The Top 10 Sunday Comics You'll Love (and Hate) to Read

Yulia Chive

2 min read

·

05-01-2025

1

0

Share

The Top 10 Sunday Comics You'll Love (and Hate) to Read

Sunday mornings. Coffee brewing. The newspaper unfolds… and there they are, those glorious (or sometimes groan-inducing) strips of Sunday comics. For decades, these panels have provided laughter, contemplation, and the occasional eye-roll. But some stand out more than others. This list explores ten Sunday comics that evoke strong reactions, whether you're a devoted fan or a cynical critic. Prepare for a nostalgic trip down memory lane (and maybe a little bit of controversy).

The Beloved Classics (and Why They Still Reign Supreme):

1. Calvin and Hobbes: Bill Watterson's masterpiece transcends generations. The philosophical musings of Calvin, the mischievousness of Hobbes (is he a tiger or a stuffed animal?), and the breathtaking landscapes make this a timeless classic. Love: Witty writing, relatable characters, stunning artwork. Hate: It ended too soon!

2. Peanuts: Charles Schulz's iconic characters continue to resonate. Charlie Brown's perennial bad luck, Snoopy's fantastical adventures, and the poignant exploration of childhood anxieties make this strip eternally relevant. Love: Nostalgia, relatable characters, heartwarming moments. Hate: Can be overly melancholic at times.

3. The Far Side: Gary Larson's darkly humorous and surreal cartoons are instantly recognizable. His quirky observations on life and the animal kingdom are both hilarious and thought-provoking. Love: Witty, absurd humor; unique style. Hate: Can be too obscure for some readers.

The Modern Contenders (Hit or Miss):

4. Doonesbury: Garry Trudeau's politically charged strip has been a fixture for decades. Its satire and commentary on current events are both sharp and relevant (though sometimes controversial). Love: Sharp wit, social commentary. Hate: Can be preachy or too partisan.

5. Pearls Before Swine: Stephan Pastis's strip features a cast of bizarre and lovable characters. The humor is often absurdist and relies heavily on wordplay. Love: Witty dialogue, eccentric characters. Hate: Can be repetitive or lack a clear narrative.

The Acquired Tastes (You Might Need to Warm Up To):

6. Dilbert: Scott Adams's strip satirizes the absurdities of corporate life. Its cynical humor and relatable characters strike a chord with office workers. Love: Relatable satire, clever humor. Hate: Can be too negative or repetitive.

7. Blondie: This long-running strip follows the daily lives of Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead. Its gentle humor and slice-of-life portrayal can be charming, even if it feels a bit dated. Love: Nostalgia, wholesome humor. Hate: Can feel slow-paced or predictable.

The Controversial Choices (Prepare for Debate):

8. Family Circus: Bil Keane's strip, featuring the perpetually adorable Keane family, is loved by some and ridiculed by others for its saccharine sweetness and simplistic humor. Love: Wholesome family values. Hate: Overly sentimental, unrealistic portrayal of family life.

9. Shoe: Jeff MacNelly’s Shoe offers a quirky and often satirical look at small-town life. Its characters are memorable, but the humor can be hit-or-miss. Love: Witty observations, charming characters. Hate: Can be inconsistent in its humor.

The Wild Card (A Unique Experience):

10. Rhymes with Orange: Hilary Price's strip features a diverse cast of characters and its surreal humor is both charming and thought-provoking. Its non-sequiturs and unusual art style are either endearing or frustrating, depending on your preference. Love: Unique art style, absurdist humor. Hate: Can be confusing or lack a clear narrative.

This list isn't exhaustive, and your own preferences might differ wildly. The beauty of Sunday comics is their subjectivity; what one person loves, another might hate. So grab your newspaper, brew another cup of coffee, and let the debate begin! What are your favorite (and least favorite) Sunday comics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!