A Trio of Thanksgiving Offerings (Family Comic Friday)

There's two weeks left until Turkey Day. A time for giving thanks, eating lots of food, and being stuck with family members who drive you crazy. It's during those times I like to hide in a comic book. But unlike Christmas or Halloween in which there are dozens upon dozens of holiday themed comics, the list of Thanksgiving comics is pretty thin.

Hulk Like Turkey!

For today's Family Comic Friday, I have taken some of the guess work out of trying to find a Thanksgiving comic to read.

But why not wait until Thanksgiving to do this article? Good Question. I'm posting this with enough time in hopes that if you decide to order any or all of these, they will arrive in plenty of time for the holiday weekend.

I was only able to find three books and they are all considered back issues. However, I did my research and every book I share with you for today's article can be found for sale on eBay, Amazon, or other online shops. So with that in mind, let's begin...

Snoopy's Thanksgiving

Written and Illustrated by Charles M. Schulz
Published by Fantagraphics, 2014

This is actually a reprint from a 1970s graphic paperback by the Peanuts creator. It's now formatted to resemble a graphic novel instead of a pocket-sized paperback when in first came out. I had the original. But that one is now out-of-print and really expensive with some folks asking for upwards of $1,000! This reprint retails for only $9.97 and some sellers have it discounted even more.

Not to be confused with the A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special, this is a different story than in the annual animated special shown on ABC. Here, Snoopy's brother Spike invites him to have Thanksgiving in the desert. Meanwhile back home, Charlie Brown has to play nursemaid as his friends Franklin, Peppermint Patty, and Marcie get the flu during their Thanksgiving vacation.

For ages 8 and up.
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius: Happy Franksgiving!

Written by Chris Eliopoulos, Ed Brubaker, Robert Kirkman, et al
Art by Alex Chang, David Aja, Chris Eliopoulos, et al
Published by Marvel Comics, 2007

This 2007 comic from Marvel stars the son of Fantastic Four members Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman. With his robot babysitter H.E.R.B.I.E., Franklin longs for adventures like his parents have. Yet, his curiosity gets the best of him and Franklin and H.E.R.B.I.E. get into trouble as a frequent result.

This issue offers 5 stories but only 1 of them is Thanksgiving themed. But with the hilarious cover as an added bonus, it's better than nothing if you are looking for a Thanksgiving special to read instead of watching your family fall asleep in front of Thursday night football. And it's really, really funny!

This all ages romp can be found for around $2-5 online (shipping not included). Or you can purchase it as part of the Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius Ultimate Collection: Book 1 for $19.99 or less on Amazon.

For all ages.
Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Walt Disney's Autumn Adventures #1

Written by Carl Banks, Joel Katz, & Joel Beal
Art by Carl Banks, Recreo, & Robert Bat
Published by Disney Press, 1990

A charming blend of all-new and reprinted material from over 50 years worth of Disney Comics (from the date printed.) Featuring art and stories by Donald Duck master Carl Banks, there's also a never-before told Ducktales story which with the new version of the show, might appeal to a new generation of fans.

Being a fall special, there's a wide mix of stories. There's a back-to-school tale starring Donald and his nephews. Chip and Dale head South for the winter. Plus, there are a couple of adventures that involve Halloween. But the last three stories in this book involves Thanksgiving.

In the Thanksgiving yarns, Goofy is put in charge of security at a turkey farm that has been experiencing a string of robberies. Lil' Bad Wolf and his friends, the Three Little Pigs, go on the search for wild turkeys. Then Pluto schemes to get a steak dinner instead of the traditional old bird for Thanksgiving.

Three out of about nine stories isn't bad for trying to find some Thanksgiving cheer here. It's a cozy read filled with delights from my childhood. The comic can be found online for around $2-5, plus shipping on several websites, including Amazon. There's also an issue #2 but I don't own that one. So I cannot give a rating for it. But I assume it's filled with more of the similar stories that comprise this edition.

For All Ages.
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Happy Thanks-Reading!

And there you have a look at some potential Thanksgiving comic reads for the coming holiday. If you know of any further Thanksgiving comic book or graphic novel reads, please drop me a line in the comments section.