The Sunday Comics That Will Make You Feel Like You Belong

Yulia Chive

3 min read

·

05-01-2025

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The Sunday Comics That Will Make You Feel Like You Belong

We all crave that feeling of belonging, that sense of connection to something larger than ourselves. While finding our tribe can be a journey, sometimes the simplest things offer a surprising sense of comfort and shared experience. And for many, that comfort comes from the familiar pages of the Sunday comics. This isn't just about escaping into a world of fantastical adventures; it's about seeing reflections of our own lives, our struggles, and our joys, mirrored in the relatable characters and situations that unfold each week. These are the Sunday comics that tap into that deep-seated human need to belong:

1. Pearls Before Swine: The Absurdist Comfort of Existential Ponderings

Stephan Pastis' Pearls Before Swine isn't your typical gag-a-day strip. While it delivers plenty of laughs, it also delves into surprisingly poignant reflections on life, death, and the meaning (or lack thereof) of it all. The characters, particularly Rat and Pig, often grapple with existential questions in a hilariously relatable way. Their struggles with meaning and purpose, despite their absurdity, resonate with readers who find themselves pondering similar issues. This shared experience, even in its quirky presentation, creates a subtle sense of belonging. You're not alone in questioning the universe; Rat and Pig are right there with you.

2. Calvin and Hobbes: The Timeless Appeal of Imagination and Friendship

While technically a syndicated strip from the past, Calvin and Hobbes continues to resonate with readers of all ages. Bill Watterson's masterpiece transcends generational gaps, tapping into universal themes of childhood imagination, the power of friendship, and the bittersweet beauty of growing up. Calvin's fantastical adventures and his complex relationship with Hobbes provide a sense of shared nostalgia and a reminder of the importance of embracing our inner child. For those who connect with Calvin's spirit of adventure and his sometimes-difficult but ultimately loving bond with Hobbes, these strips offer a warm and comforting sense of shared experience.

3. Doonesbury: A Long-Running Reflection of Societal Shifts and Shared Concerns

Garry Trudeau's Doonesbury has been a staple of the Sunday funnies for decades, offering a satirical yet insightful commentary on current events and societal issues. While its humor often leans towards the political, Doonesbury excels at highlighting the shared human experiences that underlie political divides. The characters' struggles with relationships, careers, and the ever-changing world allow readers to connect with the universal challenges of navigating life's complexities. By addressing these shared concerns, Doonesbury creates a sense of community amongst its readers – united by their shared observation of the world and their hopes for a better future.

4. Over the Hedge: Finding Connection in Unexpected Places

Michael Fry and T. Lewis' Over the Hedge brings a charming mix of animal characters and relatable human situations. The animals' interactions are often humorous, but the underlying theme of finding community and belonging even in the most unexpected circumstances speaks volumes. Their journey of adapting to a changing environment and forging friendships mirrors the challenges we all face in building connections and finding our place in the world. This heartwarming strip reminds us that belonging can be found in the most unlikely of places and with the most unlikely of companions.

5. Family Circus: The Simple Joys of Family Life (and its Chaos!)

Family Circus, with its endearingly simple art style, captures the everyday chaos and heartwarming moments of family life. While its humor is often gentle and nostalgic, it speaks to the universal experience of family dynamics, both the good and the bad. For readers who identify with the playful antics of the Keane kids, or the relatable challenges faced by their parents, Family Circus offers a comforting reminder that these experiences, both joyous and chaotic, are shared by many. It creates a sense of belonging through the recognition of shared family life experiences.

These are just a few examples; the power of the Sunday comics to evoke a sense of belonging lies in their ability to tap into our shared human experiences. So next time you’re feeling disconnected, consider picking up the Sunday paper and rediscovering the comfort and connection found within these familiar pages. You might be surprised at how many others feel the same way.