Webcomics that feature daily struggles truly speak to my heart, and they have even become something to share and talk about with friends, because they hit the nail on the head and so often come close to home.
Of course, if you follow webcomics online, there is a whole world beyond what we get to see on our little Instagram squares, but I do have a tendency to search for, and engage with, the more light and fun ones. Especially because, sometimes, they have depth — they are good at making light of heavy issues, without really denying or overlooking their seriousness. They use humour as a way to cope with life.
In a way, webcomics do make me feel like I am closer to so many other people I don’t even know. They make me feel seen.
In this list, you’ll find a few published books which have their genesis in webcomics. They’re proof of how so many things that start as something small can really grow beyond the creator’s best expectations, which is a win for readers!
Of course, the world of webcomics is an expansive one. Reading this post, you will find several well-known webcomics turned books missing, but this list contains just a selection of some of my favourites.
At the moment she has four published “Sarah’s Scribbles” collections: Adulthood Is A Myth, Big Mushy Happy Lump, Herding Cats, and Oddball. She is also the author of Fangs and Cryptid Club, two other comics series also available in book form.
Much of the merch of a uterus you see bouncing around the internet stems from these comics.
In her autobiographical comics, she recounts encounters she has with strangers and with work colleagues. She also shares about her relationship with her family, especially her husband and her mother.
She currently has three books out: Yes I am Hot In This, That Can Be Arranged, and Huda F Are You. They’re all equally hilarious.
Although Simpson is probably best known for Phoebe And Her Unicorn, her first comic strip was the webcomic Ozzy And Millie, and the second was I Drew This, both of which are also fantastic.
Catana Chetwynd started drawing the comics in 2016, after her boyfriend John suggested that she should make a comic about their relationship. The loving comics, portraying moments between the couple, seem to have struck a chord with readers, and they became super popular.
At the moment Chetwynd has published three books: Little Moments Of Love, Snug, and In Love & Pajamas. A fourth book is set to come out in October 2022, titled You Are Home.
The main character, Max, is a trans boy. But when his mother reveals he’s part of a lineage of Magical Girls, and that the destiny of the world is now in Max’s hands, things become a bit trickier.
Kao is also known for his fun web series, Mondo Mango, which are well worth getting to know as well.
For those who love a good comic about sports, Check, Please is a coming-of-age story, and it’s super fun!
The printing campaign for this webcomic is still one of the most funded webcomics Kickstarters ever.
Princess Amira rescues Princess Sadie from her tower prison, and as they take on a quest together, they realise that their differences are actually what makes them stronger together.
Amongst O’Neill’s works, you can find the well-known The Tea Dragon Society, which is also a gem.
Williams is also known for her webcomics Parenthood Activate!, and But What If Though. This last one was what actually propelled Living Heroes to come to life.
Unfortunately, the book is only available to purchase in digital format.
If you take a look at the comics available online, you’ll find more than just relatable pieces: you’ll find wisdom, and ways to deal with the little bumps on this road of life, especially those related to mental health.
I have a weird obsession with ghosts, so this is definitely one of my favourites, and I am so glad they are available in print form too.
There are two volumes out at the moment, but there’s a new one projected to come out next year.
A bit like Catana Comics mentioned above, this webcomic depicts the daily life of a couple, Maya and Yehuda. Since its start, they have published 5 volumes. With the birth of their two kids, they now also feature them in the stories.
If you are lucky enough to be able to read Dutch, you’ll see how the book follows the lines of its title: it talks about those little things we encounter as adults, with the conclusion that no one really knows what they’re doing, and we’re all learning as we go (and that’s okay).
The good news is: Marloes has a whole IG page almost entirely in English, including her comics. And on her website you can find a couple of very cool travel journals she has written and illustrated about Scotland and Cornwall, both in English.
Marloes talks a lot about life-work balance, and about following your heart, so it’s definitely worth following her comics and her newsletter.
If you’d like to read more about (web)comics, we have a whole archive waiting for you.
