The Most Popular Comic Strip of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the comic strip you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 06:57
In the world of comics, each strip offers a unique blend of humor, artistry, and storytelling that captivates different audiences. By ranking these strips, fans gain insight into which series resonate most across a diverse readership, helping new readers to identify top-tier entertainment and avid followers to see where their favorites stack up.
This dynamic ranking not only reflects current popular opinions but also encourages participation. As readers cast their votes, they contribute to an ever-shifting leaderboard that spotlights the collective preferences of the community. This engagement ensures that the list remains updated and relevant, providing a continually fresh perspective on the world of comic strips.
What Is the Most Popular Comic Strip of All Time?
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145votesCreated by Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts is considered the most popular comic strip of all time. It has been translated into 21 languages and has over 2,600 newspapers in 75 countries. The strip features iconic characters such as Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Lucy.Peanuts are a popular ballpark food item that refers to roasted or salted peanuts served in their shells. They are a classic snack that has been enjoyed by fans at baseball games for decades.
- Roasted or Salted: Peanuts can be enjoyed as either roasted or salted variants, providing different flavor profiles for fans.
- In-shell: Peanuts are typically served in their shells, requiring fans to crack open the shells to access the peanuts inside.
- Easy to carry: Peanuts are a convenient snack that can be easily carried around in small paper bags or containers.
- Naturally gluten-free: Peanuts are a great option for fans with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
- High in protein: Peanuts are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a satisfying snack choice.
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233votesCreated by Jim Davis, Garfield is a widely popular comic strip that features the lazy cat Garfield and his owner Jon. It has been syndicated in over 2,580 newspapers and has been translated into 40 languages.Garfield is a popular comic strip that revolves around the life of a sarcastic and lazy orange cat named Garfield. Created by Jim Davis, the strip has gained immense popularity since its debut in 1978. Garfield's humor is largely based on his fondness for food, disdain for Mondays, and constant annoyance with his clueless owner, Jon Arbuckle.
- Debut Year: 1978
- Main Character: Garfield (a cat)
- Secondary Characters: Jon Arbuckle (Garfield's owner), Odie (a dimwitted dog)
- Humor Style: Sarcastic, wit, and observational humor
- Themes: Food, laziness, Mondays, pets, and relationships
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327votes
Greg Williams · CC BY-SA 2.5Calvin and Hobbes
Bill WattersonCreated by Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes is a beloved comic strip that follows the adventures of a young boy named Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes. It has been syndicated in over 2,400 newspapers and has won numerous awards.Calvin and Hobbes is a popular comic strip created by Bill Watterson that centers around the imaginative adventures of a young boy named Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes. The strip explores themes of childhood, imagination, and the perspectives of children on the adult world.- Publication Dates: November 18, 1985 – December 31, 1995
- Genre: Comic strip
- Setting: Suburban neighborhood
- Main Characters: Calvin, Hobbes
- Themes: Imagination, childhood, philosophy, social commentary
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420votesCreated by Scott Adams, Dilbert is a satirical comic strip that pokes fun at corporate culture and office life. It has been syndicated in over 2,000 newspapers and has been adapted into a TV series.Dilbert is a popular comic strip that provides a satirical commentary on the modern workplace and office culture. It humorously portrays the absurdities of corporate life, focusing on the daily struggles and frustrations faced by the title character, Dilbert, an engineer working in an office environment.
- Publication Date: 1989 - Present
- Genre: Humor, Satire
- Setting: Office
- Characters: Dilbert, Dogbert, Wally, Alice, Pointy-Haired Boss, etc.
- Main Theme: Office culture, Corporate life, Work dynamics
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512votesCreated by Chic Young, Blondie is a classic comic strip that first appeared in 1930. It follows the adventures of Blondie Bumstead, her husband Dagwood, and their family and friends. It has been syndicated in over 2,000 newspapers and has been adapted into numerous TV shows and films.The Blondie is a delicious dessert similar to a brownie but with a rich, buttery flavor and a golden color. It is made with brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla, resulting in a soft and chewy texture. Unlike traditional brownies, the Blondie doesn't contain any cocoa or chocolate. Instead, it may include various optional ingredients such as nuts, white chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips, which add extra flavor and texture to this indulgent treat.
