I’ve seen “A Charlie Brown Christmas” so many times that I can recite it line-for-line (much to my wife’s annoyance), and long ago got it on DVD to share its message of the true meaning of Christmas with my children. In my opinion, among holiday specials, only Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (and I’m talking the Chuck Jones/Boris Karloff version) comes even close to its level of heart, whimsy, and poignancy.
But y’know what the worst thing about all this is? I can’t decide whether or not Charles Schulz would have been upset by the cuts. Sure they went and chopped up his creation, but how often did he go and license out the characters himself? Every time I see a commercial for Met Life with Snoopy as a rescue helicopter or some other nonsense like that, it chews away a little of my soul. I can’t help but wonder from time to time if I should have held up Bill Watterson as the cartoonist I most admire and wish to emulate…
Then I realize that my drawing skills are only somewhat better than the dreck and drivel that is Marmaduke. Naturally, that helps me calm down a bit.
I agree with you about the Charlie Brown Christmas. I was so angry, I turned it off and went to another network. But I do NOT agree with you about your cartoons. They are so much better than many out there, including Marmaduke!