GoComics.com - Search Form
  • Find Comics
    Trending Comics Political Cartoons Web Comics All Categories Popular Comics A-Z Comics by Title
  • Best Of
    Recommended Comics Comic Lists Blog
  • Shop
    Home Books Calendars Comic Prints Your Cart Checkout
  • GoComics.com - Search Form
  • Sign In
  • Free Trial
Comics Blog
  • Recommended Comics
  • Comic Lists
  • Blog
Advertisement

The 12 Most Popular Comic Strips of 2018

by Thea Voutiritsas
January 04, 2019 2019
Share
Share this - Copy link

2018 was a wild ride, especially here on GoComics. From our 'Shorts Shorts' Animation Contest to a slew of new creators, (and of course, we can't forget the near cosmic war the Nancy Reboot almost started), last year was nothing short of amazing.

To wrap it up, we've rounded up the top-performing comics across the site. Let's give them one last round of applause before launching into the new year. 

The Most Viewed Comic Strips of 2018

The most viewed strips of 2018 proved at least a few GoComics fans fall on the nostalgic side. The first-ever Calvin and Hobbes strip takes the cake, while the first Big Nate comic strip and the final Peanuts fall in line right behind it. 

 

1. The First Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

undefined

This classic comic from November of 1985 brought our beloved Calvin and his best friend Hobbes into the world. A delight for both children and adults, it's no wonder that the first-ever strip tops the list in 2018. There are many fine comics out there, but there will never be another Calvin and Hobbes, so let's have a wistful laugh and a sentimental sigh in honor of our first-place strip.

 

2.  The First Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce

undefined

Weighing in at 11 years old, four-and-a-half-feet tall, and the all-time record holder for detentions in school history, Big Nate has been charming fans with his genius jokes since 1991. Boy, how Nate has changed! In the GoComics blog, Pierce jokes about how the star of the strip has actually grown shorter (and a bit stubbier) over time. 

 

3. The Final Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz 

undefined

If ever there is an iconic comic strip, it's this one. Running from October of 1950 to February of 2000, Peanuts is arguably the longest story ever told by one human being. Filled with such lovable, relatable characters, Schulz's retirement was probably one of the most bittersweet goodbyes in cartoon history. No wonder the last day of Peanuts makes the list! So let's all scoop our broken hearts up off the floor and move on to the next group of fan favorites. 

 

The Most Liked Comics of 2018

While viewing a comic strip is one thing, it's a whole 'nother story to reach forward and click the "like" button when a strip makes you laugh. But we had a handful of comics this year that did just that. The sharp-witted Pearls Before Swine and ultra-relatable Breaking Cat News top the list, while the longtime favorite Calvin and Hobbes just makes the cut. 

 

1. Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis

undefined

At its heart, Pearls Before Swine is the comic strip tale of two friends: an arrogant Rat who thinks he knows it all, and a slow-witted Pig who doesn't know any better. Together, this pair offers caustic commentary on humanity's quest for the unattainable. Nominated in 2018 for a Ringo Award for "Best Comic Strip or Panel," it's no surprise that this cheeky strip earned more than a few likes this year. 

 

2. Breaking Cat News by Georgia Dunn

undefined

An endearing webcomic with a simple premise: "Cats reporting on news that matters to cats." Throughout 2018, this feline team of reporters dared to ask the hard-hitting questions about empty food bowls, house plants, vacuum cleaners, and all other domestic calamities. Creator Georgia Dunn bases the comic on her real cats, too. 

 

3. Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

undefined

Timeless and richly imaginative, Calvin and Hobbes earned quite a few likes this year as well — and not just the first strip. Whether you enjoyed their adventures as a child or met the duo in the newspaper as an adult, it's hard to resist spamming that "like" button for our dear Calvin and Hobbes.

 

The Most Commented Comics of 2018: 

These three comics were more than liked. They sparked a little conversation, too. Between Luann, Big Nate, and Breaking Cat News, it looks like it's day-to-day life that really gets us talking. Kudos to the top three commented comics! 

 

1. Luann by Greg Evans

undefined

Readers of all ages love Luann, a strip that brings to life the daily drama of being a young woman through Greg Evans' insightful humor and true-to-life characters. Chock-full of hilarity, drama, triumphs, and flops, it's almost impossible not to see a bit of yourself in Luann, no matter who you are. 

 

2. Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce

undefined

The relatable humor and misadventures of 11-year-old Nate Wright turn out to be a pretty great conversation piece. Inventive and mischevious, it's nearly impossible to bite your tongue when Nate gets caught up in his shenanigans. 

