Buzz
A 'Furry' comic is defined by its use of anthropomorphic characters—humanoid animals—and is beloved by those who identify as 'Furry' or simply appreciate stories featuring anthropomorphic creatures. Due to its unconventional subject matter, many furry comics struggle to gain widespread recognition and are often dismissed by mainstream audiences (although some, like the #1 comic on this list, have achieved significant success). After years of reading and reviewing countless furry comics, I've compiled what I consider to be the top ten of all time.
10. Omaha Cat Dancer
One of the earliest and most influential long-running furry comics, Omaha Cat Dancer debuted in the late 70s and continued into the 80s, following the life of Omaha, an exotic dancer, and her circle of friends. It was groundbreaking in many ways, being the first furry comic to deviate from a cartoony, child-friendly approach. The comic tackled mature themes such as drug use, LGBTQ+ issues, divorce, and other controversial topics without hesitation. Omaha had a remarkable run for an independent comic and even featured a theme song, 'Dance My Tail Off,' written and performed by creator Reed Waller's band. This song was sold as a limited-edition vinyl record bundled with one of the comic issues. These vinyl records have become rare collector's items, fetching high prices on eBay.
9. Shanda the Panda
Widely recognized as the "spiritual successor" to Omaha, Shanda the Panda shares several common traits, including mature themes and a focus on real-life experiences. There was even a planned crossover between the two comics, though it was never published. The narrative revolves around Shanda Bruin, a movie theater manager, and the personal stories of her and her team, each with their own rich backgrounds. Among the characters are hippie rabbits, Jewish moths, and lesbian crickets. Shanda has gained popularity because it's a grounded, relatable story about love and life rather than an escapist fantasy. Originally illustrated by Mike Sagaria, the artwork was later taken over by renowned furry artists Michelle Light, Terrie Smith, and Christina 'Smudge' Hansen. The comic continues today, having reached its 50th issue.
8. Albedo Anthropomorphics
In the early 1980s, Albedo emerged as an 'anthology' comic, featuring a collection of short stories from various artists and writers. While many of Albedo's stories are unforgettable, including the iconic first appearance of Usagi Yojimbo, the true standout is its flagship tale, 'Erma Felna EDF.' This story blends furry, cartoonish characters with hard sci-fi elements, focusing on Erma Felna, a feline commander in the EDF. The narrative delves into her struggles with corrupt politicians, rebel factions, government cover-ups, and the personal challenges of being a divorced single mother. The story is compelling, but the artwork, which is stunning even without a narrative, truly shines. Steve Galachi’s exquisite watercolor techniques, honed through traditional fine arts training, ensure each page is a visual treat.
7. Havoc INC
Another hard sci-fi adventure, Havoc INC introduces the 'Comedy space opera' genre to the anthropomorphic world. Part of a larger series (which includes 'Midnight Sonata' and 'Crime +'), this six-issue comic follows the misadventures of Chris Deck and Chester the Ringtail, a couple who run an interstellar cargo business specializing in hazardous shipments. Despite being recognized as a popular gay comic, with the two protagonists in a romantic relationship, I personally found this subplot didn’t detract from the engaging story. The artwork by Terrie Smith is a major highlight—her skillful expressions and depiction of space-age technology capture the essence of 1950s serials, complete with gleaming rockets and retro ray guns. While the series was sporadically printed, it’s uncertain whether it’s still available. According to a website last updated six years ago, a new issue is 'on the way.'
6. Katmandu
The storyline of Katmandu is an intricate web of complexity and originality, making it nearly impossible to summarize, but I'll do my best. The comic centers on Leahtra and Thorin, a married couple living in an alternate world inhabited by feline-like humans. Each issue features Leahtra telling her children stories about her ancestor, Liska Mitsa el Aman, who lived 200 years earlier in a world inspired by Native American legends and folklore. While this may seem like a neat summary, it's far from it. The narrative is sprawling, and though it’s presented in small, digestible segments, it leaves you with the sense that there’s much more beneath the surface. The two timelines—the present and the past—intertwine seamlessly. The artwork is contributed by several talented artists, with Shawntae Howard and the legendary Terrie Smith being two of the most notable.
5. Sabrina Online
Sabrina Online stands out as the only free online webcomic to make the list, though it has since been collected into online volumes. Created by cartoonist Eric Schwartz, the comic features the quirky adventures of Sabrina, a nerdy but endearing skunk girl, and her roommate Amy, a squirrel. The three-panel strips are filled with classic nerd humor, covering everything from gaming, like playing Quake, to the quirks of online dating.
4. Extinctioners
Blending classic superhero vibes with a unique furry twist, Extinctioners stands out with its vibrant artwork by Shawntae Howard. Set in a world where anthropomorphic superheroes protect their realm from alien invaders who are, unexpectedly, human beings, this comic offers a thrilling, nostalgic read for fans of Silver and Bronze Age comics, particularly the X-men.
Despite its engaging premise, the comic's release schedule has often been erratic, sometimes with months between issues. With a recent publisher change, it's uncertain if the series is still ongoing. However, it’s definitely worth seeking out rare back issues, such as the digitally colored first and second issues, and the elusive Extinctioner annuals. These annuals feature fan-driven art and stories, plus a unique 'Soundtrack' CD with techno tracks and a wealth of concept artwork. While hard to find, the artwork alone makes it worthwhile.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Although not typically recognized as a "furry" comic by many modern readers (or even as a comic book at all), TMNT initially emerged as an indie comic popular within the furry community. The original series was raw and intense, tackling profound social themes. It stood in stark contrast to the more commercialized cartoon version from the late 1980s. The comic grew out of the furry scene after being promoted in publications like Albedo Anthropomorphics and other furry comics. Initially mimeographed in Peter Laird’s basement and distributed to a handful of local comic shops, it quickly captivated readers, pushing it beyond the underground comic scene to become a cultural powerhouse spanning television, films, and video games. A nationwide survey in 1992 revealed that the Turtles were more recognizable to kids than even Santa Claus. It remains, without question, one of the best furry comics ever created.
Honorable mentions: Hey Neeters, Hepcats, Gold Digger, Jewel Vixens, Captain Jack, Furlough, Androzons, Nautilus, Kevin and Kell, and, last but certainly not least, Associated Student Bodies.
2. Usagi Yojimbo
Known as 'Rabbit Bodyguard,' this long-running adventure comic has captivated fans for over two decades. The story follows Miyomato Usagi, a parody of the famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, as he roams the Edo period of Japan, a world inhabited entirely by anthropomorphic animals. Usagi is dedicated to protecting the innocent and delivering swift justice to wrongdoers. Despite a lack of explicit gore, the comic has earned the distinction of having the second-highest body count in comic history, just behind Marvel’s Conan series, according to Wizard magazine. With its sharp, detailed artwork and gripping action, Stan Sakai’s storytelling keeps readers eagerly awaiting each new issue. It’s a modern classic, furry or not.
1. The Suit
A one-shot from Doug Cernan, 'The Suit' stands as a hidden gem in anthropomorphic literature. This sci-fi narrative explores the life of Walter Fang, an Anubian alien who bears a striking resemblance to a human-dog hybrid. The story delves into the prejudice and discrimination he faces, reflecting the struggles many furries experience in real life. This poignant parallel captures the moment of connection we feel when we find others who understand us. The unique artwork, reminiscent of New Yorker-style cartoons, complements the originality and depth of the graphic novel, making it a fascinating read. [Note: I've used the image above due to the unavailability of one for this title.]
