The Big 5-0: A for Better or for Worse Collection

As always, Lynn Johnston captures the essence of a family whose members are maturing. She treats with especial sympathy the subject of young Gordon, an abused boy who has grown into a successful businessman and a wonderful father, even weaving into the storyline that his parents have gone into rehab for their alcohol problem. While there are conflicts, as anyone with siblings or multiple children knows, it is a joy to see some maturation between the older two's relationship. Also, I love seeing the community involvement, such as when Elizabeth helps with the foodbank and Michael works on a project to enlighten others as to the Canadian past. One of the final panels depicts all 3 of the Patterson children working together to cook dinner for Elly - and is a treat - and very true to life.

Fans of Lynn Johnston's 'For Better or For Worse' comic strip about a family's interactions and aging will relish this collection, which provides black and white strips from some recent comics. While truly avid fans may find little new here, The Big 5-0 gathers cartoons from 1998 through 1999 and any who have missed a few will certainly find some 'new' material.

I have been an avid fan of Lynn Johnston's for years. Her exceptional, nonpareil drawings and appealing (with the exception of April) characters have set new standards for comics.The parents have reluctantly traded youth for late middle age and appear to have done so in a realistic, sympathetic fashion. Mike and Liz have matured into appealing, responsible adults and one can certainly relate to the issues they contend with.Grandpa Jim is a delightful senior citizen who breathes fresh hope and commands respect for all seniors, real and drawn alike. He is a most welcome addition to the regular cast. He is truly a treaasure.Edgar, the dog and Mr. B., the bunny are a riot! I love the way that rascally rabbit chases the dog! He bites Edgar on the nose and makes a shambles out of that living room. I love that rabbit!April is the one exception. I find her a fresh mouthed princess. Instead of helping Elly when she goes through "the change," Princess-pie demands a raise in her allowance. I have never once seen her pitch in around that house and everybody caters to her. She wears babyish overalls and has past the age where one can realistically say "gots" and expect others to find it cute or acceptable. Her long-suffering sister often takes the blame for April's misdeeds and the nasty brat has never once owned up to anything she has done. She provokes other kids and gets away with sheer murder. I really don't like her.I love the suporting cast. Gordon is my favorite. He has matured from a geeky kid who was retained a year into a successful businessowner, husband and father. He is the cartoon version of a success story. Hurray for Gordon!

This little "funnie" strip about a Canadian family continues to be interesting...with a few major changes. Wife Elly inherits a local toy store and makes lots of money. Husband John seems to be suffering from a mid-life crisis, so he plays with all his model trains. Son Michael is all grown-up and lovesick with his fiancee, the doe-eyed Deanna whose busybody momma seems to be wedding-crazy. Daughter Elizabeth is now in college and a "Miss Perfect" ... and a budding sexpot. Daughter Number Two April is still a spoiled young princess and continues to be the very center of attention - and the strip itself. Grandfather Jim jokes about being an old man and misses his late wife. Edgar and Mr. B are still their animal selves as usual. So just keep on enjoying yourselves as those "mirror" images, folks! Doesn't matter if you're American or Canadian or whatever!:)

As a long time fan of the strip, I always enjoy the collections that are put together. This collection is on par with the rest and captures the many happening in the Patterson family.It's full of laughs and a bit of history and lots of fun. I highly recommend looking through this book on a rainy day with a warm cup of tea. :] Makes you smile.