The Best Classic Comic Strips Anyone Can Enjoy Today (2024)

Comic strips have been gracing the pages of newspapers and, more recently, the Internet for over a century. Comic creators are still innovating and creating new works today, but some classic comic strips transcend the passage of time, remaining just as enjoyable today as they were decades ago. For many fans, the comic strips of their youth, such as The Far Side and Curtis, still bring the most joy.

Because comic strips can be a timely medium — often providing commentary on current events or politics — a comic must be truly special to resonate with readers long after its initial printing. Luckily for readers, several talented creators, such as Bill Watterson and Charles M. Schulz, have been able to craft works of art still enjoyed by readers and even passed on to their children for future generations to enjoy.

Updated on August 8, 2024, by Natasha Elder: Comic strips are the perfect way to get a brief flash of entertainment or inciteful commentary in a busy life. Some comic strips, though, mark the time they were originally syndicated. However, many classic comics, like Garfield and the Peanuts, have withstood the test of time. We have brought a few more of these kinds of comic strips to light and added images to depict how special these older comics are.

15 Peanuts Offers Fun, Relatable Characters

The Storytelling Techniques that Peanuts Established are Still Used Today

Practically everyone is familiar with Charles Schulz’s iconic and groundbreaking comic strip Peanuts and its famous characters Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, and all their friends. Starting in 1950, Peanuts ran new comics in newspapers for 50 years. Of course, more recent fans might know these characters better from their iconic cartoon holiday specials, which have been aired annually for decades.

Modern readers might not fully understand why Peanuts was such a revolutionary comic. Schulz’s graphic and storytelling techniques proved so brilliant that most comic strip creators who came after him emulated his approach. However, the most enduring quality of Peanuts comics is its relatable characters. Case in point, most people know exactly how Charlie Brown feels every time Lucy moves the football just as he tries to kick it, a prank similar to that which many have done in their childhood.

Peanuts

Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts centers around the lovable but perpetually unlucky Charlie Brown and his friends. The series explores the everyday lives of these children, touching on themes of friendship, hope, and resilience. Key characters include the imaginative and philosophical Snoopy, the assertive and opinionated Lucy, and the musically talented Schroeder.

Created by

Charles M. Schulz

First Film

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Latest Film

Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie

Latest TV Show

The Snoopy Show

First Episode Air Date

September 17, 1983

14 Mickey Mouse Comics Features a Beloved Character

Older Mickey Mouse Comic Strips are Surprisingly Dark

Mickey Mouse is one of the most well-known popular culture figures ever. From the old Steamboat Willy short to more recent movies and shows, Mickey Mouse has been an enduring figure. Perhaps less known is the fact that he was also the focus of a comic strip series that ran for 65 years. An internationally-syndicated comic strip, Mickey Mouse followed the titular character throughout his many adventures.

The earliest Mickey Mouse comics centered around Mickey’s attempts to build and fly a plane as he looked up to the aviator Charles Lindbergh. Despite the age of the comic strip, though, the references to famous historical figures hold up as they are still present as common knowledge, today. While certain Mickey Mouse comic strips are surprisingly dark, with Mickey taking the brief stint where Minnie dumped him particularly hard, it is a heartwarming series of comic strips about an endearing character.

13 For Better or for Worse Tackled LGBTQ+ Issues

It Was One of the First Comic Strips to Depict Someone Coming Out

For Better or For Worse, which was authored by Lynn Johnston, details the engaging life of the Patterson family, as well as their friends. While new issues are no longer being released, For Better or For Worse still has reruns being published in over 2,000 newspapers, demonstrating the staying power that this intriguing comic strip gained.

One of the elements that makes For Better or For Worse stand out among other classic comments is that it was the first syndicated comic strip to have one of the main characters come out. While the results of doing so were controversial, as readers' responses were greatly varied, For Better or For Worse handled the situation well. There was a realism to the situation that pervaded this multi-week arc, which is why this arc is one of the reasons this comic strip is still one to return to today.

