Not many people think of Charles Schultz as a writer, be cause they see him primarily as a cartoonist. Which isn't wrong just a bit short-sighted. I would argue that the dichotomy is unnecessary. Charles Schultz is an artist, philosopher, theologian, humorist, writer, and yes, cartoonist. His characters are iconic and emblematic.
I don't do a lot of collecting, but over the last few years Fantagraphics Books has been publishing a definitive collection of all the Peanuts strips. Each book covers two years work and are beautifully designed and have excellent cover art. So far I have from 1961 through 1978. (1979-1980 is issued but I figured that this will be the last one I buy because I was alive for everything after 1979 and will probably remember it.) Aren't these covers reason enough to buy the books?
Ok, so if the covers aren't enough, when you read Peanuts in large, single-sitting doses, you realize how subversive, challenging, and plain funny the strip is. Schultz is also a master of what I call the "third panel pause." This is when the third panel consists of a character only thinking. The first two panels have set up the situation, but the third panel gives the reader chance to really join in before the fourth panel pay-off. Here are a couple examples of what I mean. (Sorry for the size)
Whenever I'm feeling down about the world, three things always cheer me up. Reading Anne Lamott. Being reminded I'm good enough by Mr. Rogers. And spending an hour commiserating with Charlie Brown. Maybe you always have self-confidence, are ever-optimistic, and feel ready to take on the world, but for the everyone else, you probably should self-medicate with some Peanuts.
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