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.
This post is 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
What are some good alternatives to Comic Sans?
There are several alternatives to Comic Sans that offer a similar playful and informal feel without the negative connotations often associated with Comic Sans. Some of these include Comic Neue, which is a more refined version of Comic Sans, and Chalkduster, which has a hand-drawn feel. Other options include Patrick Hand, Indie Flower, and Architects Daughter, all of which are available on Google Fonts.
Why is Comic Sans often criticized?
Comic Sans is often criticized for its overuse and inappropriate use in professional or formal contexts. It was originally designed for comic book-style speech bubbles, so it can look out of place in other settings. Its design is also seen as childish or unprofessional by some people.
How can I choose the right font for my project?
Choosing the right font depends on the context and purpose of your project. Consider the tone you want to convey – for example, a formal document might require a more traditional serif font, while a children’s book might benefit from a more playful, handwritten-style font. Also consider readability, especially for longer texts.
Can I use Comic Sans for my business logo?
While you can technically use any font for your business logo, it’s important to consider the message you want to convey. Comic Sans is often associated with informality and playfulness, which may not be suitable for all businesses. It’s also widely used, so your logo might not stand out as much.
What is the difference between Comic Sans and Comic Neue?
Comic Neue is a redesign of Comic Sans that aims to address some of the criticisms of the original. It has a more refined and professional look, with less exaggerated letter shapes, but still retains a playful and informal feel.
Are there any free alternatives to Comic Sans?
Yes, there are many free alternatives to Comic Sans available. Google Fonts is a great resource for free fonts, and includes options like Patrick Hand, Indie Flower, and Architects Daughter. Other free font websites like Dafont also offer a wide range of options.
How can I install a new font on my computer?
To install a new font on your computer, you’ll first need to download the font file, usually in .ttf or .otf format. Then, open your computer’s font folder and drag the file into it. The exact process may vary depending on your operating system.
Can I use these Comic Sans alternatives in Microsoft Word?
Yes, once you’ve installed a new font on your computer, it should be available in all programs that use system fonts, including Microsoft Word. Just select the font from the dropdown menu in the toolbar.
Why should I consider using a different font than Comic Sans?
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with Comic Sans, its overuse and association with unprofessional design can potentially detract from your message. Using a less common, but similarly playful font can help your design stand out and look more professional.
What are some tips for using fonts effectively in my designs?
Some tips for using fonts effectively include considering the context and tone of your project, pairing fonts that complement each other, and ensuring readability. Also, remember that less is often more when it comes to fonts – using too many different fonts can make your design look cluttered and confusing.
Jennifer FarleyJennifer Farley is a designer, illustrator and design instructor based in Ireland. She writes about design and illustration on her blog at Laughing Lion Design.
