December 10, 2004 For Better or For Worse is Suddenly Silver

The thousands of Lynn Johnston comic strips produced in Corbeil in the heart of the Community Voices area have now warmed the hearts of millions for 25 years.  In some 2000 newspapers in 8 languages in 20 countries over 200 million people wait to see what happens to the Patterson family every day.  Her fans also enjoy her animated television show and her over 30 books have been best sellers.  Her new book Suddenly Silver was recently launched in North Bay with a book signing which included a sketch of her main character Elly at Gulliver’s Books.  I bought several copies for Christmas presents including one for my wife Elly (Johnston).  We have 5 kids and 12 grans so we, like others, have lived our own For Better or For Worse. 

The new book with samples of her work over the years also includes statements by her husband Rod, her son and daughter and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law.  Lynn has produced many books but this one deserves special recognition in this history column because she has become a part our heritage.  Her work has a human impact not unlike the other famous Corbeil story – The Dionne Quints born 70 years ago this year. 

The cover from Lynn Johnston’s Suddenly Silver: Celebrating 25 Years of For Better or For Worse.  Andrews McMeel Publishing, Kansas City, $24.95.

For Better or For Worse has evolved over the years and has become less a cartoon and as she stated in a recent CBC interview, more like a novel.  The amount of work on the story line, the books, the animated story etc. has required her to give up some of the control on her work.  She still does the basic story and drawing but has help with the backgrounds and the colours.  She now has a separate operation with a good staff in a location on Trout Lake but works at home on her drawings.  In 1941 James Cagney’s movie Captains of the Clouds was shot nearby. 

Arnie Haakala in an article in the Nugget about the Gullivers’ visit pointed out something I also recognize in her.  She does not act like a celebrity.  She has pointed out that she thinks and acts like a middle class person.  This is reflected in her work.  I saw her recently at Bay Produce chatting with an acquaintance and have seen her at some of the many activities she supports like the struggling North Bay Area Arts Council.  Her artwork is seen in Crimestoppers work, the Hospital Project, the Raising Readers program in libraries, the Carousel, and the Farley Foundation that helps needy dogs. 

Speaking of dogs, the death in the story of Farley the family dog caused some concern including from her friend and mentor Charles Schulz of Peanuts fame.  Her gay character Lawrence caused a mixed reaction.  Her social conscience is seen in her treatment of her characters, the dad, the children etc. and the recent addition of Shannon Luke a developmentally handicapped teenager.  Many of the stories are directly related to her own life experience.  A recent article refers to her as a “quiet crusader.” 

Lynn has decided to retire in 3 years by which time she hopes to tie off her story lines and take some well-deserved rest.  She has a neurological disorder that causes some problems and requires attention.  Her husband Rod is very active in the community as well especially in the Museum and was active in the development of the Heritage Railway, and will enjoy the well-deserved change of pace. 

We will miss her characters, her story telling and her drawing and that bit of pleasure we get each day visiting with the Pattersons in the newspaper or on TV.  Congratulations on 25 years and thank you. 

For information on Lynn, her staff, her books, gifts etc. check out her excellent website at www.fborfw.com