1. Garfield

 

Muncie, Indiana

Thirty years ago, as Garfield was celebrating its tenth anniversary, the TV special Happy Birthday, Garfield explained that Jon Arbuckle and his cat reside in Muncie, Indiana. No wonder — it's the hometown of creator Jim Davis, who is pictured here in his Muncie studio.

Image: AP Photo / Michael Conroy

2. Peanuts

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

In a 1954 Peanuts strip, Charlie Brown reads the engraving on a trophy that Lucy has just received: "Awarded to Lucille Van Pelt. 1954. Outstanding Fussbudget of Hennepin County." Hennepin County included Minneapolis and its surrounding burbs. It also happens to be the hometown of creator Charles Schulz. No wonder it was always snowing in those comics.

Image: The Everett Collection

3. Dennis the Menace

 

Wichita, Kansas

Hank Ketcham may have been from Seattle, but his most famous creation dwelled in Kansas, like Dorothy and Mary Ann.

Image: The Everett Collection

4. Family Circus

 

Scottsdale, Arizona

In this wholesome comic strip, the family often visits an ice cream parlor called The Sugar Bowl. It's a real restaurant in Arizona, near the home of Family Circus creator Bil Keane. Funny, then, that the animated television Christmas special from 1979 showed piles of pillowy snow on the ground.

Image: The Everett Collection

5. Blondie

 

Joplin, Missouri

A 1946 issue of The Joplin Globe cited creator Chic Young as declaring Joplin the hometown of the Bumsteads.

Image: Harvey Comics

6. Brenda Starr, Reporter

 

Chicago, Illinois

Dick Tracy, created by a Northwestern grad, took place in a very Chicago-like city. Brenda Starr, on the other hand, was explicitly set in the Windy City. 

Image: Chicago Tribune Syndicate

7. Beetle Bailey

 

Parris Island, South Carolina

Campy Swampy was inspired by Camp Crowder, where Mort Walker had once been stationed in the Army. Though Camp Swampy is fictional, its location is not. As you can see in a panel from Hi and Lois (a Beetle Bailey spin-off), Bailey's address is listed as "Parris Is, SC," which lies just up the coast from Savannah.

Images: Gold Key Comics / King Features Syndicate

8. Calvin and Hobbes

 

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Okay, to be honest, Calvin and Hobbes never outright declares its setting. However, ample evidence is there to suggest it takes place in Chagrin Falls, east of Cleveland. For starters, it is the hometown of creator Bill Waterson. Secondly, there is often snow on the ground. (Remember all those sledding scenes?) Thirdly, Calvin has buckeye trees growing in his neighborhood. If it's not specifically in Chagrin Falls, this masterpiece at least takes place in Ohio.

Image: AP Photo / Tony Dejak

9. For Better or For Worse

 

Toronto, Canada

And now we get to some international settings. The Patterson family saga takes place in Milborough, a made-up suburb of Toronto, Canada.

Image: Andrews McMeel Publishing

10. Andy Capp

 

Hartlepool, England

That would explain that "U" in "neighbour." When you read Andy Capp, do you imagine a thick accent in your head? Perhaps you should. Though, doesn't that mean those bags of "Andy Capp's Hot Fries" sold in vending machines should be called "Andy Capp's Hot Chips"?

Image: Creators Syndicate

11. Mutts

 

New Jersey

In 2002, New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey announced a new Animal Friendly license plate for his state, featuring Earl and Mooch from Mutts. It was a nice way to honor a comic strip set in the Garden State.