These Peanuts strips from June 1984 make it clear that Charles Schulz’ iconic newspaper comic was still operating at an incredibly high level after over three decades in publication. The comics collected on this list offer a hilarious insight into what Peanuts was up to forty years ago – including sending Peppermint Patty to France.

Peppermint Patty had the trip of a lifetime in June of ’84; however, a main Peanuts character going to Europe was not the only eventful thing that happened in June 1984 in the Peanuts universe. At home, Snoopy continued to be up to his alter ego antics while Charlie Brown would turn the tables on Lucy for a change.

Throughout the ’80s, Peanuts was all around good, keeping things entertaining through new storylines, while also offering up the perennially-beloved humor characteristic of the series, and returning to some of the franchise’s most classic bits.

10

“It Was Not Necessary To Bring A Sundial”

First Published: June 1, 1984

Snoopy is the proud leader of the Beagle Scouts, taking his role very seriously. He frequently takes his scouts on wilderness trips, with this 1984 comic showing Snoopy teaching a lesson on necessary hike materials. What brings about the lesson is his scout, Conrad, bringing a very unnecessary sundial along on the hike, which is a definite item to be left at home.

How a tiny bird like Conrad could carry a gigantic sundial is anyone’s guess, but Snoopy would not be a good scout leader if he did not make a lesson out the situation. As patient as Snoopy tries to be with his bird friends, he can’t help but lose his temper with them from time to time – though in this case, he keeps his cool, and uses the situation as a teachable moment.

9

“How About No Sarcasm, But Lots Of Biting”

First Published: June 2, 1984

If there is one surefire way to get Snoopy annoyed, it is messing with his food in any way whatsoever. When Sally questions Snoopy about waiting for his dinner, he has a very sarcastic thought bubble, which Sally predicts. Snoopy takes her words about biting sarcasm to heart, ready to ditch the sarcasm but embrace actual biting.

Snoopy is ready to bite unless she makes with some dinner soon. While Snoopy does have a soft spot for Sally, seen in instances like when he defended her against schoolyard bullies, she is not immune from getting his wrath if he is not fed when he wants to be. As sweet and cute as Snoopy can be, he can get very defensive when it comes to supper, even throwing his dinner dish at Charlie Brown before.

8

“Don’t Look At Me Like That, Ma’am”

First Published: June 3, 1984

Peppermint Patty could be a frustrating student to even the most patient teacher, due to her penchant for sleeping in class and not doing assignments. Notably,, she tends to spend her time unwisely, like cutting an extra hole in her binder paper and bothering to paste new tiny pieces of paper over the old holes.

After hearing that she had spent the night doing just that instead of an important report, it is more than understandable that her teacher loudly sighed. Given she has not done the assignment, Peppermint Patty anxiously wishes away the teacher calling on her. Unfortunately for her, it is to no avail, as per usual, she is busted for all the class (and the exasperated teacher) to see.

7

“Bonjour, Kid!”

First Published: June 15, 1984

In a unique Peanuts storyline, which saw one of its main characters go international, Peppermint Patty goes to the city of lights, Paris! When Peppermint Patty has been seeing the school psychologist to help her with her feelings about failing her classes, the school psychologist suggests that her dad take her with him to Europe for the summer.

While most would not receive a European vacation for failing their classes, desperate measures are taken for Peppermint Patty, much to her benefit this time. According to Peppermint Patty, she thinks that she has acclimated quickly to France and already has a hold on the French language, despite just using the French word, “bonjour.”She may not blow away any locals about her French but at least it seems like she has made a friend.

6

“That’s A Relief!”

First Published: June 16, 1984

With as many alter egos as Snoopy has, it would be easy to get mixed up. With his “World Famous Surgeon” persona, Snoopy gets confused himself here; he can’t remember if he is on his way to the operating room to perform surgery or receive it. One never wants to hear a surgeon not remember, what they are doing on the way to the operating room. Luckily for Snoopy and everyone else involved, it’s all fake anyway.

