FOXTROT By Bill Amend
HUMOR (*10)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
FOXTROT is one of the most humorous comics in the modern newspaper. The characters are anything but cliche, with an ultimate nerd son, a shopping nut daughter, a stupid business dad, a sensible but occasionally crazy mother, and a teenage son, and each new strip is hysterical to the brim. Each character has a personality so diverse from the others, and when those respective personalities collide, comedy ensues, cracking the reader up.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
FOXTROT is one of the most humorous comics in the modern newspaper. The characters are anything but cliche, with an ultimate nerd son, a shopping nut daughter, a stupid business dad, a sensible but occasionally crazy mother, and a teenage son, and each new strip is hysterical to the brim. Each character has a personality so diverse from the others, and when those respective personalities collide, comedy ensues, cracking the reader up.
CALVIN AND HOBBES By Bill Watterson
HUMOR (*10)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
The innocent daydreams of Calvin become truth, with his imagination running wild into "real life" and creating duplicators, transmogrifiers, a tiger who speaks English, and alien teachers. This comic strip is perfect for philosophical people (Calvin often reflects on things six year olds normally don't understand) or even somebody wanting to follow the zany antics of young Calvin. Just fantastic for any age. 10 stars, all around.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
The innocent daydreams of Calvin become truth, with his imagination running wild into "real life" and creating duplicators, transmogrifiers, a tiger who speaks English, and alien teachers. This comic strip is perfect for philosophical people (Calvin often reflects on things six year olds normally don't understand) or even somebody wanting to follow the zany antics of young Calvin. Just fantastic for any age. 10 stars, all around.
PEARLS BEFORE SWINE By Stephan Pastis
HUMOR (*10)
APPROPRIATE (*5)
Stephan Pastis might not be the most sophisticated person of our time, but in a comic strip, that craziness that he displays is the perfect touch. Each character action is so outrageous, that you can't help but laugh. PEARLS BEFORE SWINE is recommended for anybody over 12 years old, as some of the content is immature and suggestive of violence and more. Still an absurdly good comic, though. Middle ten stars.
APPROPRIATE (*5)
Stephan Pastis might not be the most sophisticated person of our time, but in a comic strip, that craziness that he displays is the perfect touch. Each character action is so outrageous, that you can't help but laugh. PEARLS BEFORE SWINE is recommended for anybody over 12 years old, as some of the content is immature and suggestive of violence and more. Still an absurdly good comic, though. Middle ten stars.
GARFIELD By Jim Davis
HUMOR (*10)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
Of course, almost everybody knows the world-famous GARFIELD. This is one of the best comics of all time, as proven by its numerous fans. GARFIELD may be a tad repetitive, but the only stuff it is repeating is comedy gold, so why complain? An overweight cat relaxes by sleeping, eating, and kicking his friend dog. GARFEILD has a personality impossible to replicate, and over the years, hundreds of thousands of fans have laughed themselves silly.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
Of course, almost everybody knows the world-famous GARFIELD. This is one of the best comics of all time, as proven by its numerous fans. GARFIELD may be a tad repetitive, but the only stuff it is repeating is comedy gold, so why complain? An overweight cat relaxes by sleeping, eating, and kicking his friend dog. GARFEILD has a personality impossible to replicate, and over the years, hundreds of thousands of fans have laughed themselves silly.
ZITS By Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman
HUMOR (*9)
APPROPRIATE (*7)
This may not be as fantastic as FOXTROT or CALVIN AND HOBBES, but it has its own individual sense of humor especially for 13 to 19 year olds. Easily in the top five best comics today, a teenager struggles with his know-nothing parents whilst having to deal with many school and social problems. Many interesting plot lines and characters are introduced in this very amusing comic strip. 9 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*7)
This may not be as fantastic as FOXTROT or CALVIN AND HOBBES, but it has its own individual sense of humor especially for 13 to 19 year olds. Easily in the top five best comics today, a teenager struggles with his know-nothing parents whilst having to deal with many school and social problems. Many interesting plot lines and characters are introduced in this very amusing comic strip. 9 stars.
BLOOM COUNTY By Berkely Breathed
HUMOR (*9)
APPROPRIATE (*6)
PULITZER PRIZE
I mostly read this strip to see some antics by Milo, Opus, and Bill the cat (who reminds me of Snuffles from PEARLS BEFORE SWINE) and more. A lot of the jokes are funny, and the rest are okay. Very rarely do you find a bad strip, unless you don't like penguins. I really enjoy reading BLOOM COUNTY, though it is an old strip. This comic touches upon some old political topics and has occasional inappropriate moments.
