2

The Far Side

Gary Larson

The Far Side is the brainchild of cartoonist Gary Larson, known for its surreal and often absurd humor that has entertained readers since its first appearance in 1980. Distinct in its presentation as a single-panel comic, The Far Side draws its charm from an eclectic cast of characters, ranging from bespectacled nerds and talking cows to peculiar aliens exploring the human condition. Larson's background in science heavily influenced his humor, allowing him to create punchlines that were frequently dark, esoteric, and loaded with smart scientific references. The strip enjoyed a successful run for fifteen years before Larson retired it at the end of 1994, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a potent commentary on the eccentricities of life.

As for its standing among the greatest comic strips ever created, The Far Side's iconic status is well-deserved. Larson's quirky cosmos is one where conventional comic strip rules do not apply, and normalcy is gleefully turned on its head. This subversion of expectation, paired with Larson's wit and ability to meld the intellectual with the ridiculous, has cemented The Far Side as an influential force in the realm of surreal humor. The recent digital revival of the strip has introduced it to new generations, and its enduring popularity is evidenced by sustained book sales and an enthusiastic fan base that shares Larson's oddball humor across the internet. Not merely content with making readers laugh, The Far Side often prompts them to think, reflecting Larson's belief that animals, aliens, and even inanimate objects can offer profound insights into our own humanity. This clever juxtaposition of the familiar with the absurd earns The Far Side its revered status and underscores its inclusion as a masterpiece in the pantheon of comic strip history.

The Far Side is a single-panel comic created by Gary Larson and syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate, which ran from January 1, 1980, to January 1, 1995. Its surrealistic humor is often based on uncomfortable social situations, improbable events, an anthropomorphic view of the world, logical fallacies, impending bizarre disasters, references to proverbs, or the search for meaning in life. Larson's frequent use of animals and nature in the comic is popularly attributed to his background in biology. Reruns are still printed in many newspapers. The Far Side was ultimately carried by more than 1,900 daily newspapers, translated into 17 languages, and collected into calendars and 23 compilation books. The series was preceded by a similar panel called Nature's Way, also by Larson.

Genres (Comic): Satire, Humour

3

Peanuts

Charles M. Schulz

Peanuts, the iconic comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, first appeared in October 1950 and quickly became one of the most beloved and widely syndicated comic strips in history. As one of the longest-running comic strips, it follows the lives of an endearing cast of characters led by the lovable but luckless Charlie Brown, his clever dog Snoopy, and a supporting ensemble including the bossy Lucy, philosophical Linus, and prodigious pianist Schroeder, among others. Peanuts explores themes of childhood, offering poignant vignettes that reveal the humor and complexity of everyday life through the eyes of its young protagonists. Though set in a world of children, the characters grapple with issues ranging from unrequited love and existential angst to the value of perseverance, depression, and anxiety—all delivered with Schulz's understated wit and gentle humor. Cultural phrases like "Good grief!" and Linus's "security blanket" have become part of the global lexicon, underscoring the strip's deep-rooted influence.

The enduring legacy of Peanuts can be attributed to its subtle blend of simplicity and depth, qualities that have positioned it as a seminal work in the comic strip medium. Schulz's ability to distill the human experience into concise, poignant moments is unrivaled, capturing the innocence and sincerity of his characters. The strip's influence extends well beyond the page; it has inspired beloved animated specials, extensive merchandising, and countless cultural references resonating with audiences worldwide. At its core, Peanuts is marked by an enduring optimism, as seen through Charlie Brown's unrelenting hope and Snoopy's limitless imagination. This makes it not only a testament to the resilience of the human spirit but also a defining example of the power of comics to connect with our most profound emotions. It is in this universality and timeless appeal where Peanuts truly secures its place as one of the greatest comic strips of all time.

