A prime source of entertainment in Garfield comics is the title character’s temperament and unique interactions with fellow cast members. Garfield often torments those around him, much to readers’ delight. His horrid treatment of others makes it hilarious when characters like Odie get revenge.
Because Jim Davis usually has Garfield come out on top in devious ways, situations where the tables are turned give readers a refreshing take on familiar comedy. Garfield getting his just desserts proves hilarious time and again, especially when it’s coming from Garfield’s favorite punching bag, Odie.
Odie Gets Sneaky, Exacting Revenge On Garfield
Publication Date: April 14, 1981
While Garfield is usually the center of table antics, Odie isn’t one to be left out. Sneaking up on Garfield, Odie’s loud bark has surprising and humorous results. Having been kicked off the table so many times by Garfield, taking advantage of an opportunity for revenge makes sense for Odie. Garfield might be left in a pickle, but readers are left highly entertained.
Unlike most Garfield comics, this strip doesn’t rely in any way on personification. Odie and Garfield’s behavior is reminiscent of actual animals. The relatable nature of the action creates comedy in the place of other devices. By excluding known techniques, readers are presented with an unexpected and refreshing form of comedy that finds this entry a place in the rankings.
Odie Shows Off His Vocal Abilities
Publication Date: Nov. 7, 2005
If Garfield thought the previous bark was something, this one might have taken one of his nine lives. While sleeping on a long rug, Garfield is startled by one of Odie’s greatest vocal feats. The intensely loud bark provides readers with entertainment through the fulfillment of expectations. Anticipation is created by a simple but effective build.
Because of the intended form of comedy, the joke hinges on depicting the strip’s lone word. Perception of extreme volume is key in expressing the event’s comedy to readers. Davis accomplishes this task brilliantly by using an entire frame to provide a bold and vibrant “bark” that properly expresses why Garfield would be that startled. A scare that the ill-tempered cat probably deserved.
Garfield’s Driving Experience Goes South Quick
Publication Date: March 3, 1991
Garfield has an active imagination that is often a driving force of comedy throughout the series. During one of his bouts of creativity, Garfield fantasizes about driving a race car. His excitement peaks when his bed moves in time with his thoughts, and he quickens the pace. An idea he likely regrets as he lies face down on the floor.
The reveal provided by the conclusion is hilarious due to the slow build created by Davis. The synchronization of Garfield’s thoughts and the movement of the bed is crucial to setting up the climactic finale. By matching the movement’s tempo to Garfield’s diction, the suddenness of the last action is perceived as appropriate. Because he asked for it, Odie’s revenge on Garfield proves exceptionally humorous.
Garfield’s Problem Is Odie’s Opportunity
Publication Date: March 1, 1984
Garfield has a bad habit of complaining. He also has a knack for getting himself into awkward situations. When combined, the consequences can be demeaning for Garfield but entertaining for readers. While Garfield is plagued by a kink in his back, Odie’s simple prank and joyful reaction create outstanding humor. The act comes as a pleasant surprise to all involved, except the belittled Garfield.
Since Odie’s iconic debut in the series, Garfield has tormented the adorable canine at every turn. Because of his known behavior, fans can derive extra pleasure from Odie, making Garfield the source of comedy. Jon doesn’t seem upset about the situation, implying he agrees with the readers’ line of thought.
Odie Shows Off His Superb Reflexes
Publication Date: Jan. 15, 1982
Garfield doesn’t always fight with Odie. They have been known to play together, feeding off each other’s creativity and energy. On one such occasion, Odie proves cats aren’t always more agile than dogs. While both of Garfield’s attempts fail, Odie succeeds on the first try. Garfield’s narration of the event might exaggerate his actions, but it nails Odie’s in the finale.
Davis’s use of wide arching lines helps illustrate that Garfield came nowhere near his target. The contrasting exclusion of representation to Odie’s swing suggests his strike was quick and efficient. Odie’s facial expressions in each panel provide the necessary foreshadowing and setup for the hilarious conclusion. Garfield’s willingness to participate helps make this early Garfield comic a memorable experience.