APPROPRIATE (*6)
PULITZER PRIZE
I mostly read this strip to see some antics by Milo, Opus, and Bill the cat (who reminds me of Snuffles from PEARLS BEFORE SWINE) and more. A lot of the jokes are funny, and the rest are okay. Very rarely do you find a bad strip, unless you don't like penguins. I really enjoy reading BLOOM COUNTY, though it is an old strip. This comic touches upon some old political topics and has occasional inappropriate moments.
LIO By Mark Tautalli
HUMOR (*9)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
This may be the only pantomime comic strip in the modern newspaper. This is worthy of recognition because of its boyish creativity and accurate portrayal of Lio's paranormal mindset, intermingling innocent, yet at the same time, somewhat dark, humor along the way with monsters and legendary cryptids. For any fans of mythical creatures, this may be the comic strip for you. This deserves 9 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
This may be the only pantomime comic strip in the modern newspaper. This is worthy of recognition because of its boyish creativity and accurate portrayal of Lio's paranormal mindset, intermingling innocent, yet at the same time, somewhat dark, humor along the way with monsters and legendary cryptids. For any fans of mythical creatures, this may be the comic strip for you. This deserves 9 stars.
WIZARD OF ID By Jeff Parker and Johnny Hart
HUMOR (*9)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
The wizard of Id creates a wonderful parody of medieval Europe. With the ever-drunk Bung, the exploring magician, the stubborn king, and the cowardly Sir Rodney, they combine to make a strip that you always flip to first whence opening the newspaper. Each strip has a unique storyline that makes you smile fondly at the very least. These comics are adequate for any Medieval history buff or just about any other random person.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
The wizard of Id creates a wonderful parody of medieval Europe. With the ever-drunk Bung, the exploring magician, the stubborn king, and the cowardly Sir Rodney, they combine to make a strip that you always flip to first whence opening the newspaper. Each strip has a unique storyline that makes you smile fondly at the very least. These comics are adequate for any Medieval history buff or just about any other random person.
OPUS By Berkely Breathed
HUMOR (*9)
APPROPRIATE (*6)
A continuation of also reviewed OUTLAND, OPUS is a comic strip where the famous penguin from before returned, searching for his old friends. He had already retrieved scruffy old Bill the cat, Steve, Auggie, Pickles, and Micheal before the strip was discontinued. Sadly, there are only 5 years of comics to be read here. However, it is still an excellent source of entertainment and should be enjoyed by fans of BLOOM COUNTY and OUTLAND. 9 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*6)
A continuation of also reviewed OUTLAND, OPUS is a comic strip where the famous penguin from before returned, searching for his old friends. He had already retrieved scruffy old Bill the cat, Steve, Auggie, Pickles, and Micheal before the strip was discontinued. Sadly, there are only 5 years of comics to be read here. However, it is still an excellent source of entertainment and should be enjoyed by fans of BLOOM COUNTY and OUTLAND. 9 stars.
BIG NATE By Lincoln Pierce
HUMOR (*9)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
BIG NATE is not a comic strip for adults; it is for children in the middle grades who are looking for comic strips to relate to. However, Lincoln Pierce puts a lot of effort not only into this, but his book series as well (not mentioned in the book series page). Big nate struggles to keep his curricular and social lives balanced, but ends up with his imaginary scale totally lopsided. BOG NATE is worthy of the laughs that you will certainly give it.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
BIG NATE is not a comic strip for adults; it is for children in the middle grades who are looking for comic strips to relate to. However, Lincoln Pierce puts a lot of effort not only into this, but his book series as well (not mentioned in the book series page). Big nate struggles to keep his curricular and social lives balanced, but ends up with his imaginary scale totally lopsided. BOG NATE is worthy of the laughs that you will certainly give it.
THE FAR SIDE By Gary Larson
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*8)
The FAR SIDE is like CALVIN AND HOBBES, business-wise. Even after retiring, Gary Larson's legendary kingdom of farm animals, farmhands, and strange humans continues with full force. THE FAR SIDE is not a continuing strip like most are, but it presents random, normally one-panel jokes that are hilarious in its own way. It is no match for FOXTROT or GARFIELD, but if you get bored with those, it's time to move onto THE FAR SIDE!
