webcomic

A webcomic is a comic published primarily on the internet. Webcomics are usually created and distributed digitally, often serialized as short updates or continuous storylines that appear on a creator’s website, a dedicated platform, or social media. They can be standalone pages or ongoing narratives and often rely on reader feedback and easy sharing for growth.

Webcomics emerged in the 1990s with the spread of the World Wide Web. Early works were simple images or HTML pages, and they were later organized by portals such as Keenspot, which helped artists monetize through advertising and revenue sharing. As the web matured, creators experimented with longer arcs, dynamic pagination, and reader-supported models.

Today, webcomics use a range of formats, including traditional strips, vertical scrolling pages, and interactive or multimedia elements. Distribution is via personal sites, social networks, and dedicated platforms such as Webtoon and Tapas, as well as apps and RSS feeds. Monetization often combines advertising, sponsorships, print compilations, and reader support through memberships or crowdfunding.

Webcomics have fostered global communities, lowered barriers for entry for storytellers and artists, and influenced mainstream comics and animation. They face challenges such as sustainability, piracy, and platform dependence but continue to diversify in genre, style, and audience.

Notable examples include xkcd, Penny Arcade, Homestuck, Questionable Content, and Dinosaur Comics.