Zits (Since 1997): A Teenage Chronicle in the World of Comics

Zits: Comics have always had a special place in our hearts, with their unique ability to capture our attention and emotions in just a few frames. One comic strip that has taken the world by storm and continues to do so is “Zits.” Created by the talented duo of Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman, “Zits” is a coming-of-age comic strip that has been entertaining readers for over two decades. With its relatable characters and humorous take on the ups and downs of teenage life, it has earned its place in the hearts of millions.

The Birth of Zits

The story of “Zits” began in 1997 when Jerry Scott worked on another successful comic strip, “Baby Blues.” His creativity, however, was not limited to just one strip, and he wanted to explore the world of a teenager. A friend’s suggestion led to the birth of “Zits.” But it wasn’t as simple as that. Scott struggled with the initial character sketches, finding them too similar to those in his existing strip. It was only after collaborating with his artist friend, Jim Borgman, that the characters of the Duncans started to take shape.

“Zits” debuted in newspapers in July 1997, distributed by King Features. Over the years, it has garnered immense popularity and received multiple awards. As of 2010, the strip was syndicated in over 1,700 newspapers worldwide, spanning 45 countries and translated into 15 languages. It’s a testament to the universal appeal of the teenage experience and the wit of the creators.

A Journey Through the World of Zits

Set in the backdrop of central Ohio suburbia, “Zits” revolves around the life of Jeremy Duncan, a 17-year-old high school junior. As the strip progresses, Jeremy evolves from a 15-year-old first-year student into a teenager navigating the complexities of high school life. Its generous dose of surrealism makes “Zits” stand out from typical teenage cartoons. It delves into the psyche of a teenager who is not only struggling with academics but also trying to balance family life, social interactions, and dreams for the future.

Jeremy Duncan, the protagonist, is an intelligent and aspiring rock musician. Named after Jeremy Clyde of the 1960s rock duo Chad and Jeremy, he dreams of a musical career while juggling the ups and downs of teenage love. His relationship with his parents, Connie and Walt Duncan, forms a significant part of the comic’s humor. While Jeremy is often shown as an embarrassed and lecture-receiving teenager, he maintains a sense of morality and integrity.

Jeremy’s life isn’t complete without his best friend, Hector Garcia, who spends much time restoring a 1962 Volkswagen Type 2 van. They dream of taking a road trip across the country when they turn 16. The band Jeremy and Hector are part of has gone by various names like “Chickenfist,” “Goat Cheese Pizza,” “Jughead’s Hat,” and “Angry Dwarfs.” In a charming twist, the band’s first business engagement was performing at a 6-year-old’s birthday party. During a Battle of the Bands competition, Jeremy received his first kiss from his on-again/off-again girlfriend, Sara Toomey.

Sara is another essential character in the strip. Her relationship with Jeremy is a rollercoaster ride featuring arguments, breakups, and reconciliations. Despite Jeremy’s flaws, he maintains a strong sense of morality and integrity, evident in several story arcs.

The strip is filled with running gags, like Jeremy’s perpetually messy room, his continuous growth spurts, and his uncanny ability to consume food at an astonishing rate. “Zits” reflects the typical teenage life with its quirks and challenges.

Meet the Duncan Family

Jeremy’s parents, Connie and Walt Duncan, play a crucial role in the comic. Connie, a child psychologist, works part-time after Jeremy’s birth and is an aspiring writer. She often finds her attempts at writing interrupted by Jeremy’s menial requests or his loud presence.

Despite her role as the family disciplinarian, Connie is always willing to listen to Jeremy, even though she describes it as “coaxing a smile out of a clam full of Botox.” Connie has an over-controlling tendency, frequently invading Jeremy’s privacy and attempting to do everything for him except homework, which neither of his parents can handle.

Walt Duncan, an orthodontist, is depicted as clueless regarding technology, especially computers and video players. Despite Jeremy’s attempts to explain the basics, Walt struggles to comprehend even the most straightforward functions. He is also known for his quirky beliefs and limited knowledge, like mistaking a fan belt for part of a search engine or interpreting “Googling” as a euphemism for sexual intercourse.

Walt occasionally reveals memories from his youth, although most of them turn out to be entirely nonsensical. According to Connie, he once picked up an army jacket when the traffic was terrible, mistook a bong for a flower pot when he was dating her, and even recalled a wild night at a Moby Grape concert. Despite his quirks, Walt can be excellent for his son, like getting a guitar pick from one of Jeremy’s favorite bands, who also turned out to be orthodontists.

Friends and Foes in the World of Zits

Jeremy’s best friend, Hector Garcia, is a guitarist/vocalist in their band. The two share a dream of restoring the Volkswagen van and embarking on a cross-country road trip. Hector’s character undergoes a complete makeover during a story arc 2011, leading to a new character design.

Sara Toomey, Jeremy’s on-again/off-again girlfriend, is a central figure in the comic. Their relationship is a blend of teenage love, featuring ups and downs. Sara is depicted as kind and generous in a story arc, donating her ponytail to a charity for children undergoing chemotherapy.

Pierce, another of Jeremy’s close friends, serves as their band’s drummer. Despite his rebellious appearance, he is courteous, caring, and an animal activist and environmentalist. Pierce is known for his peculiar piercings and occasional fire alarm antics at school.