APPROPRIATE (*8)
The FAR SIDE is like CALVIN AND HOBBES, business-wise. Even after retiring, Gary Larson's legendary kingdom of farm animals, farmhands, and strange humans continues with full force. THE FAR SIDE is not a continuing strip like most are, but it presents random, normally one-panel jokes that are hilarious in its own way. It is no match for FOXTROT or GARFIELD, but if you get bored with those, it's time to move onto THE FAR SIDE!
OUTLAND By Berkely Breathed
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*6)
You want to roll on the ground convulsing in fits of laughter? That's what OUTLAND by Berkely Breathed will make you do. Reviving old favorites such as Bill the Cat and Opus the penguin, this strip is plotted smack in the middle of slightly more humorous strips BLOOM COUNTY and OPUS. OUTLAND is a very good comic well worthy of recognition but is out done by its neighbors.
APPROPRIATE (*6)
You want to roll on the ground convulsing in fits of laughter? That's what OUTLAND by Berkely Breathed will make you do. Reviving old favorites such as Bill the Cat and Opus the penguin, this strip is plotted smack in the middle of slightly more humorous strips BLOOM COUNTY and OPUS. OUTLAND is a very good comic well worthy of recognition but is out done by its neighbors.
POGO By Walt Kelly
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
I'll admit it, I don't know much about POGO - it's a very old strip. But from what I can glean from the strips I have read, it's very similar to all of Berkeley Breathed's works; a set of strangely human (both in actions and personality) animals who often discuss political ideas from back in the 1950s. POGO is pretty good when it comes to comparing comic strips, or at least until you've gotten over the bizarre artwork and the long list of long names.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
I'll admit it, I don't know much about POGO - it's a very old strip. But from what I can glean from the strips I have read, it's very similar to all of Berkeley Breathed's works; a set of strangely human (both in actions and personality) animals who often discuss political ideas from back in the 1950s. POGO is pretty good when it comes to comparing comic strips, or at least until you've gotten over the bizarre artwork and the long list of long names.
NON SEQUITUR By Wiley Miller
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
This comic strip greatly reminds me of the FAR SIDE. These two comics alone are unique, with a style that cannot be duplicated, for all can recognize the many themes playing throughout the various comedies. It is delightful to read, for it arises humor that was previously hiding in its one-panel format, making humor out of whatever Miller felt like that day, unrestricted by stories and set characters, 8 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
This comic strip greatly reminds me of the FAR SIDE. These two comics alone are unique, with a style that cannot be duplicated, for all can recognize the many themes playing throughout the various comedies. It is delightful to read, for it arises humor that was previously hiding in its one-panel format, making humor out of whatever Miller felt like that day, unrestricted by stories and set characters, 8 stars.
BREVITY By Dan Thompson
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*8)
BREVITY is a hilarious one-panel cartoon strip extremely similar to NON SEQUITUR which offers puns on often-used verbalizations and sayings. BREVITY is one of three comics drawn by this author and is very good if you keep that fact in mind. BREVITY sometimes takes you a while to understand, but there is always a clever underlying pun to the panel, either visible to the reader or not. Great for any age 10 and up, at a high 8 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*8)
BREVITY is a hilarious one-panel cartoon strip extremely similar to NON SEQUITUR which offers puns on often-used verbalizations and sayings. BREVITY is one of three comics drawn by this author and is very good if you keep that fact in mind. BREVITY sometimes takes you a while to understand, but there is always a clever underlying pun to the panel, either visible to the reader or not. Great for any age 10 and up, at a high 8 stars.
BEETLE BAILEY By Mort Walker
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
This is one of those old comic strips that have been running before your parents were born. However, BEETLE BAILEY is probably the funniest of that outdated batch of comics, starring a lazy guy called Beetle who for some reason joined the army, where he's always slacking off and annoying his Sergeant. This comic strip is perfect for anyone who likes the military, or anybody looking for a good nap... I mean a good laugh. 8 stars seemed about right.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
This is one of those old comic strips that have been running before your parents were born. However, BEETLE BAILEY is probably the funniest of that outdated batch of comics, starring a lazy guy called Beetle who for some reason joined the army, where he's always slacking off and annoying his Sergeant. This comic strip is perfect for anyone who likes the military, or anybody looking for a good nap... I mean a good laugh. 8 stars seemed about right.
