Comic books of the past have helped define and shape the new comics of today. Without the iconic comics we all know and love, other artists would not have the inspiration to become comic book artists themselves. For all their simplicity, comic books have evolved into a unique and quirky art form that fans around the world can’t get enough of.
The comics that emerged in the 80s in particular left a lasting mark on the world of comics. New styles and artistic dynamics emerged from this era and have carried over into comics that still exist today. Some people who grew up with comics from the 80s are still around to see comics continue.
10 Monty made his fans laugh out loud
The hilarious comic strip hit the headlines in 1985
Monty is a strange comic book series featuring wacky characters and almost surreal plots that readers couldn’t get enough of. The main character, Monty, is constantly faced with heartbreaking and strange situations that always make for enjoyable reading, making this comic a reference for the 1980s. However, despite its popularity, Monty only ranks tenth on this list.
The main reason for this is the confusion caused by its previous name, Robotman. The comic originally focused on the main character, Robotman, a sentient robot who went on adventures. However, as Monty became a more popular character, the comic eventually focused on him. This confusion for fans causes the strip to fall several notches, leaving it at the bottom of this list.
9 Herb & Jamaal gave black readers representation in newspapers
This comic was funny and necessary in the 80s
Herbs and Jamaal was launched in 1989 and immediately resonated with fans, especially black readers, upon its release. Creator Stephen Bentley wanted to create representation of black people and felt there was a huge need for it within the comic book community. While the characters may be based on real people, their storylines come entirely from Bentley’s creative mind.
The Bentley Lit match started a whole movement of comics featuring black main characters and storylines, which the comic book world desperately needed. It also changed the way comics were written from that point on, bringing all comic book fans closer together.
8 Rose is Rose opened emotional doors for fans
This cheerful comic strip debuted in 1984
Rose is Rose has always been known for being different. While discussions about mental health and inner child work are much more common today, that wasn’t the case in the ’80s. Creator Pat Brady took a different approach with Rose is Rose than any other comic strip of the time. The comic strip was known for being unique, emotional, and having a basis for exploring the inner thoughts and feelings of the main characters.
Fans could see this in the way Rose communicated with the world. Depending on her mood, her character would change form. Sometimes, when she was angry, she would appear as a brunette biker with a mean streak. Other times, she would appear as a little girl again. Her kind husband, Jimbo, would also join her on this adventure. The dynamic duo of Rose and Jimbo was another element that set this comic apart and made it a joy to read for fans everywhere.
7 Kudzu Kicked Off the 80s with a Bang
Readers couldn’t get enough of these Southern stars
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Launched in 1981, Kudzu got the ’80s off to a great start. The strip centered on a group of Southerners living in Bypass, North Carolina. It was known as one of the funniest comic strips to hit the headlines in a long time, with a fresh art style that captivated readers from its first strip.
The creator of KudzuDoug Marlette sadly passed away in 2007. On this occasion, fans around the world were united in sadness, as their comic strip also came to an end with its creator. Later, Marlette’s son would use the comic strip one last time to pay tribute to the passing of Will D. Campbell. A comic strip would be released in 2013 with the main character Will B. Dunn holding a Bible over Campbell’s grave, a tribute to all the good work he had done as a civil rights activist.
6 Arlo and Janis make a cute comic strip
This comic focuses on their beautiful life together
Jimmy Johnson Arlo and Janis The comic was beloved by fans for its family-friendly feel and slow pace. This feel-good comic centered around Arlo and Janis Day and their son, Gene. Their cat Ludwig, featured in the comic above, also makes numerous appearances and is often considered the best comedic character in the comic.
The comic strip was launched in 1985 and has been picked up alongside many other amazing comics. The comic strip is arguably one of the most underrated comics still in circulation today, with plenty of hilarious moments for fans to enjoy. Many readers feel a deep connection to the comics, saying that they have an unmistakable and personal nature. For many, Arlo and Janis is one of the most underrated comics of all time.
5 Mother Goose and Grimm is a long-time fan favorite
This unique comic strip has been making headlines since 1984
Mother Goose and Grimm has been featured in newspapers across the country since its debut in 1984. The strip centers on Mother Goose and her three pets, Grimm, Ralph, and Attila. Although the strips focus on these central characters, the comic strip sometimes splits into single-panel strips or features pop culture icons such as Batman and Superman.