Peanuts is a syndicated daily and Sunday American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz, which ran from October 2, 1950, to February 13, 2000, continuing in reruns afterward. The strip is the most popular and influential in the history of comic strips, with 17,897 strips published in all, making it "arguably the longest story ever told by one human being". At its peak, Peanuts ran in over 2,600 newspapers, with a readership of 355 million in 75 countries, and was translated into 21 languages. It helped to cement the four-panel gag strip as the standard in the United States, and together with its merchandise earned Schulz more than $1 billion. Reprints of the strip are still syndicated and run in almost every U.S. newspaper. Peanuts achieved considerable success with its television specials, several of which, including A Charlie Brown Christmas and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, won or were nominated for Emmy Awards. The holiday specials remain popular and are currently broadcast on ABC in the United States during the corresponding seasons.

Genres (Comic): Satire, Humour

Characters: Charlie Brown, Sally Brown, Lucy van Pelt, Linus van Pelt, Rerun van Pelt

The Best Movies and Series in the Peanuts Franchise

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1A Charlie Brown Christmas

106 Votes

2It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

84 Votes

3A Boy Named Charlie Brown

66 Votes

4A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

79 Votes

4

Pearls Before Swine

Stephan Pastis

Pearls Before Swine is a comedic comic strip that delves into the lives of a mismatched group of anthropomorphic animal characters, including the naive Pig, the cynical Rat, the intellectual Goat, and the crocodiles who are obsessed with eating their neighbor, Zebra. Created by Stephan Pastis and launched in 2002, this contemporary comic strip is known for its satirical tone, sharp wit, and frequent breaking of the fourth wall as it humorously critiques elements of modern culture, human nature, and the absurdities of life. Pastis, who has a background in law, brings a unique perspective to his work, often incorporating meta-humor and self-deprecation. He even inserts caricatures of himself into the narrative, using them to lampoon the creative process and the broader world of cartooning, creating a rich tapestry of modern comic storytelling.

Pearls Before Swine has earned its place among the greatest comic strips of all time due to its fearless approach to humor and its ability to resonate with a modern audience. Pastis crafts strips that are unafraid to tackle contemporary issues, using humor as a lens to encourage reflection on broader societal themes. The interactions between its characters—each embodying different facets of human personality traits—offer a lively playground for exploring the triumphs and follies of daily life. With its consistently fresh and often irreverent humor, paired with surprisingly heartfelt moments, Pearls Before Swine distinguishes itself by balancing the provocative with the endearing. Its meta-humor captivates a devoted readership that sees a bit of themselves in the foibles and triumphs of its quirky cast, making it a standout in the landscape of modern comic strips.

Pearls Before Swine is an American comic strip written and illustrated by Stephan Pastis, who was formerly a lawyer in San Francisco, California. It chronicles the daily lives of five anthropomorphic animals, Pig, Rat, Zebra, Goat, and Guard Duck, as well as a number of supporting characters. Pastis has said each character represents an aspect of his own personality and world view. Pearls is distributed by Universal Uclick as of 2011; previously, United Media's United Feature Syndicate distributed the strip. It first was published in 2000, when United Feature Syndicate ran it on its website. Its popularity rose after Dilbert creator Scott Adams, a fan of the strip, showed it to his own fans. United Feature launched the strip in newspapers beginning December 31, 2001, in The Washington Post. On January 7, 2002, it began running in approximately 150 papers. As of September 2011, the strip was appearing in 750 newspapers worldwide. The strip has become controversial due to its use of adult humor, mock profanity, violence, drinking and drug references and a few references to Middle-Eastern terrorism.

Genres (Comic): Humour

Characters: Guard Duck, Rat, Stephan Pastis, Farina, Patty

5

Garfield

Jim Davis

Garfield, created by cartoonist Jim Davis, debuted in 1978 and quickly became one of the most iconic comic strips worldwide. The series revolves around the titular fat, lasagna-loving, Monday-hating cat and his interactions with his owner, Jon Arbuckle, and the lovable dog, Odie. Garfield's creation was inspired by the comic strip tradition of featuring animal protagonists, and Davis crafted a character whose inherently lazy and sardonic personality would resonate with readers. Over time, Garfield evolved visually, with the character undergoing subtle changes in appearance that contributed to its enduring appeal. The strip's humor, largely centered on the feline's disdain for Mondays and love for food, struck a chord with audiences globally.

