The comic strips of the past have helped to define and shape the new comics of today. Without the iconic comics we've all grown to know and love, other artists wouldn't have the inspiration to become comic strip artists themselves. For all their simplicity, comic strips have evolved into their own unique and quirky art form that fans around the world can't get enough of.
In particular, comic strips that debuted in the '80s have left a lasting impression on the comic strip world. New art styles and dynamics emerged from this era and have carried on into comic strips that still exist today. Some people who grew up with '80s comic strips are still here to see the comics continue.
10 Monty Made Fans Laugh Out Loud
The Hilarious Comic Strip Hit Papers in 1985
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Thanks to their timeless nature and focus on characters, classic comic strips like Calvin and Hobbes and Peanuts still entertain readers today.
Monty is a strange comic strip series featuring wacky characters and almost surreal storylines that readers couldn't get enough of. The main character, Monty, is constantly put through harrowing and odd situations that always make for a good read, making this comic strip a defining one for the 1980s. However, despite its popularity, Monty only makes Number Ten on this list.
The primary reason for this is the confusion caused by its previous name, Robotman. Initially, the comic strip centered around the main character, Robotman, a sentient robot who went on adventures. However, as Monty became a more popular character, the strip eventually switched to focusing on him instead. This confusion for fans knocks the strip down several pegs, leaving it at the bottom of this list.
9 Herb & Jamaal Gave Black Readers Representation in The Papers
This Comic Strip Was Funny and Needed in the '80s
Herb & Jamaal debuted in 1989 and immediately resonated with fans, particularly Black readers, as soon as it was released. Creator Stephen Bentley wanted to create representation for Black people and felt a huge need for it within the comic strip community. While the characters may be based around real people, their storylines fully come from Bentley's creative mind.
The match Bentley lit started a whole movement of comic strips featuring Black main characters and storylines, which the comic strip world desperately needed. It also changed how comics were written from that point forward, bringing all comic strip fans closer together.
8 Rose is Rose Opened Emotional Doors for Fans
This Joyful Comic Strip Debuted in 1984
Rose is Rose has always been known for being different. While talk about mental health and inner-child work might be much more commonplace today, it wasn't as much in the '80s. Creator Pat Brady took a different approach with Rose is Rose than any other comic strip did at that time. The comic strip was known for being unique, emotional, and having a foundation for exploring the main characters' internal thoughts and feelings.
Fans could see this in the way Rose communicated with the world. Depending on her mood, her character would change forms. Sometimes, when she was mad, she would appear as a dark biker chick with a mean streak. Other times, she would appear as a little kid again. Her kind husband, Jimbo, would also join her in this. The dynamic duo of Rose and Jimbo was another thing that set this comic strip apart and made it a joy for fans everywhere to read.
7 Kudzu Started the '80s Off With A Bang
Readers Couldn't Get Enough Of These Southern Stars
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Newspaper strips are notorious for dragging on long after their prime. However, some strips actually understood how important it was to end strong.
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Debuting in 1981, Kudzu kicked the '80s off right. The comic strip centered around a group of Southerners living in Bypass, North Carolina. It was known as one of the funniest comic strips to hit newspapers in a long time, featuring a fresh new art style that engaged readers from its first comic strip.
The creator of Kudzu, Doug Marlette, unfortunately passed away in 2007. When he did, fans worldwide were unified in sorrow as their comic strip also ended with its creator. Later on, Marlette's son would use the comic strip one last time to honor the passing of Will D. Campbell. A comic strip would be released in 2013 featuring main character Will B. Dunn holding a Bible over Campbell's grave, an homage to all the good work he had done as a civil rights activist.
6 Arlo and Janis Make For A Lovely Comic Strip
This Strip Focuses On Their Beautiful Life Together
Jimmy Johnson's Arlo & Janis comic strip was loved by fans for its domestic, slow-paced feel. This feel-good comic strip centered around Arlo and Janis Day as well as their son, Gene. Their cat Ludwig, featured in the comic strip above, also makes many appearances and is often considered the best comic relief character in the comic strip.
