The Badge Archive

Solo Comparing Comics

Activity Description: Solo scouts compare older and modern comics to explore how humor, characters, and storytelling have changed over time using a worksheet.

*Inspired by an activity choice in the GSUSA 1980s program for Across Generations

Info Needed: Explore how comics are created and understood by looking closely at characters, emotions, and storytelling techniques used in comic strips.

Laughter is something people have always loved, but the way we laugh changes over time! In this activity, you’ll explore how jokes, cartoons, and comic book characters have changed in the past 20 or 30 years. Are they still silly in the same way? Or do people laugh at different things now?

Your local librarian can help you find older comics, newspapers, or cartoons. Then you’ll compare them with ones that make you laugh today. Get ready to be surprised… and maybe even giggle a little.

Cartoon & Comic Exploration Worksheet:

Step 1: Find Old Funny Stuff
Use the list below, or ask your librarian to help you find:

  • Comic strips from the 1990s or early 2000s
  • Funny books or cartoons from long ago
  • Magazines or old newspapers with “the funnies”

Write down what you looked at:

  • Titles: __________________________
  • When they were published: __________________________

Step 2: Find Today’s Funny Stuff
Look in your local newspaper or your favorite comic book. You can also use USA Today which has the recent comics posted online.

Write down what you looked at:

  • Titles: __________________________
  • When they were published: __________________________

Step 3: Compare and Reflect
What’s different?
☐ The art or drawing style
☐ The kind of jokes or humor
☐ The characters or topics
☐ How long the stories are

What’s the same?
☐ People still like silly jokes
☐ Characters have wild adventures
☐ There’s friendship and fun
☐ Visual storytelling (pictures + words)

Past Resources

Past Comic Strips
From the 1990s or Early 2000s

  • Calvin and Hobbes – A boy and his tiger explore imagination and mischief
  • Peanuts – Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and friends with gentle humor and heart
  • Garfield – A lazy cat with a love for lasagna and sarcasm
  • Foxtrot – A funny family with geeky kids and relatable school humor
  • Luann – A middle schooler navigating friendships and growing up
  • Pickles – A retired couple with silly grandparent jokes

See GoComics Archive for online access to classic strips like Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, and more. Or Visit the Library of Congress Comic section.

Funny Past Books or Cartoons

  • The Magic School Bus (books and cartoons) – Science meets silly adventures
  • Amelia Bedelia – A literal-minded housekeeper who misunderstands everything
  • Captain Underpants – Goofy superhero antics and comic-style storytelling
  • The Berenstain Bears – Family humor with gentle lessons

Past Magazines or Old Newspapers

Tia Kennard