Poor old comic sans, it’s the typeface that many designers love to hate. The comic sans font was designed in 1994 for Microsoft by typographer Vincent Connare with the intention of providing a casual style typeface reminiscent of comic book lettering. The problem with comic sans appears to be its overuse and misuse.
I wrote a post about comic sans two years ago called Friends Don’t Let Friends Use Comic Sans, also listing some nice free alternatives. Some people may have felt I was being a hater, so before anyone gets upset about comic sans getting a hard time and being hated a) that’s not my style (live and let live); and b) this post is purely about looking at some cool fonts for use in a comic book or cartoon style on the web or in print. If you’ve been using comic sans to create a “comic” style in your designs, you’re missing out on tons of interesting typefaces that do the job so much better.
So here we go, as always, check each individual font for licensing terms, but these are all free for personal work and many for commercial use too.
Shock Corridor has a nice retro feel about it.
Valium (by Valium)
Amazagoda by AmazingMax
Mufferaw is part of a family of 14 fonts by Typodermic Fonts. The regular style is free to download here.
Looking very Dilbert-esque, the Dilbert font consists of all uppercase letters.
The lovely Single Sleeve by Vic Fieger.
Indy Pimp by Teabeer Studios (they have quite a few comic book style fonts on their site, so it’s well worth checking out)
Suplexementary Comic is pretty close to the original comic sans but still has a marker-drawn quality about it.
What do you think of these fonts? Any that you particularly like or would use in a design project?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Comic Sans Alternatives
Why should I consider alternatives to Comic Sans?
Comic Sans, while popular, has been criticized for its overuse and inappropriate application in professional settings. It was originally designed for comic book-style speech bubbles, and its casual, playful style may not convey the right tone in formal documents or designs. Alternatives to Comic Sans offer a wider range of styles and tones, allowing you to choose a font that better suits your specific needs and audience.
What are some popular alternatives to Comic Sans?
There are many alternatives to Comic Sans that maintain its readability and friendly appeal, but offer a more refined and professional look. Some popular alternatives include Comic Neue, Chalkboard, and Comic Relief. Each of these fonts has its own unique characteristics and can be used in a variety of contexts.
How do I choose the right alternative to Comic Sans?
Choosing the right alternative to Comic Sans depends on your specific needs and the context in which the font will be used. Consider factors such as readability, tone, and style. For example, if you’re creating a document for a professional setting, you might choose a more formal, clean font. If you’re designing a children’s book, a playful, whimsical font might be more appropriate.
Where can I find these alternatives to Comic Sans?
Many alternatives to Comic Sans can be found online on font websites such as Google Fonts, Font Squirrel, and Adobe Fonts. These sites offer a wide range of fonts that are free to download and use. You can also purchase fonts from sites like MyFonts and Fonts.com.
Can I use these alternatives to Comic Sans for commercial purposes?
The usage rights for fonts can vary, so it’s important to check the license before using a font for commercial purposes. Many free fonts come with licenses that allow for commercial use, but some may require a fee or a purchase. Always read the license agreement carefully before using a font.
Are there any alternatives to Comic Sans that are specifically designed for accessibility?
Yes, there are several fonts designed with accessibility in mind that can serve as alternatives to Comic Sans. Fonts like OpenDyslexic and Dyslexie are designed to increase readability for users with dyslexia. Other fonts, like Atkinson Hyperlegible, are designed to improve readability for users with low vision.
How do I install these alternatives to Comic Sans on my computer?
Installing a new font on your computer is typically a straightforward process. After downloading the font file, you can usually install it by double-clicking the file and then clicking “Install”. The exact process can vary depending on your operating system.
Can I use these alternatives to Comic Sans in my word processor or design software?
Most word processors and design software should be able to use any font installed on your computer. Once you’ve installed the font, it should appear in the font list in your software. If it doesn’t, you may need to restart your software or your computer.
Are there any alternatives to Comic Sans that are suitable for web design?
Many alternatives to Comic Sans are suitable for web design. Web-friendly fonts are typically available in formats like WOFF or WOFF2, and can be used with CSS @font-face rules. Google Fonts is a great resource for web-friendly fonts.
Can I create my own alternative to Comic Sans?
Yes, creating your own font is certainly possible if you have the right software and skills. Software like FontForge and Glyphs allows you to design and create your own fonts. However, font design is a complex process that requires a good understanding of typography, so it may not be suitable for everyone.
Jennifer Farley is a designer, illustrator and design instructor based in Ireland. She writes about design and illustration on her blog at Laughing Lion Design.