GARFIELD MINUS GARFIELD By Dan Walsh
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
GARFIELD MINUS GARFIELD is still funny, even though it's only Jon Arbuckle talking to himself. The popular strip GARFIELD is parodied here, with all characters except for Jon digitally deleted. It still is hilarious and makes Jon seem more stupid than ever, talking to himself and pausing frequently. Good for all fans of GARFIELD or anybody simply browsing, this strip was very popular for a brief spell and is still pretty good.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
GARFIELD MINUS GARFIELD is still funny, even though it's only Jon Arbuckle talking to himself. The popular strip GARFIELD is parodied here, with all characters except for Jon digitally deleted. It still is hilarious and makes Jon seem more stupid than ever, talking to himself and pausing frequently. Good for all fans of GARFIELD or anybody simply browsing, this strip was very popular for a brief spell and is still pretty good.
HEATHCLIFF By George Gately
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
HEATHCLIFF is considered by many to be a rip-off of GARFIELD, but it still retains a lot of originality. Written about a fat cat who devoted his time to torturing dogs and eating, HEATHCLIFF details the life of a mischievous cat who occasionally is pretty funny. Written with a modest amount of humor, this comic strip is good for fans of GARFIELD, cats, and animals in general. If you have ailurophobia stay away from this fantastic feline!
APPROPRIATE (*10)
HEATHCLIFF is considered by many to be a rip-off of GARFIELD, but it still retains a lot of originality. Written about a fat cat who devoted his time to torturing dogs and eating, HEATHCLIFF details the life of a mischievous cat who occasionally is pretty funny. Written with a modest amount of humor, this comic strip is good for fans of GARFIELD, cats, and animals in general. If you have ailurophobia stay away from this fantastic feline!
CUL DE SAC By Richard Thompson
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
A delightful comic about a four year old girl called Alice who lives with her older brother Petey and seems to make random things seem humorous and charming, entrancing the reader with a wonderful set of. This comic strip is excellent, with few flaws, and well deserving of its Reuben Award. Richard Thompson is in anything BUT a dead end with his ideas, all laid out in a petulant yet still interesting manner! 8 stars after some debate.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
A delightful comic about a four year old girl called Alice who lives with her older brother Petey and seems to make random things seem humorous and charming, entrancing the reader with a wonderful set of. This comic strip is excellent, with few flaws, and well deserving of its Reuben Award. Richard Thompson is in anything BUT a dead end with his ideas, all laid out in a petulant yet still interesting manner! 8 stars after some debate.
ERIC THE CIRCLE By Anonymous
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
Eric the Circle is more humorous than the name implies - a comic that goes into physics, chemistry, social issues, and household objects through the use of a circle. Some of the more intellectual jokes are actually funny in an unforgettable manner. However, this is drawn crudely and could be written by a child. Who knows? Maybe it is, as the author remains anonymous. 8 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
Eric the Circle is more humorous than the name implies - a comic that goes into physics, chemistry, social issues, and household objects through the use of a circle. Some of the more intellectual jokes are actually funny in an unforgettable manner. However, this is drawn crudely and could be written by a child. Who knows? Maybe it is, as the author remains anonymous. 8 stars.
B.C. By Mastroianni and Hart
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
A passable strip in the form of a bunch of cavemen telling jokes, this comic is extremely similar to the animated television series, THE FLINTSTONES. Funny in most places, B.C. is good enough for a couple laughs in the passing, but nothing to serious when it comes to fandom. B.C. is rated 8 stars in humor, which seems perfect for it, as it doesn't stand out in particular but can still make you laugh pretty hard.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
A passable strip in the form of a bunch of cavemen telling jokes, this comic is extremely similar to the animated television series, THE FLINTSTONES. Funny in most places, B.C. is good enough for a couple laughs in the passing, but nothing to serious when it comes to fandom. B.C. is rated 8 stars in humor, which seems perfect for it, as it doesn't stand out in particular but can still make you laugh pretty hard.
