Go Read This! | Webcomics (Part I?)

As someone who got ahold of my parents’ Calvin & Hobbes, The Far Side, and Bloom County collections around the same time I wrapped up Hooked on Phonics (I thought they were picture books, and thus age appropriate), I’ve always been a fan of comic strips. I’m getting more into comics proper, but I thought I’d share some of my favorite webcomics.

Girls with Slingshots

Published every weekday, this webcomic features life in your twenties (now thirties!) for a group of friends. Anchored by fun-loving, sometimes (usually?) unlucky-in-love besties Hazel and Jamie, GWS packs in emotional punches and has the diverse cast book bloggers dream of.

(Note: This is HUGE, but worthwhile to read from the beginning because of how dynamics shift over time. Seriously, so good.)

A personal favorite: #1585

JSPH (Junior Scientist Power Hour)

Somewhat affiliated with PA, I tend to gravitate more toward JSPH these days because Abby’s comics are weird, whimsical, and delightful. This is quirky humor at its finest.

(Note: Abby’s also behind The Last Halloween, which I haven’t delved into yet).

A personal favorite: Deflecting Pick Up Lines with Me, Abby

Monsterkind

Set in a world of monsters, this one is heavy on social themes like equality and safety. Fans of X-Men may appreciate this webcomic.

A personal favorite: 099

Nimona

Almost finished with its run, but don’t let that stop you. A series about what it means to be a hero, a villain, or just plain ole you, this blends fantasy and engineering in almost Asgardian fashion.

A personal favorite: Chapter 3 Page 11 (light spoilers)

Our Valued Customers

A webcomic about customers in a comic book store, OVC captures moments of hilarity, vapidness, and withering condescension. If Party Down‘s Roman penned comics, they would be like this.

A personal favorite: Happy 4th of July!

Penny Arcade

PA features riffing on current tech/geek events, along with commentary about their personal lives (the recent series about “the talk” with one of the artists’ sons is hilarious). If you like dark humor and shows like Silicon Valley, you’ll enjoy this long-running strip.

A personal favorite: Catsby

Run Freak Run

The Spanish Inquisition meets Supernatural, with gorgeous black and white design.

A personal favorite: Chapter 2 Page 6

xkcd

Self-described as a “webcomic of romance, math, sarcasm, and language,” this is another popular, well-known webcomic. Fans of Rainbow Rowell will appreciate this one.

A personal favorite: Shadowfacts

Any you’d like to share? Leave a comment with the link to your favorite! Feel free to self promote!

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