Snoopy's Origins and Charles M. Schulz's Story: Peanuts and its Popularity in Japan

Snoopyis a cartoon character created by American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. While widely known as Snoopy, the title of the comic strip is 'Peanuts'.

A Name the Author Didn't Want

The name 'Peanuts' means 'a peanut for leisure' and was unilaterally decided by the newspaper that serialized the comic. At the time, the author, who was unknown, wasn't fond of the title. However, as an unknown cartoonist, he couldn't refuse. So, he had no choice but to accept it, and the name stuck. As a result, names like 'Snoopy' or 'Charlie Brown' became more widely recognized.

Where You Can Find Snoopy Characters

Where can you find Snoopy characters in Asia? It's Japan!

You can find Snoopy shops all over Japan, including Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Kobe.

The reason for this is that the current Snoopy character stakeis held by WildBrain (a Canadian media and animation company) at 41%, Sony Music Entertainment at 39%, and Charles Schulz's estate at 20%. Generally, character goods require royalty payments, so after deducting various expenses, there isn't much left. Otherwise, you have to sell them at a higher price.

Therefore, to increase profitability in character goods, you need to own the intellectual property rights.

The entity that owns 39% of Snoopy's intellectual property rightsis a Japanese company (Sony Music).

Purchasing Peanuts Comics

The last Peanuts comic strip was published on February 13, 2000, the day after the author's death. Therefore, if you want to purchase the entire series, you need to buy the comics published from October 1950 to February 2000. In Korea, you can buy them through online bookstores. It's available as a "Peanuts Complete Edition" in 25 volumes, translated by Shin So-hee.

At about 22,500 won per volume, you would need to pay approximately 562,500 won to purchase the entire collection. Haha.

Naturally, there's an English edition. Purchasing the English version from Amazon would likely be the cheapest option.

Woodstock, Snoopy's Secretary or Assistant

durumis Wikidoesn't seem to have any information on Woodstock (I'm not sure if there's no information or I just couldn't find it).

He's a yellow bird who acts as Snoopy's secretary or assistant, and only Snoopy can understand what Woodstock says.

The author suffered from Parkinson's disease and colon cancer, and eventually collapsed at the age of 77 in December 1999. He tried to continue drawing, but due to his poor health, it was impossible.

Snoopy and Charlie Brown continue to be loved by many people.