Garfield has expanded far beyond the printed page, establishing a massive worldwide merchandising empire. It includes everything from toys and clothing to an array of household items emblazoned with Garfield's signature smirk. The success of Garfield also led to animated adaptations, including television specials and series, further cementing its status in pop culture. The strip's broad appeal and witty observations have kept it a staple in newspapers, proving that Garfield's blend of humor and relatable disdain for certain everyday woes fosters a timeless connection with readers. This successful venture into comic strip merchandising highlights Garfield's pervasive influence, both artistically and commercially, as a beloved figure in the history of comics.

Garfield is a comic strip created by Jim Davis. Published since 1978, it chronicles the life of the title character, the cat Garfield; his owner, Jon; and Jon's dog, Odie. As of 2013, it was syndicated in roughly 2,580 newspapers and journals, and held the Guinness World Record for being the world's most widely syndicated comic strip. Though this is rarely mentioned in print, Garfield is set in Muncie, Indiana, the home of Jim Davis, according to the television special Happy Birthday, Garfield. Common themes in the strip include Garfield's laziness, obsessive eating, and disdain of Mondays and diets. The strip's focus is mostly on the interactions among Garfield, Jon, and Odie, but recurring minor characters appear as well. Originally created with the intentions to "come up with a good, marketable character", Garfield has spawned merchandise earning $750 million to $1 billion annually. In addition to the various merchandise and commercial tie-ins, the strip has spawned several animated television specials, two animated television series, two theatrical feature-length live-action/CGI animated films and three fully CGI animated direct-to-video movies.

Genres (Comic): Humour

Characters: Liz Wilson, Nermel, Jon Arbuckle, Garfield, Odie

6

Zits

Jerry Scott, Jim Borgman

Zits, a collaborative creation between writer Jerry Scott and illustrator Jim Borgman, debuted in 1997 and has become a quintessential teenage comic strip known for its realistic portrayal of adolescent life. The series focuses on the everyday escapades of 16-year-old Jeremy Duncan, navigating the highs and lows of being a teenager. Through Jeremy's interactions with his family and friends, the strip captures the essence of modern family humor, portraying situations that resonate with both teens and their parents. The deft combination of Scott's sharp, witty writing and Borgman's expressive artwork allows Zits to address themes such as teenage angst, friendship dynamics, and the perpetual struggle for independence with authenticity and humor.

What sets Zits apart is its ability to relate across generations, making it a favorite not only among teenagers but also their parents, who often recognize themselves in Jeremy’s interactions with his mom and dad. The strip highlights the timeless push-and-pull of the parent-teen relationship, with a nuanced understanding that fosters connection through shared experiences. As a reflection of contemporary adolescence, Zits masterfully balances humor and insight, providing a lighthearted yet profound commentary on the teenage experience. This blend of relatability and wit has firmly established Zits as a standout comic that captures the complexities of growing up in the modern world.

Zits is a comic strip written by cartoonist Jerry Scott and illustrated by Jim Borgman about the life of Jeremy Duncan, a 16-year-old high school sophomore. The comic debuted in July 1997 in over 200 newspapers and has since become popular worldwide and received multiple awards. As of 2010, it continues to be syndicated by King Features and is now included in 1,500 newspapers. Set in central Ohio suburbia, the strip centers on Jeremy as he tries to balance his family life, social life, the academic demands of high school and his plans for the future, often with a heavy dose of surrealism, making it stand out from being just a typical teenager cartoon strip.

Genres (Comic): Humour

Characters: Jeremy Duncan