Mother Goose and Grimm comes in at number five because they have maintained a huge fan base since their debut nearly forty years ago. They are still one of the most recognizable comic strips in newspapers and have since built a reputation for humor and originality, earning them the number five spot on our list.
4 Luann’s life couldn’t be closer to reality
She made readers across the country laugh
Luannlaunched in 1985, is a comic book that focuses on young adult Luann DeGroot as she deals with the mundane events of everyday life in a real and natural way. Comic book fans watch as she graduates from high school, starts college, and deals with friends and boyfriends who come and go. One of the things that made Luann What’s so unique is that the characters age over time, although not in parallel with real-world time.
Luann The focus on a female lead, coupled with its choice to age the characters with some accuracy, sets it apart from other comics. The comic deals with difficult topics like bullying and drug addiction, addressing how they can be a real struggle for people across the country, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.
3 Bloom County has become a household name
People just can’t get enough of these wacky animals
Bloom County is still one of the most famous comic strips. The crazy cast of animals featured in this comic strip has made Bloom County Enjoyable, hilarious, and ultimately a great read. Characters like Bill the Cat and Opus will become some people’s favorite comic book characters.
The comic ended in 2015, but was soon revamped into a new series due to popular demand. The comic, which focused on political and cultural events in Central America, touched the hearts of readers around the world and captivated them for decades. To date, Bloom County is considered one of the best comics of all time.
Bloom County: Authentic, Elegant and Complete: 1980-1989
- WRITER
- Berkeley was breathing
- Artist
- Berkeley was breathing
- Letterer
- Berkeley was breathing
- Cover Artist
- Berkeley was breathing
- Editor
- IDW Editions
- Price
- 99.99
- Release date
- October 25, 2017
- Colorist
- Berkeley was breathing
2 The Far Side took comics to a whole new level
This series redefined single-panel comics.
The dark side was launched in 1980 and was immediately noticed by comic book readers for its innovative approach to comics. Political in nature, this eccentric comic book series featured single-panel strips that rarely featured recurring characters. Creator Gary Larson created some of the darkest moments in comics, with outrageous moments that stunned fans.
From farm animals to politicians, Larson was not afraid to joke about any subject in his strips. No subject was off limits. The crude humor and directness of these strips made them an instant hit with fans for decades. The dark side has continued to inspire countless comic book creators.
The dark side
Gary Larson The dark side is a single-panel comic strip known for its offbeat humor and unconventional approach to everyday life. Featuring bizarre situations, anthropomorphic animals, and eccentric characters, the strip delves into surreal and absurd scenarios that defy typical comic book norms. Often blending dark humor with insightful commentary, it explores a range of themes from science to society, making readers laugh and ponder the absurdities of existence.
- Writer
- Gary Larson
- Editor
- Universal Press Union
- Artist
- Gary Larson
1 Calvin & Hobbes is many people’s favorite series
Fans have been demanding his return since the series ended.
Even today, when asked what their favorite comic book is, many fans respond: Calvin and Hobbes. This beloved comic strip only lasted ten years before its creator Bill Watterson canceled it. The comic strip was popular when it debuted in 1985 and didn’t slow down until its sad end. The comic strip brought back the childlike wonder to comics and held a special place in the hearts of many readers for its ability to create excitement in simplicity.
Calvin and Hobbes definitely deserves the top spot on this list. Of all the popular comics that debuted in the 80s, Calvin and Hobbes was by far the most memorable and popular. The brand Calvin and Hobbes left in the comic book world will live on long after its cancellation, with many comic book fans still rereading the strips.
Calvin and Hobbes
From 1985 to 1995, Calvin and Hobbes had a legendary career in newspaper comic strips. Nearly 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 his versatile art style, sense of whimsy and imagination, and realistic characters, Calvin and Hobbes is undoubtedly one of the funniest and most intelligent comic strips of the 20th century.
- Writer
- Bill Watterson
- Editor
- Andrews McMeel Publishing
- Artist
- Bill Watterson