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For Better or For Worse

For Better or For Worse

By Lynn Johnston

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.

Daily Daily
Sunday Sunday
Daily & Sunday Daily & Sunday
Digital Digital
Print Print
Strip Strip
Available in Color Available in Color
Family
Women

Editor's Picks

Two cartoon characters discussing their decision to date other people while maintaining their friendship. One character holds a bag of chips, and the other is folding clothes, expressing a lighthearted conversation about their relationship status. Two-panel comic strip depicting a conversation between two characters. The first panel shows a woman asking a man if he has met someone new, to which he responds negatively. The second panel features the man looking surprised as the woman questions why he didn't inform her, expressing that she would have wanted to know. The comic explores themes of communication and relationships. Two characters in a comic strip discussing the importance of social connections and caring for others. One character expresses a realization about needing to see other people, while the other emphasizes the value of caring for each other in school and beyond. The scene highlights themes of friendship and community. A comic strip featuring two panels: the left panel shows a woman pouring coffee while speaking to a child, discussing career choices and breaks; the right panel depicts a man and woman reflecting on how their lives intersected and the different paths they took. Two-panel comic depicting a conversation between two characters. The first character expresses concern about the second character's well-being after a hospital visit. The second character reassures the first that they are fine. The setting suggests a casual, supportive dialogue between friends. A comic strip featuring a man in a car expressing disbelief about a situation, with dialogue about missing someone at the mall and questioning if she is dating anyone. The scene captures a humorous moment of surprise and confusion. A cartoon depicting a woman explaining to a child how dogs have a keen sense of smell, allowing them to detect other dogs' food. The child expresses surprise, while a dog listens attentively. The scene highlights the unique olfactory abilities of dogs. Cartoon strip depicting a humorous interaction between a woman and her dog, Edgar, discussing going for a walk. The woman is holding a leash while the dog shows excitement, panting in anticipation. The scene captures the playful bond between pets and their owners. A comic strip depicting a woman sorting through colorful cards while a child observes. The woman expresses frustration with the cards, and the child excitedly asks if they all belong to them. The scene conveys themes of friendship and surprise. A comic strip depicting a humorous interaction between a father and daughter, where the daughter asks for another story, and the father playfully declines, leading to a light-hearted negotiation about reading just one more story before bed.

About Lynn Johnston

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.

Smiling woman with short blonde hair wearing glasses and a purple jacket, resting her chin on her hand, against a white background.

Cast

Illustration of a woman with blonde hair, wearing a pink shirt and blue pants, smiling while bending down, suggesting a sense of engagement or activity.

Elly

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.

Cartoon illustration of a young man wearing glasses and a red shirt, standing with hands in pockets, with a simple circular background.

John

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.

Cartoon illustration of a young man with brown hair wearing a yellow and white striped shirt, looking up with a curious expression, set against a circular background.

Michael

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.

Illustration of a woman with blonde hair wearing a sparkling gold sweater, depicted in a side profile within a circular frame.

Elizabeth

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.