35 Years of Pickles by Brian Crane

For over 35 years, the beloved Pickles comic strip has been delighting readers with its timeless humor, and now, it’s time to celebrate the extraordinary career of creator Brian Crane. This milestone collection, 35 Years of Pickles, shines a spotlight on the quirky and relatable world of Earl, Opal, Nelson, and the rest of the lovable Pickles family. Featuring a cornucopia of full-color strips that have never been seen in a collected format before, this book offers an exciting experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the strip.

Brian Crane’s journey to becoming a full-time cartoonist is inspiring. Before making his mark with Pickles, Crane worked in various fields, including advertising. It wasn’t until his 40s that he pursued his passion for comic strips, proving that it’s never too late to follow your creative dreams. Crane drew much of his inspiration from his own life and family dynamics, particularly the interactions between grandparents and grandchildren, which are beautifully reflected in the loving and humorous relationship between the central characters, Earl and Opal.

The title Pickles was carefully chosen to mirror the quirks and eccentricities of life itself. Like pickles, which are sometimes tangy, sometimes sweet, but always memorable, the strip brings out a rich blend of humor and heart. Earl, the main character, is a lovable curmudgeon whose antics provide plenty of comic relief while also offering a thoughtful commentary on aging, relationships, and the little absurdities of everyday life. His no-nonsense attitude resonates with readers of all ages, and his interactions with Opal are particularly endearing.

Opal, Earl’s wife, is often considered the true heart of Pickles, balancing Earl’s grumpy humor with her sharp wit, wisdom, and patience. Fans love her quick comebacks and her ability to keep Earl on his toes, making her one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the strip.

Pickles may not hold the same iconic status as Peanuts or Calvin and Hobbes, but it offers a distinctive perspective on life and aging that sets it apart from many other comic strips, particularly those centered around younger characters. While strips like Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes often explore the world through the eyes of children, Pickles dives into the complexities of growing older, relationships, and the humorous nuances of life in your later years.

The comic’s portrayal of aging is refreshingly authentic, focusing on the joys and challenges of growing older with wisdom and wit. Through the characters of Earl and Opal, Pickles reflects the realities of senior life—where everyday moments, from humorous misunderstandings to tender exchanges, carry deep meaning. Unlike the more child-centric humor found in other strips, Pickles celebrates the everyday quirks and complexities of life that come with age, making it uniquely relatable to a broader audience, especially those in the later stages of life.

Whether you’re rediscovering the charming world of Pickles or meeting these lovable characters for the first time, 35 Years of Pickles is sure to bring joy, laughter, and a fresh appreciation for Brian Crane’s extraordinary work. So, pop open this jar and dive into a world of humor that’s been decades in the making, with characters that are as timeless and relatable as ever!

The 35 Years of Pickles paperback edition will be available for purchase starting September 9, 2025. This special release celebrates over three decades of the beloved comic strip, offering fans a chance to revisit their favorite moments in a beautifully curated collection.

Brian Crane’s Pickles comic strip is syndicated in over 900 newspapers worldwide, reaching a vast audience with its relatable humor. Crane has been nominated three times for the prestigious National Cartoonists Society’s Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year award, winning the honor in 2013. Pickles has also been recognized with the National Cartoonists Society’s Best Comic Strip Award twice, first in 2001 and again in 2019. Crane lives in Sparks, Nevada, with his wife and their large family, which includes seven children and nineteen grandchildren.