Best family comic strips A Pickles Comic Review

If you’re searching for the best family comic strips, look no further than the iconic “Pickles.” In this review, we dig into why this comic strip perfectly captures the laughter, chaos, and love of real family life. Spoiler: It’s not just about grumpy grandparents—there’s wisdom (and plenty of marshmallows) in every panel.

Meet the Cartoonist: Brian Crane

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the genius behind the laughs. Brian Crane, creator of “Pickles,” has been brightening up newspaper pages (and your daily coffee breaks) since 1990. He’s won multiple awards, including the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award for Best Newspaper Comic Strip, and was even honored with the prestigious Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year. Crane’s signature style? Wholesome, expressive artwork with sharp, relatable humor. “Pickles” is all about the quirks of family, especially the charming duo Earl and Opal Pickles, their daughter Sylvia, and a wise-beyond-his-years grandson, Nelson. If your family has ever bickered over laundry or debated leftover gravy, you’ll see yourself in his comics.

1. The Nap Olympics

“Anticipation is half of the joy!”
Earl isn’t just a napper—he’s a strategic nap planner. You know you’ve mastered retirement when you’re prepping for tomorrow’s nap before today’s even over.

2. Getting Ready for Takeoff

“Especially if you squint a bit.”
The eternal mystery: why does it take Grandma hours to get ready? Grandpa’s take? Everyone is beautiful—some just require a little more…squinting.

3. Pants Problems

“I never noticed it.”
We’ve all had that “oops, inside-out pants” moment. Earl just never noticed, which honestly checks out for most dads and grandpas.

4. Smartwatch Shame

“It wants me to get out of my chair and move around. I get the feeling it’s disappointed in me.”
Proof technology and retirees don’t always mix. Earl’s smartwatch has higher expectations for him than anyone else in his life.

5. Peanut Butter Predicaments

“As soon as I get my hand unstuck from this dang candy jar.”
The dog gets his head stuck in the peanut butter jar, and Earl gets his hand stuck in the candy jar. It’s a family thing.

6. Spinach Dip for Dinner

“Maybe I could use a little help.”
Earl’s idea of a meal: marshmallows and spinach dip. Sometimes Opal’s patience is the only thing keeping this family alive.

7. Art Criticism 101

“Is that why you sweep and vacuum so much?”
Nelson learns about “thick skin” and why Grandma’s floors are so clean: it’s where she sweeps all the mean comments about her art.

8. Inspiration Strikes

“You asked for it, you got it.”
Opal’s waiting for inspiration to strike. Earl delivers—with a fly swatter. Sometimes the muse buzzes.

9. Lobster Dad

“I go from snow white to lobster in sixty seconds.”
Every family has that one person who can’t handle the sun. In Pickles-land, it’s Earl. SPF 500, please.

10. Fast Burner, Slow Learner

“I’m a slow learner and a fast burner.”
Earl strolls around sunburnt, earning Opal’s disapproval (and a laugh from the dog).

11. Decluttering Dilemma

“Why are you looking at me?!”
Opal wants to get rid of clutter—and apparently, Earl’s on the shortlist. It’s called “downsizing,” dear.

12. Culinary Color Theory

“Hand me that candy dish and I’ll sprinkle some M&M’s over the top.”
Earl’s dinner might be bland, but his solution (adding M&M’s) is…colorful.

13. Rock Solid Fun

“That’s probably the most fun that rock has had in at least a thousand years!”
Earl turns a lesson in geology into a masterclass in goofiness. Nelson: confused, but entertained.

14. What’s the Point?

“Someone’s got to spoil our grandson.”
Existential crisis? Solved with cookies for the grandkid. Parenting (and grandparenting) win.

15. The Secret to Aging

“It’s just the years between ten and seventy that are hard.”
Both youth and age are great; it’s adulthood that’s the real struggle. Preach, Grandpa.

16. Towel Mix-Up

“If you don’t know the question, ask it.”
Earl folds laundry, puts towels in the wrong place, and invents a new kind of communication breakdown.

17. Dog Logic

“A dog with a peanut butter jar stuck on his head is saying ‘I should not be allowed to reproduce.’”
Dog training, Pickles-style. Learn from the best (or at least, the funniest).

18. Neighborhood Fame

“Mrs. Crabtree down the street whistled at me and lost her dentures.”
Earl’s shirtless strolls cause chaos. The neighbors may never recover.

19. The Icing on the Cake

“I guess that would’ve been the icing on the cake.”
Earl eats cake before it’s frosted, proving sometimes you just can’t wait for perfection.

20. Grandpa’s Battle Scars

“That might explain a lot about Grampa.”
Nelson learns that Grandpa’s head dents and scars are from a lifetime of minor disasters—and each one comes with a story (and a warning).

Why “Pickles” Deserves Its Place Among the Best Family Comic Strips

“Pickles” is more than just a comic—it’s a hilarious, heartfelt mirror of real family life. From classic grandparent wisdom to everyday mishaps, Brian Crane’s strip blends humor and heart with perfect timing. It’s no wonder this is considered one of the best family comic strips—because every reader can see a bit of their own family inside these panels.

Credit to the Artist

All comics featured in this article are the brilliant work of Brian Crane, creator of “Pickles.” His ability to capture the subtle, silly, and sweet moments of family life is unmatched. For more delightful comics, visit the official Pickles website, follow Pickles on Facebook, and check out their Instagram profile.

If you want more laughs and great comics, be sure to visit Boredcomics.com for a daily dose of humor!