The supporting characters in the comic add depth to the storyline. Phoebe, an overachiever in school, stops at nothing to excel academically. She is caffeine-addicted and relentlessly pads her college resume. D’ijon, a friend of Sara’s, has a distinctive appearance with dreadlocks and a unique tattoo on her tongue. Hector’s ex-girlfriend Autumn is a strict vegetarian and environmentalist who disdains Jeremy.

Another of Jeremy’s classmates, Brittany, is known for her knack for critiquing others. Timothy Olsen, a moody classmate and the band’s bassist, shaves his head to support his mother’s cancer battle.

The Posse is a trio of vapid girls who share a deep friendship and a love for fashion. Richandamy, a couple, is often seen in an endless hug, sparking humorous reactions from their classmates.

The Impact of Zits

“Zits” has been a remarkable success story in comics. It runs in over 1,500 newspapers worldwide, showcasing its universal appeal. Jerry Scott’s dedication and creativity were rewarded with the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award 2001.

The comic strip has also been translated into multiple languages, making it accessible globally. Scott and Jim Borgman received the NCS Award for Best Newspaper Comic Strip twice and earned the Max & Moritz Medal for Best International Comic.

The characters of “Zits” have grown and developed over the years, bringing depth and relatability to the storyline. While Borgman is inclined towards exploring more complex issues, Scott prefers to maintain the humor and innocence of the strip.

The comic strip has also been compiled into various books, making it accessible to fans beyond the daily newspaper. The “Zits Sketchbooks” and “Zits Treasury” have allowed readers to enjoy their favorite strips in a different format. In addition to the comic strip, Scott and Borgman published an illustrated novel called “Zits: Chillax” in 2013, extending the world of “Zits” into other forms of literature.

In Conclusion

“Zits” has been a beloved and cherished comic strip that resonates with readers of all ages. Its portrayal of the ups and downs of teenage life, coupled with its unique characters, has made it a timeless classic. Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman’s creation has not only entertained but also touched the hearts of millions, making “Zits” a significant part of the world of comics. As Jeremy Duncan continues his journey through the complexities of adolescence, readers worldwide will undoubtedly continue to laugh, relate, and be inspired by the adventures of this endearing teenager.

Read also

• Zit (1991-2002): A Brief But Memorable Stint in British Adult Comic Humor
• Jim Borgman (1954-): A Master of Satire and Comics
• Jerry Scott (1955-): The Renowned Cartoonist Behind Baby Blues and Zits
• Hägar the Horrible: The Viking Comic Strip That’s Been Entertaining Readers for over 50 Years

FAQs about Zits Comic Strip

What is Zits, and who are the creators?

Zits is a famous comic strip written by cartoonist Jerry Scott and illustrated by Jim Borgman. It revolves around the life of Jeremy Duncan, a 17-year-old high school junior. The comic was created in 1997 and published in over 1,700 newspapers worldwide.

Where is Zits set?

Zits is set in central Ohio suburbia, focusing on Jeremy’s attempts to balance his family life, social life, high school academics, and plans.

How did Zits originate?

Zits originated when Jerry Scott, who was already drawing the comic strip Baby Blues, decided to create a strip about a teenager. After collaborating with artist Jim Borgman, the two developed the characters and story of the Duncans. The comic was launched in 1997 by King Features.

Who are the main characters in Zits?

The main characters include:

• Jeremy Duncan: The 17-year-old high school junior who aspires to be a rock musician.
• Connie Duncan: Jeremy’s mother, a child psychologist and aspiring writer.
• Walt Duncan: Jeremy’s father, an orthodontist.
• Hector Garcia: Jeremy’s best friend and a guitarist in the band.
• Sara Toomey: Jeremy’s on-again/off-again girlfriend.

Are there any recurring themes or gags in the comic?

Some recurring themes and gags include Jeremy’s messy room, tallness and growth spurts, and ability to consume large quantities of food rapidly. There are also humorous depictions of the characters’ interactions and misunderstandings.

How has Zits been received and recognized?

Zits has received various awards, including the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) Reuben Award 2001. It has been translated into multiple languages and runs over 1,500 newspapers worldwide. The creators have also received awards for their work on the strip.

Are there books or collections of Zits comics available?

Zits comics are available in two formats: Zits Sketchbooks and Zits Treasuries. Sketchbooks collect approximately one year of strips, while treasuries combine the material from the sketchbooks. Additionally, there is an illustrated novel titled “Zits: Chillax” based on the comic strip.

Will the characters in Zits age and develop over time?

While the creators have portrayed Jeremy as a 16-year-old in 2009, they don’t plan to age the characters significantly. The comic’s humor is built around the tension of Jeremy living under his parents’ rules, and they have different opinions about how deep the characters should develop.

Is there any future direction or plans for the comic?

There is some disagreement among the creators regarding the depth of the comic’s content. Jim Borgman would like to tackle more complicated issues, while Jerry Scott prefers to keep the comic focused on humor and avoid addressing severe or controversial topics.

Are there any notable guest appearances in the comic?

Some notable guest appearances include Jeremy’s older brother Chad and characters like Viral and Becker, who have appeared as Jeremy’s classmates and potential love interests.