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Since its debut in 1979, "For Better or For Worse" has touched comic strip readers as few cartoons ever do. Cartoonist Lynn Johnston’s eye for detail and her uncanny sense of what real parents and children struggle with daily are a big part of her success. The world has watched the Patterson family grow up in real time, and to many readers, the Pattersons feel like family!
Parents and children alike will relate to the obstacles the Patterson family faces. Curfews, parent date nights, babysitting, pets, and distractions are all hurdles the Pattersons must overcome in order to enjoy each other as a family. They face the same obstacles that real life families do, which is what makes them so lovable.
An Ontario, Canada, native, Lynn Johnston grew up in a home filled with musical and artistic talent. After attending the Vancouver School of Art, she worked in an animation studio, then at McMaster University as a medical illustrator. After five years, Johnston continued to freelance for the hospital, mostly for the obstetrics department—the head of which encouraged her to draw cartoons for his patients. Some of these were made into a book. Two more small cartoon books on life with babies and young children followed and, in 1978, these three books came to the attention of Universal Press Syndicate (now Andrews McMeel Syndication). "For Better or For Worse" hit the papers in 1979 and has become one of the most beloved comic strips of all time.
Elly Patterson juggles the duties of being a mom and wife and a willing ear to friends. While sometimes wishing for a few quiet minutes alone, she thrives on being involved and active and is the cornerstone of the family. The story revolves around her interactions with others and her attempt at keeping things running.
John Patterson is Elly's devoted and steadfast counterpart. His work as a dentist comes second only to his family. John is an innovator and instigator and his strength of character and calm demeanor keep the family "on track.” He dotes on baby Elizabeth and enjoys watching Michael develop his own personality.
School, friends, homework, TV, chores, family, toys, pets ... there aren't enough hours in a day! Michael is energetic, creative, insatiably curious, and sometimes overly dramatic. He thinks grown-ups just don't understand kids at all. Though he often broods that Elizabeth is the favorite, he is a protective older brother.
Despite Michael's jealousy, Lizzie's life is not all naps and games. Just getting from point A to point B can be a challenge—especially when there are stairs! Liz is working every minute of the day, soaking up her surroundings. New words, new expressions, and new actions are all worth testing out.