Maxine™

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Maxine—telling it like it is.

The Queen of Crabbiness

Maxine has the ability to tell it—and frequently yell it—like it is. Having been around the block a few times (or more) she can see the ridiculousness of modern life, and has no qualms about sharing her opinions. From sea to shining sea, Americans enjoy her no-nonsense take on relationships, aging, politics, the economy, stress, technology, the news and a host of other topics. She's a voice for the people.

Meet john Wagner

John, the creator of Maxine, is originally from New Jersey, but for the past forty years or so he’s called Kansas City his home. When he’s not busy drawing Maxine and Floyd, he can be found remodeling his house or relaxing at his favorite fishing hole.

Maxine—the making of

John Wagner's Old Lady

In the mid 1980s, John was working on Hallmark’s newly launched Shoebox card line when he got the idea for a character who was a composite of his mother, aunts and grandmother. The character appeared on a couple of cards and was known in-house as “John Wagner’s Old Lady.”

The cards quickly grew in popularity. And because the name “John Wagner’s Old Lady” didn’t exactly roll off the tongue, Shoebox soon decided to have a little naming contest. Artists, writers and a few other Hallmarkers were asked to submit a name that fit the character. “Maxine” showed up over and over, and since there was no real evidence of anyone having stuffed the ballot box, it was declared the winner.

Maxine and Floyd

In the years since, Maxine has—with the help of her faithful dog Floyd—entertained millions with her feisty, insightful and hilarious observations on life. She has graced the covers of countless greeting cards and been featured on mugs, t-shirts, calendars, ornaments and a host of other specialty items. Her quips have filled the pages of several best-selling books. She’s appeared on several TV shows and been written about in newspapers, magazines and blogs. In October of 2009, Hallmark launched a Maxine Facebook fan page, which has almost half a million loyal fans. Or you can see her latest rants on her website.

Find her at your local Hallmark Gold Crown store.

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Available to purchase online.

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Maxine © Hallmark Licensing, LLC