Charlie Brown's inability to kick a football has become one of Peanuts' greatest jokes, but an surprising ally once helped him achieve the impossible. This ally was none other than Marvel's Spider ...

Yet, just as Charlie Brown is about to kick the football, Lucy always pulls it away, causing Charlie Brown to fall on his back. The gag ends with Lucy smiling and enjoying Charlie Brown’s mishap.

The strip offered enduring images of kites in trees, Charlie Brown trying to kick a football, tart-tongued Lucy handing out advice for a nickel at what looked like a lemonade stand and Snoopy ...