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE By Dik Browne
HUMOR (*8)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
Hagar the Horrible is pretty funny in some places, but in other strips, it appears to be losing its touch. However, HAGAR THE HORRIBLE is a good comic strip to read, no lie. Focused on the central Viking character of Hagar in ancient Scandinavia, this comic strip is unlike most others of its time and is still immensely original, not using cliches that have long since worn themselves out. Best for kids 8 and up, at a low eight stars.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
Hagar the Horrible is pretty funny in some places, but in other strips, it appears to be losing its touch. However, HAGAR THE HORRIBLE is a good comic strip to read, no lie. Focused on the central Viking character of Hagar in ancient Scandinavia, this comic strip is unlike most others of its time and is still immensely original, not using cliches that have long since worn themselves out. Best for kids 8 and up, at a low eight stars.
PEANUTS By Charles Schulz
HUMOR (*7)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
A chronically depressed kid. A blanket-hugging kid. A lovestruck girl. A muddy boy. A psychologist girl. A classic. Everybody knows the comic strip PEANUTS, which led the ascent to modern comics. Though not too funny all the time, you have to give it credit for dragging in millions of fans. Charles M. Schulz is the most iconic name in the cartooning business, and for undoubtedly good reason. Anybody, any age, can follow the misadventures of Charlie Brown.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
A chronically depressed kid. A blanket-hugging kid. A lovestruck girl. A muddy boy. A psychologist girl. A classic. Everybody knows the comic strip PEANUTS, which led the ascent to modern comics. Though not too funny all the time, you have to give it credit for dragging in millions of fans. Charles M. Schulz is the most iconic name in the cartooning business, and for undoubtedly good reason. Anybody, any age, can follow the misadventures of Charlie Brown.
DOONESBURY By Gary Trudeau
HUMOR (*7)
APPROPRIATE (*6)
PULITZER PRIZE
Gary Trudeau creates an extremely realistic comic strip with well drawn characters and occasional laugh-out-loud humor. DOONESBURY is a great comic that goes over the political issues of today and the past but at some points isn't funny enough. You have to give it credit, as it inspired the all-powerful BLOOM COUNTY. There are occasional inappropriate discussions and scenes in here, though anyone over 10 can handle it.
APPROPRIATE (*6)
PULITZER PRIZE
Gary Trudeau creates an extremely realistic comic strip with well drawn characters and occasional laugh-out-loud humor. DOONESBURY is a great comic that goes over the political issues of today and the past but at some points isn't funny enough. You have to give it credit, as it inspired the all-powerful BLOOM COUNTY. There are occasional inappropriate discussions and scenes in here, though anyone over 10 can handle it.
WUMO By Mikheal Wulff and Anders Morgethaler
HUMOR (*7)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
WUMO is a relatively new strip that shows modest potential. Similar to NON SEQUITUR, this strip portrays goofiness in random, non-organized one-panel strips. Mostly pantomime, this strip offers funny imagery and occasional punchlines that are decent enough. WUMO could be better, but if it gets time, it could evolve into something more than a bland strip named after its creators. Keep hope for this comic, at high 7 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
WUMO is a relatively new strip that shows modest potential. Similar to NON SEQUITUR, this strip portrays goofiness in random, non-organized one-panel strips. Mostly pantomime, this strip offers funny imagery and occasional punchlines that are decent enough. WUMO could be better, but if it gets time, it could evolve into something more than a bland strip named after its creators. Keep hope for this comic, at high 7 stars.
ROSE IS ROSE By Don Wimmer and Pat Brady
HUMOR (*7)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
At the least, you can say that this comic is original. With a mom that transforms into a touchy biker, a dad who just wants a little peace, and a son with a guardian angel, this strip has features like none other. ROSE IS ROSE might not always be laugh-out loud hilarious, but it certainly is interesting and worthy of a recommendation. You should probably read this if you are 8 and up, but it's really good for anyone.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
At the least, you can say that this comic is original. With a mom that transforms into a touchy biker, a dad who just wants a little peace, and a son with a guardian angel, this strip has features like none other. ROSE IS ROSE might not always be laugh-out loud hilarious, but it certainly is interesting and worthy of a recommendation. You should probably read this if you are 8 and up, but it's really good for anyone.
MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM By Mike Peters
HUMOR (*7)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM is a semi-funny comic strip about a dog, a cat, their owner, and other characters that randomly pop up in the story lines. MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM often goes into political or social issues and has mostly comical characters. I would recommend this strip to any animal fans or anybody searching for something new. MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM is best for kids above 10, and is rated 7 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM is a semi-funny comic strip about a dog, a cat, their owner, and other characters that randomly pop up in the story lines. MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM often goes into political or social issues and has mostly comical characters. I would recommend this strip to any animal fans or anybody searching for something new. MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM is best for kids above 10, and is rated 7 stars.
