(Re-posted from Notes from Katia — Originally Posted on April 12, 2011)
Ben, by Daniel Shelton
Sample strips: (from http://comics.com/ben)
This comic is Canadian, and has been going since at least 2002. It can be found updated daily at http://www.bencomicstrip.com/ and http://comics.com/ben.
It features main characters Ben and Olivia Hatley (who are retirees), as well as their dog Max, their daughter Patty, their son-in-law Nathan, and their school-aged grandchildren: Nicholas, Michael, Alec, and Mia. The latter family is based somewhat on the cartoonist’s own family.
It’s a lot of fun, some tears, and mostly based on daily hijinks. The cast sort of feel like relatives or neighbours — very relatable. Also, one doesn’t really have to follow a storyline, although their are the occasional plot threads. While some of them discuss technology, a lot of the strips are timeless — kids and a dog playing in leaves, for example. It’s also not shy to touch on serious issues in as humourous a way possible. Themes are revisited, such as seasons, gardening, marriage, etc.
All in all, I really love this strip. It is funny, quirky, and endearing. Everyone is rather lovable.
