Baby Blues

By Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott

“Baby Blues” has enchanted new parents, grandparents, and kids alike since it first appeared on the comics pages in 1990. As the years passed, the list of newspapers carrying the feature has grown almost as fast as the MacPhersons' kids!

“Baby Blues” was released in syndication in 1990. It currently runs in more than 1,200 newspapers in 28 countries and 13 languages. There are 45 “Baby Blues” collection books in print, with well over a million copies sold. In fact, check out the newest volume now: "Everything Everywhere...: A Baby Blues Collection"!

Daily

Sunday

Daily & Sunday

Digital

Strip

Available in Color

Available in Spanish

Family

Family & Parenting

Kids

Editor's Picks

A young boy with messy hair sits on a bean bag chair, looking at a television screen while suggesting someone should start working out. The comic panel features a light-hearted, humorous tone, emphasizing childhood innocence and playful advice.

A cartoon scene featuring two characters, a man with glasses and a woman with dark hair, engaged in a lighthearted conversation. The woman is smiling and playfully states,

Cartoon of a pirate character with an eye patch and bandana, holding a wooden sword and expressing concern about the impact of risk on his self-esteem.

Cartoon depicting a boy looking worried while asking a girl how he will stay out of trouble for two more days. The girl confidently assures him that she has a plan. The scene is set in a room with a bookshelf in the background.

A comic strip featuring a character expressing frustration over a robot being defeated by its arch-nemesis, depicted humorously as a cardboard box. The left panel shows a character's serious expression, while the right panel features another character in disbelief, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.

A cartoon scene featuring a girl in a red hoodie talking to a boy about taking down holiday lights, with a grassy field and a dog in the background.

Cartoon illustration of a man and woman sharing a romantic kiss, surrounded by hearts. The man expresses his feelings, saying

A cartoon scene depicting a man and a young boy sitting on a couch, watching TV. The man has red hair and is wearing a blue shirt, while the boy is in a striped shirt. They both appear to be engaged in the show, with a humorous dialogue exchange. The living room features a patterned couch and a television in front of them.

Cartoon depicting two cavemen playfully arguing while wielding sticks, with cave paintings in the background. The scene transitions to a modern setting where a boy converses with a girl about language and behavior, highlighting humorous contrasts between prehistoric and contemporary life.

A colorful comic strip featuring playful characters in various humorous scenarios, including biking, running, and a character asking about someone's day. The art style is cartoonish, showcasing exaggerated expressions and dynamic action.

About Rick Kirkman and Jerry Scott

Rick Kirkman was born a poor cartoonist in a log cabin drawn in poor perspective in North Carolina. Rick's professional career began in junior high when, after drawing a parody of Mad Magazine and having only one copy, he charged his friends a quarter each to read it then give it back. Rick was influenced by Sparky Schulz ("Peanuts"), Mad Magazine, and The New Yorker cartoonists. He spent years as an ad agency art director, freelance graphic designer, and illustrator. After his wife, Sukey, gave birth to their second small, crying person, months of sleep deprivation resulted in the creation of "Baby Blues" with longtime friend Jerry Scott. Jerry writes, Rick draws.

As co-creator of "Baby Blues" and "Zits," Jerry Scott is one of four cartoonists in history to have two daily comics strips running in well over a thousand newspapers each. He was first introduced to the newspaper business when delivering the South Bend (Indiana) Tribune from his bicycle. Jerry started cartooning professionally in the mid-1970s by selling a cartoon to the The Saturday Evening Post. In 1983 he took over the comic strip "Nancy." In 1988 he got together with Rick Kirkman and started kicking ideas around for "Baby Blues.” Jerry has received cartooning awards including the National Cartoonists Society’s Best Comic Strip of the Year three times and the Reuben Award from the National Cartoonists Society as 2001 Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year.

Two male artists posing together, one wearing glasses and the other with pencils in his hair, set against a textured background. The image captures their creative personalities and artistic collaboration.

Cast

Cartoon character with orange hair and glasses, enthusiastically gesturing with one hand while wearing a casual shirt.

Darryl

Darryl MacPherson, the father in "Baby Blues," is a guy in his mid-30s, mid-career, and mid-voyage in the greatest adventure of his life: fatherhood.

Darryl loves being a dad, though it’s the hardest work he’s ever done. The consummate involved parent, Darryl is there to lend a hand, kiss a boo-boo, or shoo away a monster.

Cartoon character with short, messy hair looks shocked while holding a torn pair of jeans, conveying a humorous reaction to a clothing mishap.

Wanda

Wanda Wizowski-MacPherson never thought of herself as the motherly type until her biological clock started ringing. After Zoe came along, Wanda traded full-time work as a PR exec for fuller-time work as a mom. Wanda is part nurturer, part organizer, and always exhausted. Despite the chaos, she wouldn’t live any other way.

Illustration of a young girl with orange hair in a ponytail, expressing frustration while walking. She is wearing a yellow shirt and purple pants, emphasizing a playful cartoon style.

Zoe

The first-born child, Zoe was born cranky and loud. She dominated the MacPherson household for three years before being demoted to “Sibling” when Hammie came along. Then came Wren, and Zoe moved into the role of Wise Big Sister. Now in her elementary school years, Zoe freely shares her wisdom with the entire household.

Child playing with a toy stroller filled with stuffed animals and toys, showcasing a playful and imaginative scene.

Wren

Just when the MacPhersons thought it was safe to ditch the crib, baby Wren came along. Wren is a quiet, observant toddler. With guidance from big sister Zoe and misguidance from big brother Hammie, Wren should turn out to be an interesting kid. Right now, her main job is keeping the “baby” in “Baby Blues.”

Cartoon boy with messy hair, wide eyes, and a surprised expression, sitting on the ground with a playful demeanor.

Hammie

Hamish (Hammie), the middle child, is around 6 years old. He has a shock of hair the texture of a whisk broom, big ears, and an X Games approach to life. He’s a sweet kid with a heart of gold and a head like a rock. It’s not easy having sisters, but he’s up for any challenge that involves adrenaline, dirt, explosions, or grossing out girls.