Charlie Brown

Charles Schulz was some strange philosophical genius. It's weird. Who would have thought that a guy that got rejected by Disney would become one of the best cartoonists to live. Schulz seemed to be Lichtenstein crossed with a four year crossed with a philosopher. His illustrations were great and matched the world the Peanuts gang lived in.

In the 50s, Charlie Brown and co. were neatly drawn and did question too much. As the years progressed, Charlie became more raggedly drawn and had existential crisis after existential crisis. Charlie also faced politics in his later years, something early Charlie would never have done.

Schulz did something few have ever achieved. He created something profound that children can enjoy that became popular. The list of those who did the same is short but prestiged: JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, and Bill Watterson to name a few. Schulz just create a sort of mirror to modern life and an environment where children can understand it. His contribution to the culture won't soon be forgotten.