For Better or For Worse: The Complete Library Vol. 1

WRITER

Lynn Johnston

Artist

Lynn Johnston

Letterer

Lynn Johnston

Cover Artist

Lynn Johnston

Publisher

IDW Publishing

Price

39.99

Release Date

October 25, 2017

Colorist

Lynn Johnston

12 Curtis Made History as One of the First Comic Strips Focused on an African American Family

The Comic Strip Has Modernized as Time Has Gone On, But Even the Older Issues Hold Up

Ray Billingsley’s Curtis follows the life of the titular Curtis and his family, who live in a big city. While Curtis was not the first comic strip to focus on an African American family, itis still notable for being one of the few that has been nationally syndicated. The comic strip engages in themes centered around African American culture and history and how that affects their experiences in the United States. For example, Curtis usually depicts Kwanza and Christmas celebrations during the winter holidays.

Additionally, Billingsley has used Curtis to advocate against smoking, which is another reason to introduce this comic strip to younger generations. Curtis is still running, in fact, and has updated the topics it tackles to fit modern times. Even the older issues, though, typically have universal and important elements to consider today. The culmination of its past excellence and current quality delineates Curtis as a longstanding classic comic strip.

11 Life in Hell Helped Matt Groening Establish Himself

The Humor That Eventually Led to The Simpsons' Popularity Is What Makes Life in Hell So Funny

Many hilarious Life in Hell comic strips have withstood the test of time. This is no surprise, though, given the creator of Life in Hell is Matt Groening, who has also created The Simpsons and Futurama. Life in Hell has a unique origin, as it originated as a self-published comic book that Groening made mainly to describe what living in Los Angeles was like to their friends.

To distinguish the comic, Groening made the comic strip a square instead of the rectangle that other comic strips are typically published in. Life in Hell stars Binky, a stressed rabbit that is fond of stating wise sayings, his estranged girlfriend Sheba, his illegitimate son Bongo, and the lovers Akbar and Jeff. The complex characters make this classic comic strip one to remember.

10 Calvin and Hobbes Is an Endearing Tale of a Boy and His Tiger

The Depictions of Calvin's Imaginative Exploits Engage Readers

Ask anyone what their favorite comic of all time is, and there’s a good chance they’ll say Calvin and Hobbes. This beloved comic strip about an imaginative six-year-old boy and his pet/toy tiger has truly transcended the time it was written. These beautifully crafted comics resonated with both kids and parents alike, depicting the innocence and creativity of childhood and the challenges of parenting an energetic child.

Creator Bill Watterson considered comic strips to be high art. He treated his craft immaculately, creating some of the most beautiful art on the comics page. Watterson also created Calvin and Hobbes comics to be timeless by intentionally avoiding subjects like technology or politics that could date the strip. The result is a story just as relevant today as it was thirty years ago.

Calvin and Hobbes

From 1985 to 1995,Calvin & Hobbeshad a legendary run in newspaper comics. Almost 30 years later, Bill Watterson's strip about an imaginative, chaotic child and his stuffed tiger is still one of America's most popular comic strips. Known for its versatile art style, sense of whimsy and imagination, and realistic characters,Calvin & Hobbesis easily one of the funniest and smartest 20th Century comics.

Writer

Bill Watterson

Publisher

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Artist

Bill Watterson

9 Blondie Has Some Stereotypical Family Dynamics But Remains Engaging Nonetheless

Blondie Bumstead's Go-Getting Personality Draws in Readers

Blondie is a comic strip that has been running for almost one hundred years, and for good reason. Blondie Bumstead, the main character, is interesting, and her family is fun to read about. While there are somewhat stereotypical tropes, such as the fact that her husband is a bit lazy, dislikes his boss, and loves to eat food, Blondie has had some pioneering moments that make it distinctive.

