10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (2025)

Life in Hell was a comic strip developed by The Simpsons' creator, Matt Groening. Running from 1977 to 2012, the comic featured a lot of complex themes and continued to engage audiences with its exploration of modern life in increasingly turbulent times. Syndicated by Copley News Service, it relied on a dark sense of humor.

RELATED: 10 Comic Strips Tropes That Aged Poorly

Some of the best strips from Life in Hell featured incredible jokes that innovate in difficult discussion areas. Formatted in a perfect square, Groening's distinct art style and story structure are ever-present in each of these installments. While his trademark wit shines through, the comic has taken on additional talented creators and writers to continue the vision.

10 Classroom Questions

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (1)

Life in Hell has a habit of speaking truth to authority. It often takes mundane scenarios to explore that premise further. In this comic strip, a classroom is used to make its point. Everyone who has spent time in a traditional schooling system will be well aware of the education structure in which kids are placed.

Here, the lead character is thinking about all the questions they'd like to ask, which breaks down the boundaries of schooling convention. Of course, the hilarious final gag is that they don't have the courage or position to share any of those thoughts. Instead, they are denied the opportunity to sharpen their pencil, a hilariously accurate reflection of what it was actually like at school, supporting the previous points.

9 Discussing Love

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (2)

Some of the funniest cartoon strip tropes revolve around themes of love. Love makes the world go round, after all, and Life in Hell often uses romance as a catalyst for a punchline. Here, the two characters discuss the many ways love can be interpreted.

It's a fantastic reflection on how everyone views love differently, but it doesn't necessarily mean any less. The joke that it's comparable to a tennis score allows for a very basic pun. But this inflicts all kinds of emotions; potential disappointment and yet the sharing of affection in an unexpected, jokey way.

8 Looking For Freedom

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (3)

It's common for younger generations to dream of an adult life constantly. A world where they are entirely free to do as they wish, no longer subjected to the whims of parents, teachers, and other authorities. But as this comic states, the grass isn't always greener on the other side.

RELATED:

The Life in Hell strip is so memorable because of its simplicity. It plays with two contrasting ideas: the want for freedom and the inability to do anything with it. With the lead character ending up back at home again, it also speaks to the limitations put on young people at this time period, as many cannot financially afford to make their way in the world.

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (4)

Occasionally, Matt Groening's worlds cross over, and Futurama makes a cameo in this simple but hilarious comic strip. The Life in Hell narrative is a simple way to promote the show, with the lead character suggesting that the cartoon series is a worthwhile reason to cheer up.

But interestingly, this is also a commentary on the power of pop culture. Movies, video games, comics, TV shows, music, novels, and other art forms have all been ways for audiences to connect emotionally. Stories can be life-changing, and while it's a little self-serving, this Life in Hell comic does speak to that idea.

6 Hell On Ice

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (5)

The greatest comic strips still published today don't always take risks. But Life in Hell consistently pushed the boundaries and even made fun of its format. The concept behind Hell On Ice speaks to the commercialization of franchises and properties that are taking over the world.

It pokes fun at the idea that the comic is being taken on tour, perhaps trivializing the important topics that it has previously discussed. Formatted like a flyer or poster, it takes the tropes of the marketing industry and reflects how art can be turned into a cynical money-making scheme.

5 How To Annoy Your Brother

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (6)

Sibling rivalries are a common trope in the comic strip genre, and this is an excellent entry into Life in Hell which reflects everyday life. The premise that a brother will attempt to annoy his younger sibling is turned on its head when the reverse effect occurs.

RELATED:

It's a great joke that portrays a realistic family dynamic but suggests that those pushing the buttons might actually be speaking for themselves. Clearly, the older brother is annoyed easier, but he is projecting onto his sibling, perhaps to gain some emotional control. For a simple joke, there's a lot of emotional complexity to it.

4 Feel The Love

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (7)

Even the cleverest comic strip characters can't always be used to make important societal statements. But the anthology style of Life in Hell and its ability to take risks allows comics like these to be designed. Breaking the usual format, the message of the strip is clear.

With the lead character sitting in a cell, surrounded by hearts, they are asked whether they feel the love. They likely don't since they have been imprisoned, with the inhumane treatment angering the prisoner. It's a commentary on when the tough use of the law is disguised as rehabilitation. Life in Hell suggests that love isn't being shown to those who could be reformed, despite the mirage that it is.

3 Questions About Monsters

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (8)

Life in Hell is a critical comic strip in the entertainment industry due to its connection to shows like Disenchantment, Futurama, and The Simpsons. It doesn't back down from joking about the industry as a whole, touching on the monster genre in particular.

The Simpsons, for example, has often taken the likes of sci-fi or fantasy and turned those narrative arcs on their head. Here, Life in Hell asks specific questions to deconstruct the monster genre. It's funny and forces the audience to think deeper about the absurdity of the movie category. Yet, the irony is not lost that the comic itself is just as absurd and entertaining, suggesting value can come in so many different forms and should not be belittled.

2 Detecting Stress

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (9)

The most adorable comic strip characters aren't often utilized to discuss mental health or stress. But Life in Hell takes the opportunity to depict what stress can feel like, using its unique art style to attempt to visualize the many stages.

Although it's presented in a comedic way, it does open up the conversation about how the reader is feeling. That's so important, and the final panel is a brilliant reflection of what it might feel like to be overwhelmed by everything simultaneously. The comic never jokes about the feeling of stress, but instead opens up the topic in an accessible way.

1 Stop That!

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (10)

Fun gags are still a part of Life in Hell, even if the comic occasionally strays into more serious territory. This comic is a classic example of a simple premise leading to a great joke that still makes an intriguing comment on adherence to societal behavior.

The lead character continues to ask its friend to stop floating, but after the continued refusal, the lead joins in instead. It's a witty rephrasing of the 'if you can't beat them, join them' mindset. But it also speaks to the idea that sometimes it's good to let go of any inhibitions and try something bizarre and fun.

NEXT: 15 Best Comic Strips Of All Time

10 Best Life In Hell Comic Strips Of All Time (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 6181

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.