10 Funniest Peanuts Comics That Prove Linus Is the Best Character (2024)

One of the most famous characters of the Peanuts gang, Linus made his debut in 1952. He is a massively endearing figure thanks to his hopeful attitude, thoughtfulness, and insightful nature. Consequently, he is hard to dislike, often acting as a foil to the other characters' worst habits. In fact, Linus may just be the best character in the whole Peanuts canon.

Here are ten adorable comics that show why Linus deserves that title - from responding perfectly to Charlie Brown's self-pity to playing along with Snoopy's imaginary alter-egos in a truly unexpected way, and above all, always making sure his beloved blanket is safe.

10 "I Hate That Answer!"

This 1967 Comic Encapsulates Charlie Brown and Linus' Friendship

Linus and Charlie Brown are the best of friends, much like the dynamic duo of Snoopy and Woodstock. Best friends can turn to each other and ask serious questions and give truthful answers. Linus and Charlie Brown do just that in this strip. Charlie represents the nagging anxiety that his friends don't really care for him, but rather than Linus dismissing the fear or offering reassurance, he gives Charlie Brown a concrete way to try and improve himself. It's the perfect example of how Linus acts as Peanuts' voice of practicality and reason while still being hilarious.

9 "Don't You Ever Get Tired of That Blanket?"

This 1968 Comic Explains Linus' Love of His Blanket

Linus and his blanket are inseparable despite the security item being a source of ridicule for the little guy - and constantly setting him up for misery when Snoopy tries to steal it. Even Linus' best pal Charlie Brown questions just how much time Linus spends with his beloved blanket. However, Linus gets the last laugh here as he demonstrates there's really no end to what his blanket can do. It's a fun visual gag that plays with what's possible in a comic, but also speaks to how kids feel about comfort items - to Linus, his blanket may as well be magic.

8 "I'm Aware Of My Tongue"

This 1963 Comic Shows Linus Accidentally Getting the Better of Lucy

Like many of the Peanuts kids, Linus can be a ball of neuroses at times, although the way he overthinks things and finds ways to make himself nuts are just more reasons to love him. Being so in his own head that he is aware of his own tongue is the kind of over-awareness that plagues childhood, but it's particularly funny when Linus passes the affliction onto Lucy. Lots of Peanuts characters are used to having their day ruined by Lucy van Pelt, but being her little brother, Linus can get under her skin without even trying.

7 "The Great Pumpkin"

This 1977 Strip Follows Linus' Halloween Obsession

The Great Pumpkin is an essential part of Linus' character, next only to his security blanket. Having half-understood various holiday traditions, he has mixed up aspects of Santa Claus, such as giving gifts, with a Halloween character of his own creation - then spread that belief to others. Linus' devotion to the Great Pumpkin may be misguided, but the little guy is just so earnest and persistent that one can't help but love him - especially when he ropes Snoopy into his celebration. Most of the Peanuts kids have weird obsessions - like Schroeder with Beethoven's birthday - but the Great Pumpkin rises above them all to become a huge part of Peanuts fandom.

6 "Aren't the Clouds Beautiful?"

This 1960 Comic Emphasizes Linus' Depth (Compared to Charlie Brown)

Linus is incredibly imaginative and creative, able to conjure up a number of different things seen in one cloud while sky gazing. His endless list of things he sees in the sky may humble Charlie Brown, but it exemplifies the insightful personality of Linus. Linus' earnest approach to life means that even when asked a seemingly pointless question, he'll do his best to give a considered answer. Making Charlie Brown's predicament even worse, Lucy is totally used to her little brother's approach to life, and merely compliments him before expecting more of the same from Charlie.

5 "It's My Blanket"

This 1961 Comic Gets to the Heart of Linus' Love for His Blanket

Linus may sometimes make others look bad because he's a deep thinker, but he's still a kid, and his pure-hearted love for his blanket showcases that fact. With his adorable trademark practicality, Linus admits that all the criticisms others make of his blanket are true - but then confirms he couldn't care less. The moment itself is sweet, but it also reassures fans that they don't need to worry too much about Linus' need for his blanket - deep down, he knows he'll have to give it up one day, but for now he's enjoying it on its own terms, no matter what anyone else thinks.

4 "Basketball Is a Great Game"

This 1955 Comic Showcases Linus' Hilarious Ability to Confound Charlie Brown

Things don't come super easy for Charlie Brown. In fact, he's not too good at a lot of things. To make matters worse for poor Charlie, Linus is able to instantly pick up some enviable basketball skills immediately after Charlie Brown hands him the ball. Linus is imaginative and creative, and as this strip illustrates, a skilled basketball player. Again, Peanuts is all about capturing childhood experiences, and the sense of being outpaced by a younger kid at something you think you're great at is palpable.

This strip really showcases Schulz's skill as an artist, with a perfect sense of movement and character in every panel. Most impressively, the moment where Linus sinks the shot 'breaks' the smaller panels that the rest of the strip establishes, emphasizing Charlie's moment of shock in a way the reader doesn't explicitly notice, but which helps to sell the punchline as hard as possible.

3 "Every Now and Then..."

This 1970 Comic Showcases Linus and Lucy's Sibling Connection

While Linus didn't manage to cheer Charlie Brown up when he was feeling down, he does manage to say the right thing to Lucy, despite retaining his practical outlook on the world. In the world of Peanuts, little siblings tend to be the focus of irritation rather than adoration, but Schulz has a great instinct for when a little schmaltz is called for, and Linus helps make it a comedic moment as he comforts Lucy almost without meaning to.

2 "Anti-Aircraft Fire"

This 1965 Comic Brings Back Snoopy's Flying Ace Character

Snoopy meets his match in imagination with Linus, who may not understand the beagle's rich fantasy life, but is happy to play along - whether Snoopy wants him to or not. As his World War I Flying Ace character, Snoopy is deep in battle with the Red Baron. Concentrating on defeating his enemy, he is taken by surprise by Linus' noises of enemy fire. As these strips show, Linus has a habit of bursting his friends' bubbles - but here he's actually "helping" with Snoopy's story.

1 "Teaching Is a Pure Art Form"

This 1961 Comic Is a Love Letter to Teachers

For all the hard work they do, teachers deserve appreciation. Linus gets this, as seen in his passionate rant to Charlie Brown about their teacher. The strip shows some of the best qualities of Linus: his kindness and enthusiasm. He fervently defends his opinion of Ms. Othmar and compliments her, outraged that Charlie Brown would imagine she's anything less than 100% dedicated to her calling. Linus may know a lot of things, but he's still naive and has a lot to learn about life, so it's fun to watch his earnest, knowledgeable worldview tackle a subject where he's passionately wrong.

The Peanuts characters are all unique and loveable in their own different ways, but Linus stands out because he combines innocence and insight. In the internet age, it's easy to lay hands on information without having the context to apply it quite right - one of the reasons Peanut's Linus is still so relatable today.