Chic Young broke the typical depiction of a “pretty girl” by making the character of Blondie a go-getter. Additionally, Blondie and Dagwood’s relationship is good, with Dagwood even willing to be disinherited to marry Blondie, who is in a lower class than him. Moments like these make Blondie intriguing enough to re-read years later.

8 The Far Side Comic Strips Has a Unique Focus on Surrealism

Gary Larson Used Surrealist Humor as Commentary

Gary Larson’s single-panel comic strip The Far Side was a masterpiece of surrealist humor. Somehow, Larson managed to take a single panel and tell a complete and humorous story. The humor in The Far Side often came from turning a familiar situation on its head, making a common saying literal, or placing characters like talking animals into a human situation.

The Far Side often provided commentary on human nature through its use of different non-human characters. For example, The Far Side often used comics about aliens to examine human behavior through an outside lens. Because the comic usually dealt with idioms or inherent human traits, it wasn’t bound to the period it was written in. As a result, Far Side comics are just as funny today as they were when they first released.

The Far Side

Gary Larson's The Far Side is a single-panel comic strip renowned for its offbeat humor and unconventional take on everyday life. Featuring bizarre situations, anthropomorphic animals, and quirky characters, the strip delves into surreal and absurd scenarios that challenge typical comic norms. Often blending dark humor with insightful commentary, it explores a range of themes from science to society, making readers both laugh and ponder the absurdities of existence.

Writer

Gary Larson

Publisher

Universal Press Syndicate

Artist

gary larson

Despite Living in a Small, Rural Town, the Residents of Bloom County Were Often Involved in National Events

Much like its contemporary, Doonesbury, Bloom Countyv is a comic strip that focused a lot on political and social commentary. Berkeley Breathed penned this iconic comic for nearly a decade, then returned to its beloved characters in 2015. Bloom County focused on the residents of a small rural town who somehow would frequently end up involved in national or even global events.

Characters like Opus the Penguin and Bill the Cat are the most iconic of Bloom County’s residents. Their recognizable designs appeared on many products, in a tongue-in-cheek nod to Bill’s inspiration, Garfield. Although some readers may not get all the political references, the social commentary rings true even today. Most notably, the strip frequently poked fun at Donald Trump, whose presidential campaign directly led to the resumption of Bloom County comics in 2015.

EXCLUSIVE: Bloom County: Brand Spanking New Day

WRITER

Berkeley Breathed

Artist

Berkeley Breathed

Letterer

Berkeley Breathed

Cover Artist

Berkeley Breathed

Publisher

IDW Publishing

Price

19.99

Release Date

September 27, 2017

Colorist

Berkeley Breathed

6 Doonesbury Features a Politically Diverse Cast

The Depth of the Characters Makes Them More Interesting

Most comic strips become timeless by ignoring the political issues of the day. Garry Trudeau’s long-running comic strip Doonesbury is a notable exception. Doonesbury frequently deals with politics and current social issues, expressing debate through a cast of politically diverse and well-crafted characters. Today, the strip runs only on Sundays but still addresses current social and political subjects.

Younger readers might not understand all the references made in older Doonesbury comic strips. However, even without all the context, many of the issues presented are sufficiently universal that the situations still resonate today. The fact that the characters are politically diverse helps keep the comic strip from severely dividing audiences. The older Doonesbury comics also serve as a valuable history lesson for readers who weren’t alive then and as nostalgia for readers who were.

5 Krazy Kat is Still a Major Influence Even a Century After Its Debut

The Comic Has Inspired Other Creators Like Bill Watterson

It's difficult to believe that a comic strip from over a century ago still feels relevant. Krazy Kat was so influential in the comic strip medium that it is still a common inspiration for modern cartoonists. Krazy Kat experimented with the format of its panels in a way that later inspired Bill Watterson’s iconic Calvin and Hobbes strips. Additionally, its characters have appeared in countless pop culture references for the past century.