Odie Steals Garfield’s Lunch
Publication Date: Jan. 4, 1984
Garfield’s love of food is well-documented. Davis often uses his appetite as a source of amusement. The character trait also proves useful in giving Odie a means of revenge. Odie’s theft catches Garfield and the readers off guard because the event rarely occurs. Garfield’s overprotective nature concerning his food usually prevents this type of incident.
Odie’s revenge features multiple elements unique to Garfield. As mentioned, Odie stealing Garfield’s food is a rare occurrence. A more interesting difference is the source of comedy in the middle of the story. Garfield’s shocked look provides the primary point of amusement. Because readers are already laughing when viewing the conclusion, the punchline is less effective than the action of the gag. The strip’s visual humor and availability to a broad audience put this entry in a noteworthy spot within the rankings.
Odie Reveals His Superhuman Strength
Publication Date: Aug. 26, 1995
Over the years, Garfield has pulled numerous pranks on Odie. Whenever they backfire, readers are given a source of entertainment. Odie turning the tables through unanticipated behavior adds tremendously to the humor. A prime example comes when Garfield tries to tie Odie to a tree. Odie’s act of superhuman strength and Garfield’s reaction inspire laughter. Neither the viewer nor the prankster could have expected Odie to be capable of such a feat.
In typical fashion, Davis employs a vivid palette befitting the scenario. Each panel contains important exaggerations, from Odie’s sleep bubble to Garfield’s physical response. The number of frames used also helps establish the situation and properly express each step of the gag. Because the attempted prank is malicious, Odie’s revenge is much sweeter for popular pooch’s fans.
Odie Fetches Help For Garfield
Publication Date: July 30, 1989
Like many cats throughout history, Garfield finds himself stuck in trees more often than he would like to admit. Under normal circumstances, Garfield would have to wait some time before getting help. However, when trapped near an open window, Garfield summons Odie for immediate assistance. Unfortunately for Garfield, he isn’t specific, and Odie has a taste for revenge.
Expressive features illustrated by Davis are crucial in the creation of comedy. The implications of Garfield’s wide-eyed reaction and Odie’s devious grin are hilarious. Odie’s smile suggests his actions were preplanned. Combined with Garfield’s response, Odie’s unexpected behavior results in a revenge comic that is well worth experiencing.
Odie Pulls A Delightful Prank On Garfield
Publication Date: June 15, 1985
Unlike Garfield, when Odie pulls a prank, it’s usually lighthearted. One such joke provides an abundance of entertainment and laughter for everyone involved. The unexpected and out-of-character nature of the joke creates a solid foundation for comedy. Because of the effective build, readers are immediately aware of the amount of thought Odie must have placed into the gag.
Garfield and Odie stand out well against the greenery, allowing readers to focus on the substance of the scene. As with most Garfield comics, the human traits used in personifying the characters help express their emotions. A sound example appears in the conclusion. The use of teeth for Garfield helps Davis inform readers that while the joke is on him, Garfield finds it amusing as well.
A Hilarious Revenge Plot Has Odie Outperforming Garfield
Publication Date: May 21, 1995
The best of Odie’s revenge moments sees the lovable canine take the spotlight. Under the full moon’s light, Odie puts on a well-received show atop Garfield’s fence. His fitting attire and dance routine lead to an ovation. Garfield’s follow-up act, on the other hand, doesn’t go over so well. The brilliance of the comic stems from using Garfield’s biggest flaw as the source of comedy.
Odie taking advantage of Garfield’s narcissism is a perfect means of comical revenge. Readers already have appropriate context due to Garfield’s typical behavior. Garfield’s fictional audience might disprove it, but many real readers are highly entertained. The intelligent nature of the joke and colorful delivery help put this entry at the top of the rankings.
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Premiering in Jim Davis’ comic series, the Garfield franchise follows the adventures of Garfield the cat, Odie the dog, and Jon the human.
