It was on June 19, 1978, that “Garfield” made his first appearance in 41 American newspapers, forever etching his place in the world. Over the years, the grouchy feline has accumulated quite a few accomplishments: thousands of comic panels that chronicle his daily life, worldwide fame, and even an upcoming movie that hits theaters at the end of May 2024. Yet amidst all the success, Garfield’s insatiable love for lasagna and enduring hatred of Mondays has never wavered.

But let it be known that “Garfield” wouldn’t be here today without the talents of creator Jim Davis, who has been with the cat since day one (along with Jon Arbuckle, of course). Catch up on all things “Garfield” with this exclusive interview with Davis, where he shares how the comic strip has changed over time and how Garfield handles stardom.

How has the character Garfield evolved over the years?

In terms of personality, Garfield is a kinder, gentler cat these days... by a little bit. His rivalry with Odie is more of the sibling ilk now. He now has Pooky and Arlene to open up to. With that said, he can still be a butt at the slightest provocation. As far as Garfield’s appearance, he’s become more expressive and animated over time. His eyes and mouth are bigger. His limbs are longer allowing him a greater range of movement. He’s gradually changed in order to better serve the gags.

Are there any defining moments in the development of Garfield (or other characters like Jon or Odie) that stand out to you?

After 25 years of doing the strip, I asked the fans if there was anything that they’d like to see changed in the strip. The overwhelming response was that I should give Jon a life, that I should let him have a relationship with Liz. That’s when I let them have their first kiss. Now they’re an item and their relationship has provided a lot of wonderful, relatable humor.

What’s your favorite “Garfield” storyline or theme to produce ideas for?

I can’t do too many “I hate Monday!” gags. Even though I, personally, like Mondays, I sensed that folks didn’t particularly like heading back to school or work at the end of a weekend. My first Monday gag was met with a huge response from the readers… and so was my second… and so was my third. You’ve heard the expression, “A month of Sundays”. I’ve done over seven months of Mondays!

“Garfield” has left an indelible mark on popular culture. What do you think contributes to its enduring popularity, even after decades of publication?

We’re made to feel guilty for overeating, over-sleeping, and not exercising. Garfield does those things and he’s cool with it, thereby, relieving our guilt. That also establishes Garfield as a bit of a rebel, which is also an endearing trait.

“Garfield” has been around for several decades, yet it continues to resonate with new generations. How do you ensure that the comic remains relevant in an ever-changing cultural landscape?

I do two things to keep “Garfield” relevant: One: I avoid social and political comments. That keeps “Garfield” from being dated. Two: The lion’s share of his gags deal with eating and sleeping. I suspect that new generations will be eating and sleeping for some time to come.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been turning my analog cat into a digital cat. Maintaining the integrity of the brush stroke and the appearance of the paper strip were the biggest challenges. Fortunately, as new graphics programs were developed and bandwidth was expanded, I was able to take “Garfield” digital in late 2011. It has since served him well with the online presence of comics these days.

Without giving away too much, is there anything exciting coming down the pike for the “Garfield” comic strip?

Garfield and Arlene are going to marry and have lots of kittens... kidding! I haven’t the foggiest idea where the strip is headed. Each time I sit down to write, I’m as surprised by any new development as the readers are. If I were to force a new direction, it would look forced.

What brings you the most joy in creating these comics? What keeps you motivated and passionate about your work after all these years?

The thought that I’m making someone laugh, or brightening someone’s day gets me out of bed every morning.

How did Garfield react to the news that he made it to the big screen (again)?

Garfield said, "It's about time!". To be honest, he said that about the other two movies as well... Speaking for myself, the movie, by virtue of being a longer format, allows us to see (and enjoy) Garfield in greater depth than I can achieve in three frames.

Catch up on "Garfield" here on GoComics!