book to keep, display, and gift.

Key Features

• Deluxe presentation: A durable full-color hardcover in a deluxe gift-ready slipcase that protects the book and improves shelf presence.
• Extensive content: 336 pages collecting more than 700 images, including Schulz's most iconic comic strips and related ephemera for broad historical coverage.
• Exclusive extras: Includes 8 ready-to-frame prints, 5 vinyl stickers, 8 postcards, an iron-on patch, and a full-color comic book, adding tangible keepsakes beyond the main volume.
• Curated commentary: Award-winning author Mark Evanier provides cultural and historical context that helps readers appreciate Peanuts beyond single strips.
• Contributions from Peanuts figures: An introduction from Patrick McDonnell and a foreword by Jean Schulz add personal perspective and family context to the collection.

Who It's For

This edition suits people who collect comics or who want a premium, gift-ready volume celebrating Peanuts' 75th anniversary; the extra prints and memorabilia make it especially appealing to those who value physical extras and display pieces. It also works well for readers who appreciate editorial context, since Mark Evanier's notes and the contributions from Patrick McDonnell and Jean Schulz add depth to the strips.

Readers who only want a compact reprint of favorite daily strips without extras or who prefer a pocket-sized, inexpensive edition should look elsewhere; this deluxe set is aimed at collectors and as a keepsake rather than a lightweight casual read.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Generous full-color presentation preserves artwork and makes classics feel fresh and lively.
• The assortment of bonus items offers immediate display and gifting options beyond the book itself.
• Contextual writing by Mark Evanier and contributions from Patrick McDonnell and Jean Schulz enrich understanding of Schulz's influence.

Cons

• The deluxe format and extras make it bulkier and more expensive than a basic strip compilation, which may be unnecessary for casual readers.

Specifications

Title	The Essential Peanuts: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time
Authors / Contributors	Mark Evanier; introduction by Patrick McDonnell; foreword by Jean Schulz
Format	336-page full-color hardcover in deluxe slipcase
Contents	More than 700 images; full-color comic book included
Bonus materials	8 ready-to-frame prints, 5 vinyl stickers, 8 postcards, iron-on patch
Anniversary	75th anniversary celebration of Peanuts

Our Verdict

The Essential Peanuts deluxe edition is a thoughtfully assembled tribute that will satisfy collectors, longtime fans, and gift buyers who want an attractive, context-rich package. Its combination of a substantial full-color hardcover, archival images, and memorable extras offers strong value for anyone who values presentation and historical perspective, though casual readers seeking only the strips may prefer a simpler, less expensive compilation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include commentary or essays?
Yes. Mark Evanier provides cultural and historical context, and the book contains an introduction by Patrick McDonnell and a foreword by Jean Schulz.

What extras come with the book?
The package includes 8 ready-to-frame prints, 5 vinyl stickers, 8 postcards, an iron-on patch, and a full-color comic book among other bonus materials.

Is the book suitable as a gift?
Absolutely; the deluxe slipcase, high-quality printing, and included memorabilia make it a strong gift option for Peanuts fans and collectors.