Your Favorite Webcomics – Now in Print!
By Alain McAlister
Whether you’ve seen these comics on random corners of the internet, read them on platforms such as WEBTOON or Tapas, or been sent screenshots of them by friends and family, there’s nothing more satisfying than finally getting a physical copy of some of your favorite webcomics. They make great coffee table books or easy reads whenever you need a little lift to your spirit. I personally read a lot of comics online, and whenever I find one of my favorites I put it on a list of books to be looking for physical versions of. Once I have the physical copy, it goes on the bookshelf of honor where I can always pull them out and flip through the beautiful colors without any screen affects or glare. It’s the best.
The following books are a mix of relatable, slice of life reads and more narrative based stories. They’re all really lovely, and if you haven’t heard of them I’d highly recommend checking them out! They all have fun color choices and are really well written, with great character development and relationships.
Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle
If you’re anywhere on the internet right now, you’ve seen these comics. Pyle’s fun colored aliens reflect the absurdity of reality and the moments we share with each other everyday. With events such as “The Being Family Attains a Beast” and “Celebration of Special Days,” these rationally phrased comics can’t help but make you chuckle. With dozens of never-before-seen illustrations in addition to old favorites, this book offers a sweet and hilarious look at a distant world not all that unlike our own.
Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
This is easily the most popular series on WEBTOON right now. This Hades and Persephone reimagining puts the story in a modern day Olympus, where Peresophne is adjusting to the fast paced, glamorous city life while studying at University. When her roommate, Artemis, takes her to a party, her entire life changes: she ends up meeting Hades and feels an immediate spark with the charming yet misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. Persephone must navigate the confusing politics and relationships that rule Olympus, while also figuring out her own place–and her own power. I really love the art in this series, and it has really great sections that talk about healthy communication in self care and relationships.
Content Warning: Sexual assault
Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen
Known as “Sarah’s Scribbles” online, Sarah Andersen has been posting comics online since the dawn of Tumblr. These comics are loosely inspired by Sarah’s life, friends, and pets, and they reflect the sense of awkwardness and fear when you’re thrown into the world of being an adult in modern life. Topics range from the stress of dating and cleaning to being introverted and anxious, and sometimes the stories hit too close to home. But they are totally not autobiographical. At all. Don’t worry about it. Andersen is also the author of some of our other favorites, such as
Fangs, Oddball, and
Cryptid Club.
Always Human by Ari North
Looking for a sapphic sci-fi romance that reminds you that regardless of technology our relationships will always make us human? In the near-future, people use technology to give the illusion of all kinds of body modifications – but some people’s bodies reject these “mods”. Sunati is initially attracted to Austen because of what she assumes is Austen’s bravery and confidence to live life unmodded. When Sunati learns the truth, she’s still attracted to Austen and asks her on a date. Gradually, their relationship unfolds as they grow together. This is one of the first webcomics I ever read, and the beautiful color palette and gentle love story is so endearing and lovely to read over and over again.
What’s Up, Beanie? by Alina Tysoe
Hilariously eccentric and self-aware, Alina Tysoe, the pink-haired illustrator behind this wildly popular series, captures relatable topics like family, the awkward pains of social anxiety, sweet moments of love and a growing relationship, amusing childhood stories, and her intense love of dogs. Adorably drawn, these endearing snapshots of Alina’s life are surprisingly familiar, as if they’ve been taken from your own life: finding solace with a lone puppy at a crowded party, the frustration of deciding what to eat for dinner, making the mistake of hitting the snooze button, accidentally stepping on a dog’s foot and feeling like a MONSTER, and tons more! This series is also all over the internet, and I love following the artist on Instagram for snippets of their comics.
Heart Takes the Stage by Steenz
Local artist alert! This collection of comics can be read independently from page to page, while also unfolding into a larger narrative about Heart and her friends. Heart Lamarr is a girl with big dreams who lives in Philadelphia with her single mom. She has her sights set on a life of theater, but she runs into plenty of drama off-stage, too. Luckily, her best friends Dean, Kat, and Charlotte form a stellar supporting cast to help Heart navigate the challenging world of school plays, cliques, rumors, and everything else middle school throws at them. Steenz took over the story of
Heart of the City in 2020, making it into their own and diversifying the cast, and they post comics everyday. They truly have a skill for pacing and mastering four panel comics, which makes their work so enjoyable to read.
Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu
Looking for a queer romance similar to
Heartstoppper, but this time with hockey? Eric Bittle (aka Bitty) may be a former junior figure skating champion, vlogger extraordinaire, and very talented amateur pâtissier, but being a freshman on the Samwell University hockey team is a whole new challenge. It’s nothing like co-ed club hockey back in Georgia! Not only does he have to struggle to learn the rules of checking, but there’s also Jack, his very attractive but moody captain. Who doesn’t love a coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself?
Happy reading!
Your friend Alain
