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Comic strips have been a crucial part of American life for over a century. When the news was still spread largely through newspapers, they dominated the pages and drew ample attention. Many are even featured in prominent collections, and they continue to inspire generations of readers today.
Many classic comic strips, especially from the 20th century, could still resonate with readers today if they could only be discovered. Numerous strips deserve more attention, especially after interest in the entire medium began to decline in the 2000s. Fortunately, these strips are still there and waiting to be read.
10 Krazy Kat Inspired Generations of Creators
It Ran From 1913 To 1944
First introduced to audiences worldwide in 1913, George Herriman’s Krazy Kat is not often the most fondly remembered. It was a strip that preceded the existence of Batman, Superman, and even the beginning of World War I. The strip was nothing more than a simple comic telling the story of Krazy the cat, Ignatz the mouse, and their wild adventures.
While it can be somewhat challenging to read today, Krazy Kat inspired cartoonists from its very inception. Anyone who enjoys the classic Tom & Jerry episodes should be able to spot that inspiration from even a cursory glimpse. It is a living relic of a classic comic strip, and it deserves more recognition today, especially since modern readers would love it.
9 Flash Gordon Was a Science Fiction Epic
It Began in 1934 and Continues Running Today
Flash Gordon is one of the most memorable strips of the 1930s, especially since it continues to endure today. Unlike strips that focused primarily on humor, Flash Gordon often explored the science fiction adventures of its leading man. Readers could look to each issue expecting to see a new landscape filled with curious aliens and customs.
Flash Gordon was itself inspired by Buck Rogers, though it remains more palpable to modern audiences. Given that it is still running today, the strip has seen significant adaptation over the years, while Buck Rogers ended in 1967. Gordon remains an action hero today and continues to astound readers with his action-packed adventures.
8 Prince Valiant Focused on Medieval Adventures
It Began in 1937 and Continues Running Today
If Flash Gordon focuses on science fiction, Prince Valiant is all about history. The strip stars the titular Prince Valiant, who works closely with King Arthur as he faces off against medieval threats. Unlike other strips, which feature dialogue and thought bubbles, Prince Valiant focuses exclusively on its art with limited text provided where space allows.
While Prince Valiant has seen some adaptations, the story has largely remained restricted to the strip in recent years, which has served it well. It works perfectly in its medium, as the art has always been the greatest draw of this strip. Anyone interested in King Arthur or general medieval history should adore this comic.
7 Blondie Echoes a Bygone Era
It Began in 1930 and Continues Running Today
Having debuted after the beginning of the Great Depression, Blondie was already something of a relic when it was first released. It focused on the life of Blondie, a flapper who appears to have walked right out of the Roaring 20s. While she often struggles to maintain her family life, her husband, Dagwood, provides much of the absurd comedy of the strip.
While readers were struggling through the Depression, Blondie provided something of a break from the economic hardship. After Dagwood and Blondie married, the strip provided light-hearted humor for decades to come. Anyone looking for a break from the chaos of the real world could still find a rest by checking out this strip.
6 Little Orphan Annie Inspired a Franchise
It Ran From 1924 To 2010
Itself inspired by James Whitcomb Riley’s legendary poem, Little Orphan Annie was the comic strip that ignited an empire. It starred the titular Annie, a little girl who grew up in an orphanage and was eventually named a ward by the rich Daddy Warbucks. Her story is a heartwarming look into the life of an orphan girl who managed to find relief from a life of struggle.
The strip has aged somewhat poorly, given its regular explorations of the politics of its age, but it still offers excellent historical insight. Modern readers can learn more about the 20th century through the lens of an otherwise relaxing comic strip. If anything, Little Orphan Annie makes history fun, even if cartoonist Harold Gray was often shamelessly unafraid of sharing his controversial and poorly aged opinions.
5 Dick Tracy Was an Early Noir Comic Strip
It Began in 1931 and Continues Running Today
While most comic strips loved to explore humor or superheroes, Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy took a more grounded approach. The strip featured its titular detective as he investigated an unending series of crimes. While he did eventually adopt science fiction technology, he always remained fairly grounded in his stories.
Modern readers are sure to love Dick Tracy, given that they already do. The strip is still running today and even outlives its cartoonist, who passed away in 1985. It has been adapted into several TV shows and movies and remains successful, much as other modern procedurals do.
4 Pogo Brought a Forest To Life
It Ran From 1948 To 1975
In the age of live-action adaptations of anthropomorphic animated stars, Pogo is a comic strip that deserves more attention. First created in 1948, the strip starred Pogo Possum, a mild-mannered opossum with a large collection of animal friends in his swamp. It’s an adorable strip that primarily focuses on exploring the antics that its animals regularly get up to.
Because creator Walt Kelly loved to focus on then-current events, the strip is somewhat of a satire of the politics of its day. Modern readers may be confused by its jabs at President Eisenhower and other major figures, but it is still worth reading in its own right. It inspired more than just comics, having influenced The Muppets and other major child-focused movies and TV shows for decades. Anyone reading it can certainly see its involvement in many other classic stories.
3 The Far Side Was Always Surreal
It Ran From 1979 To 1996
Gary Larson has always had the most unique sense of humor in the classic comic landscape. He loved exploring the darker elements of humor, and he did so by featuring a variety of scenarios in his many strips. No one panel repeated any element of the last, as he loved to create new characters, worlds, and conflicts with every new release.
The best Far Side comics remain relevant today, even if some delve into the current events of the time. Since Larson was never afraid to be controversial, his strips often touch on universal elements of human nature, which remains relevant now. This strip is still occasionally released, but it officially ended in 1996.
2 Calvin and Hobbes Spoke To a Joyous Childhood
It Ran From 1985 To 1995
Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes remains one of the greatest comic strips of all time. Watterson’s strip ran for just 10 years with some hiatuses sprinkled throughout its run, but it still managed to capture a loyal and ravenous following. The strip has a simple premise: six-year-old Calvin engages in a series of imaginative adventures with his (seemingly) imaginary friend and stuffed tiger, Hobbes.
Because Watterson loathed exploring then-modern technologies, everything about the strip reflects near-universal aspects of childhood. Calvin is often depicted as fantasizing about fantastical situations, tormenting his family, and despising school. It’s a strip that can remind any reader of childhood, which is why it continues to connect with people to this day.
1 Peanuts Speaks To a Different Age
It Ran From 1950 To 2000
No comic has ever exploded quite like Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts did. The strip, which starred Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and other lovable characters, explores a group of children growing up together in a cul-de-sac. It touches on childhood, depression, and anxieties, while always maintaining a warm and comfortable tone.
The strip itself is not nearly as popular today as it was when it was still receiving new updates, but it still sees regular adaptations. TV shows, specials, movies, and merchandise are released regularly, and Snoopy and Charlie Brown continue to have a strong influence on pop culture. Just as these characters have endured for a reason, modern readers would adore Peanuts, if only they sat down and started reading it from the very beginning.
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