In Jim Davis’ Garfield comics, it’s no secret that Mondays hold the title of public enemy number one. Garfield’s take on the start of the week isn’t merely comical – it serves as a mirror for the average reader’s own Monday woes, with the nap-loving cat effectively becoming the global ambassador for the “I hate Mondays” club.
As the highly anticipated Garfield movie approaches, there couldn’t be a more fitting moment to revisit the timeless comic strips that embody the lasagna-devouring feline’s Monday aversion. For anyone grappling with those all-too-familiar Monday Blues, grab a spot on the couch, have a piping hot plate of lasagna at the ready, and check out the 10 best Garfield strips about hating Mondays.
10 “I Wonder What Today Is?”
Jim Davis has produced a multitude of comic strips in which Garfield vocalizes his unwavering Monday discontent, each one a delightful gem within the rich tapestry of this iconic character’s adventures. Considering Garfield was published as a daily strip in morning newspapers, “I hate Mondays,” entries in the series served as a balm to readers everywhere bracing for another hectic, stressful week. Garfield is often acutely aware of what day it is – but here, he seems ot have forgotten, questioning what day it is. There’s a sour look on his face, suggesting deep down he knows its Monday, but this is overwhelmingly confirmed when he sreps in his litter box and bonks himself in the face.
9 “It’s Going To Be One Of Those Weeks.”
Garfield’s Monday aversion runs deeper than mere distaste; it has a profound and somewhat shocking reason rooted in the dark reality of his existence. According to creator Jim Davis, the orange tabby loathes Mondays because they serve as a relentless reminder of the monotonous, never-ending cycle he’s trapped in. It’s a stark reflection of his seemingly purposeless and repetitive existence, a sentiment that’s surprisingly deep and impactful for a comic strip renowned for its lightheartedness. However, it’s this ability to balance humor with moments of profound introspection that sets Garfield apart, as seen brilliantly in the comic above, encapsulating this complex and thought-provoking aspect of the beloved character.
8 “Every Day This Week Is Monday.”
This Garfield comic not only falls perfectly within the overarching theme of Monday-hating, but also brilliantly showcases the iconic elements that make the series a consistent source of laughter. It’s a prime example of the physical comedy and visual gags that have become synonymous with Garfield comics. The artwork takes center stage here, delivering humor through slapstick antics and exaggerated expressions, a testament to Jim Davis’s skill in merging art and humor seamlessly. What’s more, this comic introduces the recurring gag of the “Monday” calendar, which depicts Garfield’s true nightmare, by indicating that every day of the week is, in fact, Monday.
7 “Mondays Hate Me.”
As many of the Monday-themed Garfield comics illustrate, terrible things tend to unfold in the feline’s life on this cursed day. It is a recurring theme, unfolding within the Monday strips, and it is something that fans can undoubtedly relate to, as if there’s a cosmic law stating that if something can go wrong on Monday, it will. In this particular comic, Davis masterfully combines witty dialogue with slapstick physical humor, in a brilliant showcase of Davis’s knack for seamless storytelling, as Garfield questions for a moment, “and just why do I hate Mondays?” before a table falling on top of him, prompting the explanation, “because Mondays hate me.“
6 “Well, It’s Monday, And You Know What That Means…”
This particular comic speaks volumes to most readers, who have experienced those kinds of days when the mere day of the week, especially dreaded Monday, seems to dictate the tone for the entire day. Garfield’s sage observation in the comic that “something bad’s bound to happen sooner or...” is a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever faced the inevitable Monday mishaps. Furthermore, this strip incorporates some other Garfield classics, including the recurring calendar gag, alongside the physical humor which provides the punchline. It is a testament to the comic’s enduring appeal that it can weave wit and physical comedy seamlessly into a mere three-panels.
5 “Monday Is The February Of Weeks”
Garfield’s legendary talent for pessimism, sharp wit, and cheeky insults is on full display in this comic strip. In a masterful stroke of humor, he doesn’t just stop at berating Mondays; he extends his disdain to the entire month of February, characterizing both as “irritating,” “boring,” and “depressing.” What truly amplifies the absurd hilarity of this comparison is the underlying familiarity of the sentiment. February, with its gloomy weather and scarcity of holidays, often lives up to its reputation as an irksome, dull, and somewhat melancholic month. The claim that Monday is akin to February takes the humor to a whole new level, capturing the essence of Garfield’s vibe.
4 “I Hate Mondays…And People Who Love That I Hate Mondays”
In the realm of Monday-haters, there’s one thing that grates on their nerves even more than the start of the week itself: people who hate Mondays even slightly less than they do. This comic brilliantly underscores that very sentiment, as it presents Jon, Garfield’s owner, full of energy on a Monday morning, and rubbing it in Garfield’s face. What’s more, it is clear that Jon is relishing the opportunity to make his beleaguered cat even more miserable. Often, Jon is at Garfield’s mercy – so strips where he is able to antagonize Garfield are often some of the series’ funniest.
3 “Just Another Average Monday.”
This comic unquestionably earns its spot as one of the funniest gems in the collection, epitomizing Garfield’s signature blend of sarcasm, pessimism, and a flair for the dramatic. In an exchange with Jon, where the day’s misfortunes pile up in an absurdly exaggerated fashion, Garfield’s response is nothing short of classic. As Jon lists off increasingly disastrous events, including a locust infestation and a flaming fence, Garfield’s thought bubble deadpans, “just another average Monday.” It’s a humorous reflection of the extent to which Mondays are etched in the cat’s psyche as a day of unparalleled dread, along with underscoring his penchant for melodrama, making this comic a laugh-out-loud addition.
2 “I Hate Monday Morning Pep Talks.”
The banter between Jon and Garfield in this strip serves up one of Garfield’s most amusing Monday-related exchanges. Jon’s well-intentioned morning greeting, met with Garfield’s bemoaned response, “I hate Monday morning pep talks,” is comedy gold. What makes this particular strip truly special is it makes both characters highly relatable. Garfield is steadfast in his reluctance to emerge from his cozy cocoon of blankets. Meanwhile, Jon, with his relentless struggle to stay awake, and multiple near-miss coffee mishaps, is equally relatable to anyone who’s ever needed a caffeine boost to kickstart their week. This comic paints a universal picture of Monday mornings that is sure to resonate with readers everywhere.
1 “I’m Training You Guys To Hate Monday’s Too.”
This strip encapsulates all the best elements of Garfield comics’ stance on Monday. The beloved character dynamics of Garfield, Jon, and Odie shine through, delivering the humor that fans have come to adore. However, it’s Garfield’s endearingly self-centered nature that truly steals the show. He doesn’t just hate Mondays; he’s on a mission to ensure that everyone else hates them as much as he does, as he takes his displeasure out on Jon and Odie, telling them, “I’m training you guys to hate Mondays too.” The adage “misery loves company” has never been truer, as Garfield takes it upon himself to spread his Monday blues far and wide.
