1. xkcd:“A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math and language” is the slogan of xkcd, a webcomic series created by former NASA employee Randall Munroe. Munroe’s series is set apart from its competition by the intellectual nature and diversity of its content. Comic themes include complex math problems, college majors, political issues and relationship hijinx– all portrayed with stick figure characters.
2. The Oatmeal: You may know Matthew Inman’s name because of his recent legal battles and charity involvement, but he was first popularly known as “The Oatmeal,” author of the webcomic by the same name. The Oatmeal started with humorous illustrations on the usage of proper grammar, but the comic now tackles other topics such as satire, social norms and sociopathic cats in business suits. The Oatmeal’s artistic style is bright, child-like and fun to read.
3.Order of the Stick: Based off of the popular tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons, Order of the Stick is as much a parody of the game as it is an homage to it. Characters constantly break the fourth wall, and insert plenty of inside jokes that would appeal to longtime fans of the game. Rendered in stylized stick-figure art by creator Rich Burlew, this humourous episodic strip contains a deceptively involving story with developing characters. Content is suitable for most readers. (http://www.giantitp.com/Comics.html)
4.Questionable Content: The story of twenty-something, unfocused student Martin, his friends Faye and Dora, and a cast of colorful characters that surround their lives. Part drama, part comedy, Questionable Content contains an abundance of cultural references from videogames to independent music. Well over 2000 installments, artist Jeph Jacques produces regular strips Monday through Friday with little interruption. Jacques’ style continues to evolve over time, as is evidenced by the early strips in his archives. Content is often mature, but not gratuitous. (http://www.questionablecontent.net/)
5. Penny Arcade: Perhaps no webcomic has achieved the level of success as Penny Arcade, a webcomic that has lasted for well over a decade, with their own video game adaptations and even the PAX conventions as testament. Started in 1998, written by Jerry Holkins, illustrated by Mike Krahulik, Penny Arcade is a major voice in the video game community, and geek culture at large. Characters Tycho and Gabe act as a vehicle for commentary on these subjects, often extending to the whole of society. Updated three times a week, Penny Arcade follows a simple formula of a three-panel comic strip with a punchline at the end. Content often includes mature language and occasionally cartoon violence. (http://www.penny-arcade.com/)
