Comments on: Comic Sans had noble beginnings

By: Veronica

Veronica — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:41:34 +0000

Paul, thank goodness! I’m glad everything worked out in the end! Close one, though.

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:20:23 +0000

it’s funny, when my fiance’ and i were typing up return labels for our wedding she kinda wanted to use comic sans. i had to explain to her all of the ways that would be a deal breaker.

we’re back on track after that little scare.

By: I am Human » Blog Archive » Before I head home

I am Human » Blog Archive » Before I head home — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:19:25 +0000

[...] A nice bit on the orgin of Comic Sans http://www.veronicabelmont.com/2009/05/comic-sans-had-noble-beginnings/ [...]

By: Caio

Caio — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:35:06 +0000

Like some people who commented here, I also like Comic Sans, and I don’t see the point on people hating it so much. I mean, I think it fits in Instant Messengers for example, it’s very casual, and “weightless”… I just don’t enjoy seeing it ‘everywhere, and in everyone s IM’s, I think people should have their own ‘font-dentity’, heh. I get pissed because I’ve used it for more than 8 years, and then suddenly EVERYONE uses it!

By: Dave Knight

Dave Knight — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:15:37 +0000

I’ve always liked comic sans and have used it a few times. I think there are a lot worse font designs out there.

By: tucoegry

tucoegry — Sun, 10 May 2009 10:33:23 +0000

The problem about Comic Sans is: Most of graphic designs done by non-educated so called designers use that font. Therefore, next time you see Comic Sans anywhere, it’d be probably designed by your neighbor’s cousin’s 11 year old nephew.

By: Ricardo

Ricardo — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:29:25 +0000

Well, it might be a matter of taste, but I do loathe Comic Sans.
I studied typography in college and have a deep love for that. I also loved comics for a long time, and for me Comic Sans doesn’t seem to fit anywhere.
It doesn’t look much like a comic book font either. Sure, it does look more than many, but still doesn’t look like something made for comic books, way back when all comics were hand lettered.
If you pick one by Blambot or by Comicraft, you’ll certainly see that they got much more of a comic flare than Comic Sans.

Comic Sans might’ve been a good alternative for people intending to do webcomics or even “indie” comics (the printed kind), but that was before people could find some free comic-book-like fonts. I was into it many years ago, and “professionally-looking” comic book fonts were really way over my budget.

My distaste never actually let me analyze the font that much. Even now, in all sincerity, I think it would be a waste of time. Though I’m a bit curious, and would look an analysis if somebody did it.

With Comic Sans I understand (well, kinda!) why people don’t like Arial (typographers, mainly) or Times.
I like them, though!

By: GadgetNut

GadgetNut — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:09:59 +0000

I don’t dislike or loathe Comic Sans.

I do, however, loathe my own handwriting. Typically, if I have to make a note for someone, and it’s any longer than a phone number and a couple of words, I put it in notepad, in Comic Sans as it looks more casual, and handwritten, or what I wish my handwriting really was.

Of course I use Arial in an environment where most folks use Times New Roman, and I *do* hate Times New Roman.. I’m a corporate maverick. But that’s a different thread, I suppose.

Thanks for the history lesson.

By: Jay August

Jay August — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:15:16 +0000

I knew where it came from, but I still hate it Comic Sans MS is by far the most ugly font ever created in a commercial environment…

By: Nelson

Nelson — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:37:37 +0000

Interesting. I had no idea that is where it came from. I’m one of those folks who actually like it pretty well. I find it easy on my eyes and therefore easier to read. But that’s just me.
Thanks for this tidbit!
Pax,
Nelson

By: david

david — Tue, 05 May 2009 18:53:34 +0000

Got a place reserved in my heart for the font. Drew a comic book for my college admissions essay and did the lettering in comics sans. Eight months later, I was matriculated. Coincidence?

By: EmilyGrae

EmilyGrae — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:20:15 +0000

One must consider though, that as is often the case, you can pay a little more and get a lot better…
http://www.comicbookfonts.com
So sure, the over use of comic sans is still distressing, but if you’ve got a few bucks go ahead and get a better one!

By: Wardell

Wardell — Tue, 05 May 2009 08:42:36 +0000

It’s probably not the best font but I don’t take personal offense to it like a lot of people seem to do, I think it just became overly used and abused because it was the only decorative font pre-installed on pc’s.

By: Sparky

Sparky — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:49:07 +0000

@Veronica: Whilst fonts do have their ‘place’, I think comic sans has out-lived itself. If indeed it was borne out of Microsoft Bob, then it’s time it was retired. Just as we no longer see the lettering that was once so prolific in 1920′s France, styles change, evolve, and disappear.
I’d be happy for it to make a ‘come back’ in ten years time – provided it had changed a little.

By: Daniel Falcón

Daniel Falcón — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:08:05 +0000

This post just remind us that “Watchmen” and “The dark knight returns” are awesome…

By: Veronica

Veronica — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:18:42 +0000

@Casey and @Mathew – I would actually love to see someone write their thesis on this loathing of Comic Sans. Personally, I just think it’s one of the most abused fonts. There’s a time and a place for it, of course, but fonts can speak almost as loudly as the words they are writing.

By: Casey

Casey — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:52:18 +0000

I have yet to hear, specifically, what is wrong with Comic Sans. All I ever hear is “those who know typography” hate it. Fine, but WHAT do they hate? Could someone please point me towards a technical article, written by an expert, that describes what is wrong? All I can find are stories written by poseurs (not you, V). Thanks!

By: Mathew Sanders

Mathew Sanders — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:50:20 +0000

I’ve never understood why so many people have a Comic Sans revulsion.

As with many fonts, it’s been mis-used and abused, but I think that in the right context it’s a perfectly fine choice.

By: Jackson West

Jackson West — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:12:00 +0000

I should have suspected that it was somehow related to the Bob project — in other words, the same project that gave the world “Clippy.” The abominations never end.

By: Toshio

Toshio — Mon, 04 May 2009 23:48:41 +0000

We learn something new everyday. Thanks V for the Comic Sans font tidbit!