Embracing the Unlikely Hero: The Story of Comic Sans The Font

Andy Bhattacharyya
3 min readNov 23, 2023

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Vincent Connare created the whimsical font in 1994. Photo Courtesy (Vincent Connare/The Independent)

Vincent Connare, the creator of Comic Sans, has something to say about his Frankenstein-like font: “If you love Comic Sans you don’t know much about typography. And if you hate Comic Sans you need a new hobby.”

Embracing the Unlikely Hero: The Story of Comic Sans The Font
In the design world, Comic Sans has often been the butt of jokes, a font synonymous with a lack of sophistication. However, there’s a remarkable twist in its narrative that transcends aesthetics.

Comic Sans is considered useful for people with dyslexia for several reasons:

  1. Distinct Letter Shapes: The irregular and slightly exaggerated letter shapes in Comic Sans make each letter more distinct. For individuals with dyslexia, who may struggle with letter recognition and orientation, this can contribute to improved readability.
  2. Uniform Height and Width: The font maintains consistent height and width for each character, reducing the likelihood of letters being flipped or rotated in the reader’s mind. This uniformity can be beneficial for individuals with dyslexia who may experience challenges in perceiving letters in their correct orientation.
  3. Ample Spacing Between Characters: Comic Sans typically has wider spacing between characters compared to some other fonts. This increased spacing can help prevent letters from appearing crowded or merging together, making it easier for individuals with dyslexia to distinguish between letters.
  4. Simple and Clear Design: The simplicity of Comic Sans, often criticized in design circles, can be an asset for individuals with dyslexia. Its straightforward and clear design reduces visual complexity, aiding in the overall ease of reading.
  5. Less Symmetry: Unlike some fonts with high symmetry, Comic Sans has a more asymmetrical design. This lack of perfect symmetry can be advantageous for individuals with dyslexia who may struggle with mirrored or rotated characters.

https://youtu.be/qIYCKLeGEfo

While Comic Sans might not be the preferred choice for certain design contexts, its unique characteristics make it a font that some find more accessible. It’s important to note that individual preferences may vary, and what works well for one person with dyslexia may not work as effectively for another. Tailoring font choices to individual needs remains a key aspect of enhancing readability for those with dyslexia.

For those living with dyslexia, the irregular quirkiness of Comic Sans transforms from a perceived ‘ugliness’ to a superpower. Dyslexia Scotland, in collaboration with INNOCEAN Berlin, sheds light on the profound impact this seemingly unconventional font has on enhancing readability for individuals with dyslexia.

In a world where inclusivity matters more than ever, it’s crucial to recognize that what might be a recurring joke in one community can emerge as a beacon of empowerment for another. Let’s celebrate the unique ways fonts like Comic Sans are breaking barriers and making the written word more accessible to all.

“There’s Nothing Comic About Dyslexia” is a powerful initiative that invites us to reconsider the potential of unconventional choices in design. Kudos to Dyslexia Scotland and INNOCEAN Berlin for championing inclusivity and turning what was once a punchline into a font of empowerment. 🌟💙 #InclusivityInDesign #DyslexiaAwareness #ComicSansSuperpower #DesignForAll

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Andy Bhattacharyya

Andy is a seasoned UX Architect & Product Lead, driven by curiosity, compassion and dissatisfaction. He crafts Product Experience powered by data driven design