The Garfield comic strip did come to an end, but it was actually a different comic strip that ended, not the popular Garfield comic that we all know and love. The comic strip that had a shorter run and ultimately came to an end was called “U.S. Acres” (also known as “Orson’s Farm”).
“U.S. Acres” was created by Jim Davis, the same cartoonist who created Garfield. It was a comic strip that featured a group of farm animals, with Orson the pig serving as the main character. The strip focused on the daily adventures and misadventures of these animals as they navigated life on the farm.
However, despite being created by the same talented artist and sharing the same comic strip page with Garfield, “U.S. Acres” didn’t achieve the same level of popularity or success. It ran from 1986 until its final strip on 15 April 1989, which marked the end of the comic strip.
The reasons for the relative lack of success of “U.S. Acres” compared to Garfield are multifaceted. Perhaps the characters and storylines didn’t resonate with readers as much as Garfield’s relatable humor and lazy cat antics. It’s also possible that the comic strip market was saturated at the time, making it harder for a new strip to gain a substantial following.
As an expert, it’s important to note that success in the world of comic strips can be unpredictable. Even for a renowned cartoonist like Jim Davis, not every creation will reach the same level of popularity. However, the failure of “U.S. Acres” doesn’t diminish the success and longevity of Garfield, which continues to be loved by millions of readers worldwide.
Although the Garfield comic strip itself did not come to an end, a companion strip called “U.S. Acres” did have a shorter run and ultimately ended in 1989. The reasons for its relative lack of success compared to Garfield are complex and can vary. Nonetheless, the enduring popularity of Garfield remains unaffected by the fate of “U.S. Acres.”