1

Peanuts

Image: ZENG YILI

We’ll start with what some describe as "arguably the longest story ever told by one human being." When Charles Schulz started Peanuts in 1950, he wasn’t aware that he would single-handedly produce a plethora of amazing stories until his death in 2000. The original Peanuts run, which introduced iconic characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Linus, appeared in over 2,600 newspapers and has been translated into 21 languages.

2

Marmaduke

Image: Oliver Bichard

As any Great Dane owner can tell you, these massive dogs can sometimes be a handful. However, if the comic strip Marmaduke has taught us anything, it’s that no matter how messy their lovable dog is, the Winslow family will always care for their Great Dane, the titular Marmaduke. This comic strip was created in 1954 by cartoonist Brad Anderson, who continued to make Marmaduke comics for 61 years until his death in 2015.

3

Krazy Kat

Image: Shelby Murphy Figueroa

While perhaps not as well-known as other comic strips in this article, George Herriman’s Krazy Kat (also known as Krazy and Ignatz ) is considered by many critics to be one of the most influential comic strips in history. At first glance, Krazy Kat , which ran from 1913 to 1944, appears to be a simple gag-a-day comic depicting an anthropomorphic cat and his mouse rival. However, Herriman’s impressive artwork and groundbreaking creativity have led critics to regard Krazy Kat as one of the most significant pieces of American art .

4

Garfield

Image: Jason Yuen

Garfield is a strong contender for the title of "world’s most famous cartoon cat." True, he is competing with heavy hitters like Tom from Tom and Jerry or Felix the Cat, but this Monday-hating, lasagna-loving orange cat is truly a force to be reckoned with. Created by Jim Davis in 1976, Garfield was first introduced in a comic strip named Jon after the cat’s owner. However, Garfield quickly took the spotlight, and the comic strip was renamed Garfield in 1977. From that point onward, Garfield became an international icon, earning the Guinness World Record for being the world's most widely syndicated comic strip.

5

Calvin and Hobbes

Image: cogdogblog, CC BY 2.0

Can you remember the stuffed animal you would carry everywhere as a child, going on imaginary adventures all across your backyard? Well, for many of us, Calvin and Hobbes perfectly encapsulates those beloved memories. Created by Bill Watterson in 1985, this comic strip depicts the adventures of a young boy named Calvin and his best friend Hobbes, a whimsical and friendly tiger. What’s most moving about this comic strip is that both Calvin and the readers see Hobbes not as a stuffed animal, but as the best friend a young boy could have.

6

The Far Side

Image: Luis Cortés

Up until this point, we’ve been focusing on multi-paneled comic strips, which have several panels at their disposal to tell a compelling story. However, The Far Side has the remarkable distinction of making us laugh heartily with just a single panel. Written and drawn by Gary Larson, this comic strip combines surreal humor with unexpected punchlines , often depicting social situations or the author’s unique view of the world.

7

Dilbert

Image: The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0

The break rooms of offices across America are filled with newspapers, which tired employees read during their breaks before returning to work. In that sense, artist Scott Adams perfectly chose office humor as the ideal backdrop for his comic strip, Dilbert . First published in 1989, the strip tells the story of the titular Dilbert, a white-collar engineer trying to navigate the hilarious madness of working in an office.

8

The Family Circus

Image: William Fitzgibbon

At times, the chaos of living with a big family might seem not too dissimilar to the frenzy and excitement of a circus. This seems to be the premise behind the beloved comic strip The Family Circus , created by cartoonist Bil Keane and continued by his son Jeff after Bil’s death. This comic strip revolves around an unnamed family and the many adventures that their three small children and modern life bring to them.

9

Popeye

Image: Jonathan MONCK-MASON

Years before becoming the world’s most famous sailor, Popeye debuted in 1929 as a character in a comic strip called Thimble Theatre . Interestingly, he first appeared when the series was already in its tenth year, but he quickly became its most famous character, eventually overshadowing the original cast and becoming the protagonist. In due time, the strip was renamed Thimble Theatre Starring Popeye before being simply shortened to Popeye in the 1930s.

10

Little Nemo in Slumberland

Image: Hayffield L

We’ll end with the oldest comic strip in this article, which many believe to be the father of all American comic strips. In 1905, American cartoonist Winsor McCay first published Little Nemo in Slumberland . The comic revolved around the titular Nemo, a young boy who often found himself embarking on wonderful adventures in the dream world. McCay’s remarkable artistry and surreal imagery influenced generations of cartoonists and visual artists throughout history.

1

Coca-Cola

Image: Bradley Pisney

A beverage so iconic that it inspired an entire genre of soft drinks named after it, Coca-Cola had its start in 1886 when it was created by pharmacist John Pemberton, who initially intended to market it as a temperance drink and medicinal tonic.