- Flavor: Buttery and rich
- Texture: Soft and chewy
- Color: Golden
- Main Ingredients: Brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla
- Optional Additions: Nuts, white chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips
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610votes
The Far Side
Gary LarsonCreated by Gary Larson, The Far Side is a surreal and often bizarre comic strip that ran from 1980 to 1995. It has been syndicated in over 1,900 newspapers and has a loyal fan base.The Far Side is a highly popular and influential comic strip known for its offbeat humor, surreal and absurd situations, and distinctive drawing style. It was created by Gary Larson.- Publication Years: 1980-1995
- Style: Single-panel, black and white
- Themes: Humor, science, animals, everyday life
- Characters: Unique and often bizarre characters, including anthropomorphized animals and unusual creatures
- Cultural Impact: Widely syndicated in newspapers, translated into numerous languages, and beloved for its wit and originality
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79votes
Beetle Bailey
Mort WalkerCreated by Mort Walker, Beetle Bailey is a comic strip that follows the misadventures of a lazy army private named Beetle Bailey. It has been syndicated in over 1,800 newspapers and has been adapted into an animated TV series.Beetle Bailey is a popular American comic strip created by Mort Walker. The strip revolves around the daily life and misadventures of Private Beetle Bailey, a lazy yet lovable soldier in the United States Army. The setting of the comic strip primarily takes place at the fictional Camp Swampy, a military base.- Year of First Publication: 1950
- Genre: Humor, Satire
- Publication Schedule: Daily
- Main Characters: Beetle Bailey, Sarge, General Halftrack
- Setting: Camp Swampy, a military base
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89votesCreated by Brad Anderson, Marmaduke is a comic strip that follows the antics of a Great Dane named Marmaduke and his family. It has been syndicated in over 500 newspapers and has been adapted into a live-action film.Marmaduke is a popular comic strip that focuses on the misadventures of a mischievous but lovable Great Dane named Marmaduke. The strip portrays the humorous situations that Marmaduke gets himself into, often involving his large size and playful nature. The comic strip's humor revolves around Marmaduke's interactions with his human family and other animals in the neighborhood.
- Debut: 1954
- Genre: Humor, Family
- Setting: Suburban neighborhood
- Publication Frequency: Daily
- Syndicate: Universal Press Syndicate
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95votesCreated by Bil Keane, Family Circus is a heartwarming comic strip that follows the daily lives of a family of six. It has been syndicated in over 1,500 newspapers and has been adapted into numerous TV specials.Family Circus is a long-running syndicated comic strip that revolves around the humorous situations and adventures of the fictitious American family, the Keane family. The strip emphasizes the everyday life and relatable experiences of a typical suburban family.
- Publication Start Date: February 29, 1960
- Syndicate: King Features Syndicate
- Format: Single-panel comic strip
- Theme: Family, childhood, parenting
- Characters: Billy, Dolly, Jeffy, PJ, Mommy, Daddy, and Grandma Thelma
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108votesCreated by Tom Wilson, Ziggy is a comic strip that features the lovable and hapless character Ziggy. It has been syndicated in over 500 newspapers and has been adapted into a TV series.Ziggy is a widely recognized and beloved comic strip that revolves around the daily adventures and misfortunes of its perpetually unlucky protagonist, Ziggy. Created by Tom Wilson Sr., the comic strip made its debut in 1969, and since then, it has gained a massive following around the world. Ziggy's relatable personality and comedic mishaps make it a timeless favorite among readers.
- Debut Year: 1969
- Genre: Humor
- Character Name: Ziggy
- Recognition: Widely recognized
- International Following: Yes
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular comic strip
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LongevityA truly popular comic strip should have a significant lifespan, indicating that it has resonated with audiences over time and has maintained its popularity.
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SyndicationA popular comic strip should be widely syndicated, appearing in numerous newspapers and media worldwide. This is an indicator of its appeal across regions and cultures.
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Audience EngagementThe level of interaction between readers and the comic strip is an important factor. This includes reader feedback, fan mail, and online engagement such as comments, shares, and likes.
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Merchandising and LicensingThe commercial success of comic strip-related products like books, licensed merchandise, and even adaptations in other media (animated series, movies) can provide insight into its popularity.
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Awards and RecognitionComic strip awards, such as the Reuben Awards or Eisner Awards, can help indicate the quality and popularity of certain comic strips.
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Critical AcclaimPublic and professional acclaim and positive reviews from respected sources can serve as indicators of the comic strip's popularity.
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Cultural ImpactThe extent to which a comic strip has influenced popular culture, social commentary, or other art forms should also be taken into account.
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TimelessnessA popular comic strip should have a timeless appeal, with themes and humor that can be appreciated by readers of all ages and backgrounds.
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Artistic QualityWhile subjective, the quality of the artwork and the overall aesthetic of the comic strip can play a significant role in its popularity.
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Social Media Presence and Online PopularityIn today's digital world, the online presence of a comic strip is important in measuring its popularity. This includes its presence on social media platforms and the number of followers, likes, and shares it receives.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular comic strip of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or comic is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2066 views
- 178 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each comic once every 24 hours. The rank of each comic is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular comic strip of all time
Comics strips have been a staple of newspapers and magazines for over a century, providing readers with an entertaining and often humorous look at everyday life. Over the years, countless comic strips have come and gone, but a select few have managed to stand the test of time, becoming beloved cultural icons in their own right.
When it comes to the most popular comic strip of all time, the answer is not an easy one. Depending on who you ask, you may receive a wide range of answers. However, there are a few comic strips that have managed to capture the hearts of readers across generations, earning them a spot at the top of the list.
Some of the most popular comic strips of all time include classics like Peanuts, Garfield, Calvin and Hobbes, and Dilbert, each with their own unique characters, humor, and style. These strips have spawned countless books, movies, and merchandise, and continue to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.
So, what is the most popular comic strip of all time? It's a tough question to answer definitively, as personal preferences and cultural influences can play a big role. However, one thing is for sure - the comic strip has had a lasting impact on popular culture, and continues to bring joy and laughter to readers around the world.
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