THE KNIGHT LIFE By Keith Knight
HUMOR (*7)
APPROPRIATE (*8)
This comic strip, based upon the life of the characters, has some perpetually hilarious characters, but the plot lines are somewhat mediocre - not surprising considering that this guy draws three comic strips and does rapping for a living. This comic could be better; all the jokes either make you roll on the floor in laughter or don't make sense. Try it - at your own risk... best for kids aged 10 and up.
APPROPRIATE (*8)
This comic strip, based upon the life of the characters, has some perpetually hilarious characters, but the plot lines are somewhat mediocre - not surprising considering that this guy draws three comic strips and does rapping for a living. This comic could be better; all the jokes either make you roll on the floor in laughter or don't make sense. Try it - at your own risk... best for kids aged 10 and up.
SPEED BUMP By Dave Coverly
HUMOR (*7)
APPROPRIATE (*8)
SPEED BUMP is yet another one of those comics that are one paneled. It is easily outmatched by its rivals BREVITY and NON SEQUITUR and could use some serious work in the humor department, where it is lacking a little bit. It's well and intricately drawn, but just doesn't match the tastes of a lot of people. Best for ages 10 and up, try SPEED BUMP at your own risk and determine its quality for yourself - it may be worth a shot.
APPROPRIATE (*8)
SPEED BUMP is yet another one of those comics that are one paneled. It is easily outmatched by its rivals BREVITY and NON SEQUITUR and could use some serious work in the humor department, where it is lacking a little bit. It's well and intricately drawn, but just doesn't match the tastes of a lot of people. Best for ages 10 and up, try SPEED BUMP at your own risk and determine its quality for yourself - it may be worth a shot.
CATHY By Cathy Guistweite
HUMOR (*7)
APPROPRIATE (*8)
Cathy is a slightly funny comic strip about a fashion-conscious, overweight lady who for some reason, always uses onomatopoeia in the form of the word "Aacck". CATHY can have some moments that a pleasurable and at least make you smile. However, it isn't really the best comic strip for kids, targeting adult females. I guess if all else fails you can pick up one up these collections. Not particularly funny, but okay, at seven stars for humor.
APPROPRIATE (*8)
Cathy is a slightly funny comic strip about a fashion-conscious, overweight lady who for some reason, always uses onomatopoeia in the form of the word "Aacck". CATHY can have some moments that a pleasurable and at least make you smile. However, it isn't really the best comic strip for kids, targeting adult females. I guess if all else fails you can pick up one up these collections. Not particularly funny, but okay, at seven stars for humor.
DILBERT By Scott Adams
HUMOR (*6)
APPROPRIATE (*8)
I have to keep in mind, DILBERT is a strip designed for the working man. It isn't too funny for kids in school, but has the occasional humorous bit. Somehow, DILBERT has risen to become one of the most well-to-do comic strips in the modern newspaper. Best for people with a job or people looking for emergency humor, at 6 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*8)
I have to keep in mind, DILBERT is a strip designed for the working man. It isn't too funny for kids in school, but has the occasional humorous bit. Somehow, DILBERT has risen to become one of the most well-to-do comic strips in the modern newspaper. Best for people with a job or people looking for emergency humor, at 6 stars.
LUANN By Greg Evans
HUMOR (*6)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
LUANN is not exceedingly funny; even for its target audience of teenagers it isn't too interesting. Following the story of the central character Luann, her family, and her classmates, this strip is supposed to be "a humorous account of the teenage years". However, what it actually happens to be is a slightly repetitive, I'll-try-the-other-one comic that only once a month conjures even a smirk, although it is readable.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
LUANN is not exceedingly funny; even for its target audience of teenagers it isn't too interesting. Following the story of the central character Luann, her family, and her classmates, this strip is supposed to be "a humorous account of the teenage years". However, what it actually happens to be is a slightly repetitive, I'll-try-the-other-one comic that only once a month conjures even a smirk, although it is readable.
ANDY CAPP By Reg Smythe
HUMOR (*6)
APPROPRIATE (*5)
ANDY CAPP is an oldie British comic strip about a guy who is drunk most of the time, and has no idea how to respect his wife, Flo. Not very funny compared to most strips, but occasionally you have something worthy to chuckle over at the very least. I wouldn't recommend this strip to anybody below 12, though it is passable material. All in all, I would hesitate to recommend this, though it will still be in there somewhere (you can tell I feel wishy-washy about this one).