A blend of coca leaves and kola nuts (a source of caffeine), the iconic soft drink became a sensation, and soon Pemberton sold the ownership rights to Asa Griggs Candler, a businessman who transformed the Coca-Cola brand into a global powerhouse. While the ingredients have been changed a few times since its inception, the current formula remains a closely guarded trade secret, fueling much speculation and numerous attempts to uncover it.

2

Pepsi

Image: Oleg Ivanov

Developed in 1898 by pharmacist Caleb Bradham—and originally named "Brad's Drink"—Pepsi was initially conceived as a digestive aid. Its name is derived from pepsin, a digestive enzyme produced by the body, though pepsin was never actually included in the drink's formula.

Despite nearly going bankrupt in the early 1920s, Pepsi gained popularity during the Great Depression, even briefly outpacing Coca-Cola, thanks to clever marketing that appealed to budget-conscious consumers. This kickstarted a fierce rivalry, leading to bold marketing stunts, including an unlikely deal with the Soviet Union, making Pepsi the first Western product sanctioned for sale there.

3

Dr Pepper

Image: Yana Smetana

Another soft drink originally conceived in a pharmacist's lab, Dr Pepper actually predates both Coke and Pepsi. Launched in 1885 in Waco, Texas, its unique flavor sets it apart from most competitors. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has categorized Dr Pepper, much like Coca-Cola, as its own distinct type of beverage: "pepper soda."

The origin of its name is disputed. Originally, people would simply order a "Waco" at soda fountains. While some speculate the name comes from Charles T. Pepper, a doctor who gave Wade Morrison his first job (or, according to another version, gave him permission to marry his daughter), it was more likely than not a creative marketing decision, as using "Dr." in product names was a common way to suggest health benefits.

4

7UP

Image: Julian Rösner

7UP, created in 1929 by Charles Leiper Grigg, was originally marketed as "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda," as it contained lithium citrate (a mood-stabilizing drug) among its ingredients. While lithium was removed in 1948, the drink's refreshing lemon-lime flavor remained, having already become a household favorite.

The soft drink, however, didn’t quite find its market niche until it launched the "Uncola" marketing campaign in the 1970s, which positioned the soda as a distinct alternative to colas, boosting its popularity. The origin of the name 7UP remains a mystery, with speculation that it refers to the original 7-ounce bottles or the drink’s initial seven ingredients.

5

Sprite

Image: Gift Habeshaw

Introduced by Coca-Cola in 1961 to compete with 7UP, Sprite quickly became one of the leading lemon-lime sodas on the market. Interestingly, this popular soft drink didn’t originate in America but in West Germany in 1959, where it was launched as "Fanta Klare Zitrone" ("Fanta Clear Lemon" in English).

In the ‘80s, Sprite leveraged its appeal to younger generations through bold advertising campaigns and endorsements from popular musicians. Today, the brand has expanded into various flavors, including cranberry, cherry, grape, orange, tropical, ginger, and vanilla, among others.

6

Mountain Dew

Image: Shane

Mountain Dew was originally created in the 1940s by Tennessee beverage bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman as a mixer for whiskey. The name "Mountain Dew" was a colloquial term for homemade liquor, making it fitting for the soda’s Appalachian roots. However, the drink only took on its citrus-flavored, energizing modern form after being acquired by the Tip Corporation in 1961.

It remains one of the most caffeinated sodas on the market, containing 54 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can—nearly double that of Coca-Cola. This is likely what draws many soda drinkers to this flavor, as the high sugar and caffeine content can give a short-term boost of energy.

7

RC Cola

Image: Brooke Cagle

Founded in 1905 by Claud A. Hatcher, Royal Crown Cola (RC Cola) was originally created as a direct competitor to Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The soft drink was born after the Hatcher family, who were grocery store owners, could not get a discount for purchasing large volumes of Coca-Cola syrup from local distributors. Frustrated, they vowed to create their own alternative.

Despite never achieving the same market dominance as Coke or Pepsi, RC Cola soon gained a loyal following, especially in Southern states. Unlike its rivals, RC offered a slightly stronger cola flavor, which many found refreshing compared to the sweeter taste of Coke. RC Cola also innovated with the first aluminum can for sodas and was one of the first companies to produce diet sodas, such as Diet Rite.

8

Fanta

Image: Renato Trentin

Did you know that Fanta was born in Germany during World War II, of all places? After local Coca-Cola plants could no longer import syrup due to trade embargos, German businessman Max Keith created a new soda using available ingredients—which were mostly fruit scraps and whey.

