5 Outrageous Web Comics

The Internet is chock-full of entertaining diversions. Nothing does it for me like finding talent in very unexpected places and web sites, such as online comics. Certain comics on the Internet do have continuing stories and are more or less like reading a true comic book from your desktop. Others are very quick strips without a trace of seriousness or class. The ones I enjoy are the latter, both because there are some truly tasteless taboos addressed and because I would rather laugh then depress myself with sad stories. If you have not taken any time to discover humorous online comics, here are some beginning recommendations for outrageous, updated, and consistently funny ones to enjoy.

1. Explosm.net
This web comic has it all: simple stick-figure style juxtaposed with sharp, crude punch-lines and recurring characters (e.g., LolFag Man). The comic is updated every day of the week and while certain jokes do make their rounds, there is usually no shortage of new material. The jokes really don't stay fixated on any one topic and generally are not meant to lampoon modern life in any way. Explosm comics amount to simple "R" rated gags and hilarity, and truly are a terrific pick-me-up if your day starts off on a sour note. If you need a quick comedy fix, and don't mind being shocked by what the writers make these stick figures say, pose, and do, visit www.explosm.net.

2. CtrlAltDel-Online.com
Tim Buckley several years ago created a comic strip about a cast of characters who live lives revolved around video games. Unlike other simple comics, the art is of a higher quality. There are well-executed story arcs and allusions to earlier strips, and you can relate to what many of the characters talk about. The strip is aimed at people who enjoy games, as most jokes involve the main cast arguing or commenting on gaming culture or pop culture in some way. Still, for those who enjoy more story telling and care put into what entertains them, www.ctrlaltdel-online.com will fill that void nicely. The comic site is updated on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for your viewing pleasure.

3. Penny-Arcade.com
Much like the above recommendation, Penny Arcade takes more risks when commenting on gaming life and releases. There is a smaller cast of characters, usually two guys, but the art and stories are colorful and presented well. This strip has undergone a myriad of changes and resurrections over the years, yet is still very well done and entertaining, as all comics should be. Visit www.penny-arcade.com for updated comics several times a week.

4. PBFComics.com
Backing away from gaming comics, this pick is in lieu of Explosm. The Perry Bible Fellowship is entirely made by one man, yet his comics run a gamut of styles and topics. There is no shortage of shocking material, including images and language in these strips. Not as tasteless as Explosm, however, are the visual jokes. Many of these strips are funny because no words are present; the images tell the tale. The site tends to update once a week and are quick to read and laugh at. This truly is a unique comic, be it online or otherwise, and should not be missed by those seeking entertainment. The website is www.pbfcomics.com.

5. SMBC-Comics.com
Here is a comic that is like Gary Larson's Farside with no editors telling him what not to write or draw. Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal Comics are updated daily and are usually always one-panel affairs. The focus is on people and taboo subjects, often with little class, but never fail to be memorable. The people in the strips face moral choices, have weird "Eureka!" moments, and work with relationships. There are no recurring jokes or characters - each comic is purely its own little story and punchline. There is occasional language and sexual talk within the comics but the humor is so Monty Python-esque most anyone can enjoy it. This is undoubtedbly my favorite online comic, and deserves more views at www.smbc-comics.com.

Those are my recommendations for those seeking laughter every day on the web through comic strips. There are hundreds of talented web comic sites to discover, but start with these five for inspiration.