Where to Find the Best Comics on the Web

Synesthesian got you webcomics for (late) Christmas! –Sparkitors

When people think of comics, they probably picture either Marvel and DC or the Sunday funnies. But there's a whole world of comics out there, and it goes way beyond superheroes. I’ve gathered a list of some of my favorite comics, all of which share a nice perk: They can be read online. Whether you want a consistent story or something more episodic, one of these comics is for you!

Shrub Monkeys
Genre/rating/status: Humor, biographical/PG/Updated irregularly

Shrub Monkeys follows the life and imagination of artist Katie, her brother Shagster, and her sister Hes Bell (names have, clearly, been changed). Sometimes based on actual events, sometimes purely ridiculous, Shrub Monkeys never ceases to live up to its motto: "10% fact, 100% fiction!"
Perfect for: Someone who appreciates super out-there humor. Steer clear if you like it realistic!

Awkward Zombie
Genre/rating/status: Humor, biographical, video games/PG/Updated irregularly

Occasionally AZ details anecdotes from the artist’s life, but more frequently it deals with video game worlds. Through the lens of this comic, we see how completely absurd these worlds and their rules really are.
Perfect for: Any video-game buff!

Johnny Wander
Genre/rating/status: Humor, biographical/G/Updated Tuesdays and Thursdays

Johnny Wander follows the adventures and everyday life of comic couple Yuko and Ananth. Occasionally they’ll also do fun, original short stories.
Perfect for: Reading with the whole family, reading at school. Johnny Wander is one of the cleanest webcomics I’ve come across.

Hanna is not a boy's name
Genre/rating/status: Paranormal, adventure, humor/PG-13/Currently on hiatus

Though paranormal detective Hanna Falk Cross may have the name of a girl and the face of a tween, he’s a full-grown man, and he's ready to charge headfirst into paranormal trouble. Whether he’ll do anything but cause more damage is another story. With his loyal sidekick and narrator, a zombie with no memory of his human life, Cross gets into all kinds of supernatural trouble.
Perfect for: Graphic designers and anyone interested in being a comics illustrator. I've never seen better layout or bolder design in a comic

Lackadaisy
Genre/rating/status: Historical fiction, action/PG-13/Updated irregularly

Set in Prohibition-era St. Louis, this comic follows a cast of bootleggers struggling to keep the Lackadaisy speakeasy afloat after its proprietor, Atlas May, is killed. A former hitman, adventurous fiddle player, and nice guy-turned-gin runner are among the cast of characters—who also happen to be anthropomorphic cats.
Perfect for: Full of historical fun facts, this is definitely one for the history buffs, or anyone who loves the twenties.

ElfQuest
Genre/rating/status: Fantasy, adventure, romance/PG-13/Completed

ElfQuest is different from all the others in that it's complete . Originally written in 1978, ElfQuest sold millions of copies and was hailed by the American Library Association as "One of the most important works in American fantasy." It follows a band of forest-dwelling elves trying to find a place to live after they’re driven from their home by humans. Unlike many elves in fantasy stories, these elves are short and compact, eat meat raw, and have few magical powers. The main band of elves, the Wolfriders, even have wolf blood in them. The characters have real flaws and real struggles, whether they’re acting out of anger or unable to have children. Charming, thought provoking, and often funny, ElfQuest is definitely one to check out.
Perfect for: Any fan of fantasy and fabulous artwork who is willing to overlook the fact that the first few issues are a little cheesy and over the top. I have a very special place in my heart for this comic, considering that I spent significant portions of my childhood pretending to be one of the Wolfriders.

What's your favorite webcomic?

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