Fanta quickly became a wartime favorite in Germany. After the war, Coca-Cola regained control of the plant, formula, and trademarks, introducing Fanta to the U.S. in 1955. It rapidly gained popularity as a fun, fruit-flavored alternative to traditional sodas. While Fanta's orange flavor remains its best seller, the brand now offers over 90 flavors worldwide.

9

A&W Root Beer

Image: David Lusvardi

A&W Root Beer was introduced in 1919 by Roy Allen, who first started selling it at a parade honoring returning World War I veterans. Its creamy texture and rich flavor quickly made A&W Root Beer a favorite, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream to create the now-iconic root beer float.

By 1922, Roy Allen partnered with fellow entrepreneur Frank Wright, and A&W became a franchised brand, launching one of the first fast-food chains in America that same year. Despite struggling with labor shortages and sugar rationing during World War II, the company endured and remains one of the most iconic root beer brands in America to this day.

10

Sunkist

Image: The Pop'd Shop

Sunkist, launched in 1979 by the Sunkist Growers cooperative, was introduced to tap into the American love for citrus-flavored sodas. Known and loved for its bold orange flavor, Sunkist was the first major orange soda to include caffeine in its formula, setting it apart from competitors like Crush and Fanta.

Most importantly, Sunkist's success was greatly boosted by its association with the California citrus industry. Its marketing campaigns, including the "Taste the Sun" slogan, further linked the brand to sunny, vibrant outdoor activities, making it one of the top-selling orange sodas in the U.S. for decades.

1

Books

Many of us stash books in closets or basements to save space , but these areas often trap moisture. Over time, humidity can warp covers, yellow pages, and encourage mold growth, especially in older homes.

A better option is open shelving in a living area where air can circulate freely. Keeping books visible not only helps protect them but also encourages reading and makes it easier to enjoy them regularly.

2

Medicine

Bathrooms are the most common place Americans store medication, yet heat and steam can reduce a drug’s effectiveness over time . Moisture can also cause pills to break down faster or labels to peel off.

A cool, dry place like a bedroom drawer or hallway cabinet is generally safer. Keeping medication out of the bathroom helps preserve its potency and makes expiration dates easier to track.

3

Important documents

Birth certificates, insurance policies, and property deeds are frequently scattered across drawers or stacked in filing piles . This makes them hard to find during emergencies and leaves them vulnerable to damage.

Experts suggest using a dedicated fire-resistant file or document box kept in a consistent location. Centralizing paperwork saves time and reduces stress when documents are suddenly needed.

4

Photo albums and loose photographs

Many families store photos in garages or basements, where temperature swings and moisture can cause fading and curling . Once damaged, photographs are often difficult or impossible to restore.

Photos last longest when stored in acid-free boxes kept in interior closets. Proper storage preserves memories and ensures future generations can enjoy family history without deteriorating.

5

Olive oil

Many Americans keep olive oil next to the stove for convenience. Unfortunately, exposure to heat, light, and air causes oil to turn rancid faster , affecting flavor and nutritional value.

A cool, dark cabinet away from appliances is ideal. Storing olive oil in a tightly sealed, opaque container further slows degradation. Proper storage helps olive oil retain its taste longer and prevents waste caused by premature spoilage.

6

Coffee

Coffee is often kept in its original bag on the counter or in the pantry. Exposure to air, light, heat, and moisture gradually degrades its aromatic compounds, dulling its flavor , even if the beans are freshly roasted.

An airtight container stored in a cool, dark place is generally best for preserving aroma and taste. This simple change keeps coffee fresher and makes each cup more enjoyable.

7

Bread

Many people refrigerate bread to keep it fresh, but cold temperatures actually dry it out faster . The result is a dry, stale texture and often unnecessary food waste.

Freezing bread preserves freshness far more effectively. When wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, sliced loaves can be toasted straight from the freezer, extending shelf life without sacrificing quality.

8

Spices

Spice racks near the stove are common, but heat and steam weaken flavors over time . Spices may still look fine while losing much of their potency and taste.

A drawer or cool cabinet away from heat helps spices last longer. Keeping containers tightly sealed further protects against moisture and oxidation. Better storage keeps meals flavorful and reduces how often spices need replacing.

9

Toothbrushes

Left uncovered near sinks or toilets, toothbrushes are exposed to moisture and airborne bacteria . This can lead to hygiene issues and faster wear.

Storing brushes upright in a well-ventilated holder that allows them to air-dry completely is generally recommended. Cleaner storage improves longevity and supports better personal hygiene.

10

Batteries

Loose batteries tossed into junk drawers can rub against metal objects such as coins or paper clips, potentially causing short circuits, leaks, or loss of charge . Damaged batteries may ruin devices later.

Keeping batteries stored by type in a labeled container prevents contact issues. Organized storage extends battery life and makes replacements easy to find.