At its heart, Krazy Kat is about an easy-going cat and an angry mouse who always abuses the hapless cat. The comic featured beautiful art inspired by the southwestern setting of the comic strip. Krazy Kat also played with language, inventing new words and becoming beloved by intellectuals who admired its creative writing. The accessible content and superior quality of Krazy Kat comics will likely ensure its continued relevance for another century.

4 Foxtrot Has a Relatable Setting and Family Dynamic

The Tendency to Use Popular Franchises as Popular Culture References Has Maintained the Comic Strips' Relatability

Foxtrot is a humorous comic strip about a suburban American family composed of a father and mother, an older, popularity-conscious sister, and a younger, nerdy brother. The comic's setting makes it accessible to a large portion of readers. Similarly, the interactions between the family members are incredibly relatable to many families, from the conflicts between the siblings to the parenting challenges the older generation faces.

Through the youngest child, Jason, Foxtrot can sometimes be incredibly intellectual, telling jokes that rely on an understanding of math, for example. Although the comic sometimes relies on pop culture references, their tendency to use large and enduring franchises, like Lord of the Rings, has helped even dated references age well. Altogether, it is a wholesome comic strip that most families can find humor in due to its relatability.

3 Garfield is One of the Most Widely Syndicated Comic Strips in History

Garfield's Popularity Has Resulted in the Creation of TV Shows, Movies and Specials

Garfield is one of the most successful and recognizable comics in history. In 2013, Garfield entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the most widely syndicated comic strip in history, with over 2,500 newspapers publishing the comic strips. Garfield has been extensively marketed, and his likeness appears on everything from stuffed animals and t-shirts to branded credit cards and cruises.

Part of Garfield’s enduring success is its simplicity. The comic strip has a very limited cast of characters and locations. Running jokes often form the basis for the comics, leading to universal recognition—such as Garfield’s hatred of Mondays or love of lasagna. The comic has spawned many TV shows, specials, and movies. A movie was released as recently as May 24, 2024, which proves its enduring legacy.

Garfield

Premiering in Jim Davis' comic series, the Garfield franchise follows the adventures of Garfield the cat, Odie the dog, and Jon the human.

Created by

Jim Davis

First Film

Garfield: The Movie

Upcoming Films

The Garfield Movie

First TV Show

Garfield and Friends

Latest TV Show

Garfield Originals

2 The Boondocks Details the Issues that Black Americans Face

Admiration for the Comic Strip Has Resulted in the Creation of a Critically Acclaimed Show

In the mid-1990s, most comic strips in newspapers overwhelmingly featured white characters. The Boondocks, created by Aaron McGruder, was one of the first comic strips to change that. The Boondocks not only featured an almost completely Black cast of characters, but it also mostly dealt with issues facing Black Americans. This made it relatable to Black audiences and educational for readers of other races who might not have been aware of the issues it addressed.

The characters in The Boondocks represented people with different views on Black culture, from the revolutionary Huey to his gangsta-rap-loving brother and their disciplinarian, WWII veteran grandfather. Despite the comic strip sometimes igniting controversy, The Boondocks' popularity led to a popular and critically acclaimed animated series based on the comic from 2005 to 2014.

1 Pogo's Detailed Art Crafted a Beautiful Setting for Readers

Pogo is Entertaining for Audiences of All Ages

Pogo, written by Walt Kelly, was a comic strip about anthropomorphic animals living in a swamp in the American South. Many cartoonists cite Pogo as one of their formative influences, since the comic was extremely influential on the style of most comic strips to follow. The complex and detailed art from the comic created a beautiful and vivid setting for its characters' creative use of dialect and language.

Walt Kelly wrote Pogo to be enjoyed by both children and adults. The characters’ colorful, sometimes made-up language and innocent jokes appealed to younger readers. However, the comic could also address major political issues from the time, making it deeper than it initially appeared. The animal cast also appealed to a wide audience and would shift according to the setting, such as introducing a wallaby and kangaroo when the characters visited Australia.