Early Garfield: A Suicidal Tabby?

Garfield sure used to be a lot edgier, huh?

Content advisory: This page includes references to suicide in a fat orange cat context. Reader discretion is advised.
Garfield throws up his arms and cries 'Take me now, Lord!' after Odie arrives.
August 9, 1978 © Paws, Inc.
Garfield laments being declawed, setting up a grim joke. Garfield puts his head in the oven to 'end it all,' only to note it's electric.
October 17-18, 1978 © Paws, Inc.
Garfield complains his breakfast drives up the 'suicide rate among cats.'
January 8, 1980 © Paws, Inc.
Garfield jokes that suicide, exercise, and dieting are equally unappealing.
May 6, 1983 © Paws, Inc.
Garfield eyes an exercise rope drawn like a noose, dreading it.
August 18, 1983 © Paws, Inc.
Garfield says he’s moved from depressed to suicidal, played as a punchline.
December 10, 1985 © Paws, Inc.