It is Comic Sans Day!

While some of you might be groaning or clutching your pearls about Comic Sans Day, let's take a moment to appreciate this often-maligned, yet undeniably ubiquitous, font.

When is Comic Sans Day?

The first Comic Sans Day was in 2009. It was created by two Dutch radio DJs, Coen Swijnenberg and Sander Lantinga, and is observed annually on the first Friday of July.

A Brief History of a Beloved (and Be-Hated) Font

The story begins in 1994, when Vincent Connare, a typographer at Microsoft, was working on a project for a pre-release version of Windows 95. Specifically, he was tasked with developing fonts for Microsoft Bob, a cartoon-themed interface designed to make computers more user-friendly. Connare felt that the existing fonts, like Times New Roman, were far too formal for the animated dog character, Rover, who guided users through the interface.

Inspired by comic books like The Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen, Connare set out to create a typeface that mimicked the casual, hand-lettered feel of comic book speech bubbles. And thus, Comic Sans MS was born. It was never actually used in Microsoft Bob's final release, but it found its way into Windows 95 and quickly became available to millions of users worldwide.

The Rise (and Fall, and Rise Again?) of Comic Sans

From its humble beginnings, Comic Sans exploded in popularity. Its friendly, approachable appearance made it a go-to for everything from school projects and birthday invitations to local business flyers and even, regrettably for some, official documents.

However, its widespread (and often inappropriate) use also led to a strong backlash. Designers and typographers, in particular, often cite its lack of sophistication, uneven letter spacing, and generally unprofessional appearance as reasons for their disdain. The "Ban Comic Sans" movement even gained significant traction online.

So, Where ​Does Comic Sans Belong?

Despite the controversy, it's important to remember that Comic Sans wasn't designed to be a high-art typeface. It was created for a specific purpose: to evoke a casual, friendly, and informal tone.

Here are some use cases where Comic Sans can actually be quite effective:

• Children's Materials: Think educational books, games, or party invitations. Its playful nature is perfectly suited for a young audience.

• Comics and Cartoons: This is, after all, its very origin! For speech bubbles in amateur comics or webcomics, it can fit right in.

• Informal Notes and Messages: A quick, handwritten-style note to a friend or a casual internal memo might benefit from its laid-back vibe.

• Accessibility: Interestingly, some studies have suggested that the slightly irregular letterforms of Comic Sans can be easier to read for people with dyslexia. This is an area where its often-criticized features might actually become a strength.

The Enduring Legacy

Whether you love it or hate it, Comic Sans has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the digital landscape. It's a font that sparks strong opinions and embodies the democratisation of design – making typography accessible to everyone, for better or for worse.

So, on this Comic Sans Day, let's perhaps put aside our prejudices for a moment. Instead of cringing, let's acknowledge the font's unique journey and its surprising resilience. After all, sometimes, a little bit of playful informality is exactly what the digital world needs. What are your thoughts on Comic Sans? Let us know in the comments below!