APPROPRIATE (*5)
ANDY CAPP is an oldie British comic strip about a guy who is drunk most of the time, and has no idea how to respect his wife, Flo. Not very funny compared to most strips, but occasionally you have something worthy to chuckle over at the very least. I wouldn't recommend this strip to anybody below 12, though it is passable material. All in all, I would hesitate to recommend this, though it will still be in there somewhere (you can tell I feel wishy-washy about this one).
ONE BIG HAPPY By Rick Detorie
HUMOR (*6)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
ONE BIG HAPPY is a bunch of mostly cliche comics meant to be "wholesome family fun". This comic's central character is an inquisitive young girl called Ruthie, her family, and her friends. Ruthie does all kinds of normal everyday stuff and somehow turns it into a punchline. However, ONE BIG HAPPY is not necessarily guaranteed to make you really laugh. For that, scroll up and look at the 9 and 10 star comics. Good for any age, preferably younger children, 6 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
ONE BIG HAPPY is a bunch of mostly cliche comics meant to be "wholesome family fun". This comic's central character is an inquisitive young girl called Ruthie, her family, and her friends. Ruthie does all kinds of normal everyday stuff and somehow turns it into a punchline. However, ONE BIG HAPPY is not necessarily guaranteed to make you really laugh. For that, scroll up and look at the 9 and 10 star comics. Good for any age, preferably younger children, 6 stars.
ADAM@HOME By Brian Basset
HUMOR (*6)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
A comic strip made for the working-at-home parent, ADAM@HOME employs a barely funny cast of characters to do normal household things, just with a punch line. This strip contains a lot of coffee drinking and channel surfing, but all in all could be better. There certainly is a better variety of comics to be chosen, but this one just works in a pinch. ADAM@HOME is recommended for kids ages 10 and up, if they want to read it. 6 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
A comic strip made for the working-at-home parent, ADAM@HOME employs a barely funny cast of characters to do normal household things, just with a punch line. This strip contains a lot of coffee drinking and channel surfing, but all in all could be better. There certainly is a better variety of comics to be chosen, but this one just works in a pinch. ADAM@HOME is recommended for kids ages 10 and up, if they want to read it. 6 stars.
MUTTS By Patrick McDonnell
HUMOR (*5)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
A barely funny tale of a couple cute characters mispronouncing a couple letters and telling corny jokes, MUTTS is barely passable as a comic strip. Looking as if its sole purpose was to please octogenarian pet lovers (forgive the cliche), the story of these cats and dogs mainly is meant to express kind, sweet messages to the world. MUTTS could be better and is really lacking in humor. I guess it's good for any age, at 5 stars but 10 appropriate.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
A barely funny tale of a couple cute characters mispronouncing a couple letters and telling corny jokes, MUTTS is barely passable as a comic strip. Looking as if its sole purpose was to please octogenarian pet lovers (forgive the cliche), the story of these cats and dogs mainly is meant to express kind, sweet messages to the world. MUTTS could be better and is really lacking in humor. I guess it's good for any age, at 5 stars but 10 appropriate.
FOR BETTER OR OR WORSE By Lynn Johnston
HUMOR (*5)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE is not the best comic you could find. Written about a family that always has bad luck, this strip is not funny at all. Whenever I look at one of these strips, I find myself wondering if there even was a punchline. FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE may have had some better years, but recently it has gone to seed. Good for anyone, but I wouldn't recommend it, at 5 stars out of 10.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE is not the best comic you could find. Written about a family that always has bad luck, this strip is not funny at all. Whenever I look at one of these strips, I find myself wondering if there even was a punchline. FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE may have had some better years, but recently it has gone to seed. Good for anyone, but I wouldn't recommend it, at 5 stars out of 10.
GRAND AVENUE By Steve Breen
HUMOR (*5)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
GRAND AVENUE is an iffy comic strip about a family of three - Grandma, Gabby, Micheal, and the people around their tiny universe. Often casting failed attempts at humor, this strip could be improved with a little bit of renovation. GRAND AVENUE may be good for randomly reading in the newspaper, but if you're planning to purchase a comic book collection, you could do better with a family strip like FOXTROT instead. A so-so comic, placed at a high 5 stars.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
GRAND AVENUE is an iffy comic strip about a family of three - Grandma, Gabby, Micheal, and the people around their tiny universe. Often casting failed attempts at humor, this strip could be improved with a little bit of renovation. GRAND AVENUE may be good for randomly reading in the newspaper, but if you're planning to purchase a comic book collection, you could do better with a family strip like FOXTROT instead. A so-so comic, placed at a high 5 stars.
