Five Awesomely Hilarious Webcomics

When I was little, my favorite activity was reading the Sunday morning comics with my dad. In fact, I’m pretty sure I can thank Peanuts for a large percentage of my literacy. Comics are still an important part of my life – in fact, my dad saves the comics from the Sunday LA Times and mails them to me in bulk, because he’s awesome – but these days I get my comic fix primarily online. The following are my five favorite web comics, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

My Top-five Webcomics

1. XKCD

If you haven’t read XKCD, the rock you’ve been hiding under must be pretty heavy. What I love about this web comic is that it’s hard to pin down – sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s silly, and sometimes it’s not for the young ‘uns. It tops my list because it makes me laugh, it makes me think, and it makes me want to fill my apartment with playpen balls. Shh… don’t tell my roommate!

2. Cyanide & Happiness

Cyanide & Happiness is drawn by several different animators, all of whom are talented and hilarious. Kris Wilson is my personal favorite (he created the comic back in 2004), but I’ve never met a Cyanide & Happiness I didn’t like. Be warned, though – if you’re looking for a politically correct web comic, you won’t find it here!

3. PhD Comics

This might be a niche market, but if you’re in grad school, chances are your social life has seriously dropped off. PhD Comics reminds you that you’re not alone, and that probably about 90% of the people in your seminar feel the same way you do. Especially when it comes to coffee.

4. Zen Pencils

Zen Pencils is the creation of Australian cartoonist Gavin Aung Than. He takes quotes by famous figures and creates incredible comics around them. They are beautiful and touching, and the one pictured above made me tear up just a little (okay, okay… a lot). He is a very talented artist, and I think you’ll enjoy seeing these stories unfold.

5. Scandinavia and the World

For those days when you’re feeling global, Scandinavia and the World is perfect. It presents a lighthearted, comical take on international relations, global affairs, and even politics. It’s a fun and educational comic, and certainly something different than you’re likely to find in your local paper.

Those are my favorites, but there are plenty of other webcomics out there – link to your favorites in the comments!