Snoopy has a very active imagination where he likes to fantasize himself in different occupations and personalities, “World Famous Surgeon” included. Snoopy’s operating room is more likely just a game of operation, but one can’t fault the pup for dreaming. Another good thing for Snoopy is that in his pretend world, he does not have to get surgery, rather, he is performing it instead.

5

“We Throw It Back At Him”

First Published: June 24, 1984

Snoopy’s brother Spike could be considered an eco conscious pup, getting angry at a driver who disrespected the desert landscape he calls home. This comic strip could double as an anti-litter PSA, as Spike discussing what to do with an empty beer can that someone threw out their window with his Catcus Club, which is made of him and literal cacti. In a hilarious turn, Spike is all for retribution, deciding to throw the can at the car on the driver’s way back.

Spike, like any sane person, runs as fast as he can before the now angry driver can get their hands on him. While Spike was maybe a bit too ready for revenge, his devotion to the environment is admirable even if he did let his anger get the better of him.

4

“This Announcer Doesn’t Know Anything”

First Published: June 26, 1984

Sally is a kid with a lot of moxie; she likes to tell it like it is. While it may get her into trouble at times, it is also a quality that has endeared her to readers for decades. Sally holds this trait of talking to the TV as well, as seen in this mid ’80s comic strip. When the TV announcer speaks of the Finals match occurring the next day, Sally exclaims that the announcer’s words do not apply to her, since she has to go to her Gramma’s house, instead of staying home in front of the television.

Sally takes this all to mean that the announcer doesn’t know anything simply because he is not aware of Sally’s schedule. It is not at all uncommon for little kids to think the world revolves around them, something Sally exemplifies in the comic.

3

“Au Revoir, Kid”

First Published: June 27, 1984

Peppermint Patty thought she had a handle on the French language before, but now she has impressed even herself, as exhibited by her use of the phrase of “au revoir!” Considering how reluctant she was to learn back home, she is actually making great strides expanding her horizons in France. Being immersed in the culture and the language apparently, Peppermint Patty stops at tourist spots like a World War II pillbox and does not hesitate greeting, in both hello and goodbye, to the neighborhood kids of the area.

Always keeping her pal Chuck updated on her French vacation, she shares her journey and ends up receiving some jealousy from Marcie, but that’s another strip and another story. Interestingly, these comic strips would not be the only time the Peanuts would be in Europe, with the animated movie Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (And Don’t Come Back!!) showing the entire Peanuts gang this time, not just Peppermint Patty, in France.

2

“Nobody Ever Walks Out My Way”

First Published: June 28, 1984

Lucy has a massive crush, usually unrequited, on Schroder. Although, she does take a break from her Schroder obsession for a moment during a baseball game. Seeing a kid she finds cute during a game, Lucy takes it into her own hands to ask for the opponent to be walked her way, to which her annoyed teammates do not agree with her wish.

Unfortunately for her but good for the Peanuts team, the opponent hitter will not be walked her way, resulting in yet another disappointment for Lucy’s love life. Charlie Brown frequently gets annoyed with Lucy, with the opponent hitter being an additional example of his frustration with her. One could say what they want about Lucy but at least she goes after what she wants… or tries to at least.

1

“I Never Should Have Asked”

First Published: June 30, 1984

As bad as Lucy is at baseball, she is pretty enthusiastic about the sport and her team. She even gets a lot of excitement out of getting a new glove. That excitement quickly fades, however, when she asks what to do with her old baseball mitt, only to have it pulled over her head. Charlie Brown is not prone to rudeness but when it comes to Lucy, all bets are off as seen in the comic strip.

Considering that she is the worst player on the Peanuts team, Charlie Brown takes the frustration of the numerous team losses out on Lucy. Some people just bring out the worst in others and in Charlie Brown’s case, it just so happens to be Lucy. She may be an atrocious player but having a baseball mitt over her head is not going to help her playing skills. Although, her skills at baseball could not get much worse.