FAMILY CIRCUS By Bil and Jeff Keane
HUMOR (*5)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
A cheesy comic strip in which none of the characters even make jokes, they just SAY stuff that is supposed to appeal to the reader's sense of compassion or something. Written in a circle format with captions underneath, the first couple strips were actually funny but it wore out after a while - a while meaning about 50 years. FAMILY CIRCUS is a well-drawn strip, but a big problem is the lack of entertainment.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
A cheesy comic strip in which none of the characters even make jokes, they just SAY stuff that is supposed to appeal to the reader's sense of compassion or something. Written in a circle format with captions underneath, the first couple strips were actually funny but it wore out after a while - a while meaning about 50 years. FAMILY CIRCUS is a well-drawn strip, but a big problem is the lack of entertainment.
HI AND LOIS By Mort Walker and Dik Browne
HUMOR (*5)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
HI AND LOIS is kind of like FAMILY CIRCUS; strips that are produced to be sweet and fanciful about a family that is immensely cliche. With the slacker dad, the texting teen, the adventurous kids, the stern mother, and the exploring baby, this strip provides wholesome half-jokes that are mostly meant to appease people who have been around since the strip's original circulation.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
HI AND LOIS is kind of like FAMILY CIRCUS; strips that are produced to be sweet and fanciful about a family that is immensely cliche. With the slacker dad, the texting teen, the adventurous kids, the stern mother, and the exploring baby, this strip provides wholesome half-jokes that are mostly meant to appease people who have been around since the strip's original circulation.
ZIGGY By Tom Wilson II
HUMOR (*5)
APPROPRIATE (*10)
"If you're wondering why the main character of ZIGGY doesn't wear pants, you're not alone," said PEARLS BEFORE SWINE character Rat. ZIGGY produces a funny comic maybe once a month. Written about a "lovable" character who constantly bumps into aliens and finds gurus at the tops of mountains, I would not really recommend this to anyone - you have to find out for yourself if it is acceptable. ZIGGY is good for any grade, any age, once you get over the blatant failure of the comic.
APPROPRIATE (*10)
"If you're wondering why the main character of ZIGGY doesn't wear pants, you're not alone," said PEARLS BEFORE SWINE character Rat. ZIGGY produces a funny comic maybe once a month. Written about a "lovable" character who constantly bumps into aliens and finds gurus at the tops of mountains, I would not really recommend this to anyone - you have to find out for yourself if it is acceptable. ZIGGY is good for any grade, any age, once you get over the blatant failure of the comic.
INVISIBLE BREAD By Justin Boyd
HUMOR (*5)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
INVISIBLE BREAD is okay when it comes to the humor department, but when it comes to capitalizing its letters (which are written like a fourth grader would write them), this strip utterly fails. If I could rate it for correct usage of the English language, I would be tempted to give it one star. However, looking on the bright side, this strip addresses technology more than others and is on an instance or two really funny. You are less inclined to read this if you read Boyd's biography.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
INVISIBLE BREAD is okay when it comes to the humor department, but when it comes to capitalizing its letters (which are written like a fourth grader would write them), this strip utterly fails. If I could rate it for correct usage of the English language, I would be tempted to give it one star. However, looking on the bright side, this strip addresses technology more than others and is on an instance or two really funny. You are less inclined to read this if you read Boyd's biography.
GET FUZZY By Darby Conley
HUMOR (*5)
APPROPRIATE (*9)
A semi-funny strip about a clueless dog, an obnoxious cat and an exasperated owner, GET FUZZY is not necessarily the best comic in the paper. Most of its jokes are not really funny or even understandable, and I often find myself nearly nodding off when giving this strip another chance. On the plus side, it's well drawn and original. Good for any age.
APPROPRIATE (*9)
A semi-funny strip about a clueless dog, an obnoxious cat and an exasperated owner, GET FUZZY is not necessarily the best comic in the paper. Most of its jokes are not really funny or even understandable, and I often find myself nearly nodding off when giving this strip another chance. On the plus side, it's well drawn and original. Good for any age.