 

3. Breaking Cat News by Georgia Dunn

undefined

Cat owners came to play in the comments section of Breaking Cat News. From favorite places for napping to epic vacuum debacles, it seems like almost every single strip offers cat owners a chance to share a story about their own little feline friend. 

 

The Most Shared Comics of 2018

Sharing is caring, right? In 2018, there were three comics that stood out the most when it came to spreading the love. Pearls Before Swine topped the list of share-worthy comic strips, while Calvin and Hobbes and Non Sequitur followed closely behind. 

 

1. Pearls Before Swine by Stephen Pastis 

undefined

Between a cynical rat, slow-witted pig, and a sardonic sense of humor, even Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams can't help but laugh out loud at this sharp strip. Appearances from a philosophical goat, a homebody zebra, a couple of crocs, and the creator himself spice up the comic from time to time, too. 

 

2. Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

undefined

Looks like Calvin and Hobbes did pretty darn well in 2018! It's impressive considering the strip technically ended in 1995. However, it lives on through you, the devoted audience. For over 30 years, Calvin and Hobbes has been making us smile. And not to freak you out or anything, but Calvin should be close to 40 by now. 

 

3. Non Sequitur by Wiley Miller

undefined

Never boring, and always topical, Non Sequitur takes a wry look at the absurdities of our modern life. After receiving four National Cartoonist Society divisional awards and the 2013 Ruben Award for Cartoonist of the Year, it should come as no surprise that Miller's creative and clever comic makes the list of share-worthy strips. Tackling cultural issues across the board, Non Sequitur makes every day a little more laughable. 

 

Phew! We've made it through the 12 most popular comics of 2018! Give yourself a round of applause for sticking through it. And major props to all of our artists for another year of fun-filled panels. If you'd like to see your favorite comic make the list next year, be sure to spam that "like" button, troll the comments, and share the love to let us know what catches your eye. 


Today's Trending Comics

Family Tree

February 05, 2023

Diamond Lil

February 05, 2023

Advertisement

GC Blog

“Wallace the Brave” Cartoonist Launches Scavenger Hunt

“Wallace the Brave” Cartoonist Launches Scavenger Hunt

GoComics Team

January 30, 2023

Award-Winning Cartoonist Mike Peters Joins GoComics With "Mother Goose and Grimm"

Award-Winning Cartoonist Mike Peters Joins GoComics With "Mother Goose and Grimm"

GoComics Team

January 10, 2023

Advertisement

Top 5

Here's to Pending Friend Requests.

Here's to Pending Friend Requests.

The GoComics Team

April 22, 2019

It's April 15. Hope Your Tax Return Passes the Smell Test.

It's April 15. Hope Your Tax Return Passes the Smell Test.

The GoComics Team

April 15, 2019

Looks Can Be Deceiving in Today's Top 5

Looks Can Be Deceiving in Today's Top 5

The GoComics Team

April 07, 2019

Comic Collections

15 Cozy Comics to Hibernate With This Winter

15 Cozy Comics to Hibernate With This Winter

The GoComics Team

January 24, 2023

13 Office Humor Comics You Can Appreciate From Your Cubicle

13 Office Humor Comics You Can Appreciate From Your Cubicle

The GoComics Team

January 17, 2023

Laugh Your Way Into 2023 With 13 New Year's Eve Comics

Laugh Your Way Into 2023 With 13 New Year's Eve Comics

The GoComics Team

December 20, 2022

Comments

Featured Comment

Comment Policy
    1. 2694d1fb 2674 435f bfb6 9366d96649b2
      gn.  almost 4 years ago

      its “big nate by lincoln peirce”… not “big nate by lincoln pierce” XD

      Like
       •  Reply
      2
      1 reply
    Sign in to comment
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Find Comics
    • Trending
    • Political Cartoons
    • Web Comics
    • All Categories
    • Popular Comics
    • A-Z Comics by Title
    More GoComics
    • GoComics Blog
    • Visit TheFarSide.com
    • GC on Facebook
    • GC on Twitter
    • GC on Instagram
    • Shop
    Account
    • Free Trial
    • Sign in
    • Gift Premium
    • Redeem a Gift
    About
    • About GoComics
    • Help & FAQ
    • Comment Policy
    • Advertising
    • Contact Us

    © Copyright Andrews McMeel Universal 2023. All Rights Reserved. 

    Terms & Conditions  -  Privacy Policy  - 
    Do Not Sell My Info
    You must have an account to access this feature
    Sign in Sign up for free Free Trial
    Back To Top