Here Comes Garfield (1982)

"Here Comes Garfield," released in 1982, marks a significant milestone as the first animated television special featuring the beloved lasagna-loving cat created by Jim Davis. Produced by United Media Productions and Lee Mendelson Film Productions in the United States, this 24-minute special introduces audiences to the humorous and often sarcastic world of Garfield. The story follows Garfield as he navigates the challenges of his daily life, including his insatiable appetite, his disdain for Mondays, and his complex relationship with his owner, Jon Arbuckle, and the lovable but dim-witted dog, Odie. The special captures the essence of the comic strip, bringing Garfield's wit and charm to life through vibrant animation and clever storytelling. The voice cast of "Here Comes Garfield" plays a crucial role in bringing the characters to life, with Lorenzo Music lending his distinctive voice to Garfield, perfectly capturing the cat's laid-back yet mischievous personality. Thom Huge voices Jon Arbuckle, providing a fittingly exasperated yet caring counterpart to Garfield's antics, while Gregg Berger voices Odie, using non-verbal sounds to convey the dog's simple-minded yet endearing nature. The special also features a memorable soundtrack, including the catchy theme song "Here Comes Garfield," which adds to the overall charm and appeal of the show. In addition to its entertainment value, "Here Comes Garfield" laid the groundwork for a series of subsequent Garfield specials and paved the way for the character's enduring popularity in various media formats. The success of the special demonstrated the potential for Garfield's humor and personality to resonate with audiences beyond the comic strip, leading to numerous animated series, movies, and merchandise. The special's blend of humor, relatable characters, and engaging storytelling helped solidify Garfield's place in popular culture and showcased the creative possibilities of adapting comic strips into animated formats. Overall, "Here Comes Garfield" remains a cherished piece of animation history, beloved by fans for its faithful adaptation of Jim Davis's iconic comic strip. The special's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of Garfield's world, delivering laughs and heartwarming moments in equal measure. As the first of many Garfield animated projects, "Here Comes Garfield" set a high standard for quality and entertainment, ensuring that the lasagna-loving cat would continue to delight audiences for decades to come.