The strip debuted in 1985 and stood alongside many other amazing comic strips. The comic is easily one of the most underrated comic strips still running today, featuring many hilarious moments for fans to enjoy. Many readers feel a deep connection to the comic strips, claiming they have an unparalleled, personable nature. For many, ever.
5 Mother Goose and Grimm Is A Longtime Favorite For Fans
This Unique Comic Strip Has Been Making Headlines Since 1984
Mother Goose and Grimm has been featured in newspapers across the nation since its debut in 1984. The strip centers around Mother Goose and her three pets, Grimm, Ralph, and Attila. While the comics focus on these central characters, sometimes the strip branches off into one-panel comics or features pop culture icons such as Batman and Superman.
Mother Goose and Grimm comes in at number five because they have retained a huge fan base since their debut almost forty years ago. They are still one of the most recognizable comic strips in newspapers and have since built a reputation for being funny and unique, earning them the Number Five spot on our list.
4 Luann's Life Couldn't Be More Relatable
She Made Readers Across The Nation Laugh
Luann, launched in 1985, is a comic strip that focuses on young adult Luann DeGroot as she deals with the mundane happenings of everyday life in a real, natural way. Comic strip fans watch her as she graduates from high school, begins college, and deals with friends and boyfriends who come and go. One of the things that made Luann so unique was that the characters age over time, albeit not parallel to real-world time.
Luann's focus on a female main character partnered with its choice to age characters somewhat accurately, set it apart from other comics. The comic strip dealt with hard topics like bullying and substance abuse, touching on how they can be a real struggle for people all across the nation, regardless of their race, gender, or ethnicity.
3 Bloom County Has Become A Household Name
People Just Can't Get Enough Of These Kooky Animals
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Berkeley Breathed's classic strip Bloom County was in its prime in the 1980s. However, much of its commentary still resonates with readers in 2023.
Bloom County is still one of the most well-known comic strips. The crazy cast of animals featured in this comic strip made Bloom County enjoyable, hilarious, and ultimately a great read. Characters such as Bill the Cat and Opus would become some people's favorite comic strip characters.
The strip ended in 2015 but was quickly revamped into a new series due to popular demand. The comic, which centered around political and cultural events in Middle America, touched the hearts of readers everywhere and kept them captivated for decades. To this day, Bloom County is considered one of the best comic strips ever.
Bloom County: Real, Classy, & Compleat: 1980-1989
- WRITER
- Berkeley Breathed
- Artist
- Berkeley Breathed
- Letterer
- Berkeley Breathed
- Cover Artist
- Berkeley Breathed
- Publisher
- IDW Publishing
- Price
- 99.99
- Release Date
- October 25, 2017
- Colorist
- Berkeley Breathed
2 The Far Side Took Comics to a Whole New Level
This Series Redefined One-Panel Comic Strips
The Far Side debuted in 1980 and was immediately noticed by comic strip readers for its new approach to comic strips. Politically motivated in nature, this eccentric comic strip series featured one-panel comics that rarely had reoccurring characters. Creator Gary Larson crafted some of the darkest moments in comic strips, featuring outlandish moments that stunned fans.
From farm animals to politicians, Larson didn't hesitate to make a joke at anything in his comic strips. No subject was off limits. These comics' crass humor and blunt nature made them an immediate hit with fans for decades. The Far Side has gone on to inspire countless comic strip creators.
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
1 Calvin & Hobbes Is Many People's Lifelong Favorite Series
Fans Have Been Begging For Its Return Ever Since It Was Ended
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Bill Watterson explored different philosophies over the years, and the titular Calvin & Hobbes did their namesakes proud with their many discussions.
Even now, when asked what their favorite comic strip is, many fans' answer is . The beloved comic strip only ran for ten years before creator Bill Watterson canceled it. The strip was popular when it debuted in 1985 and didn't slow down until it sadly ended. The strip brought childlike wonder back into comics and held a soft spot in many readers' hearts for its ability to create excitement in simplicity.
Calvin & Hobbes undoubtedly earns the top spot on this list. Of all the popular comic strips debuting in the '80s, Calvin & Hobbes was by far the most memorable and popular. The mark Calvin & Hobbes left on the comic strip world would last long after it was canceled, with many comic strip fans still rereading the strips.
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
