Adult Children Comics by Stephen Beals deliver an offbeat blend of wit, sarcasm, and absurdity that perfectly captures the weird, hilarious reality of adulthood. Whether it’s awkward workplace encounters, retail absurdities, or the social chaos of everyday life, Beals nails it with sharp dialogue and quirky characters. Each panel is a dose of comic therapy that makes grown-up life feel a little more bearable.
About Stephen Beals and Adult Children
Stephen Beals is the creator behind Adult Children, a comic strip that blends dry humor, awkward truths, and a dash of surrealism. A professional cartoonist and storyteller, Beals has carved out a unique space with his ability to turn the mundane into comedy gold. His characters are recognizable not because they’re famous—but because they’re us: the retail workers, the confused customers, the overthinkers, and the jaded optimists just trying to make it through another day. While Adult Children is rich in wit, it’s also laced with subtle commentary about the absurd nature of adult expectations and behavior. It’s no wonder the comic has earned a loyal online following.
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1. The Bookstore Discount Dilemma
An employee discovers a 50% discount on books and spirals into gleeful chaos. What starts as workplace excitement quickly turns into an impulsive shopping spree that ends with a mountain of books—and a plea for nonjudgmental help. This strip brilliantly captures the inner conflict between financial responsibility and the irresistible call of a good deal. Anyone who’s ever had a “treat yourself” moment will instantly relate.
2. Manners Over Pandemic Panic
In a crowded store, a customer invades personal space, only to be met with a fierce reminder that manners existed long before social distancing. This comic nails the frustration of modern etiquette—or lack thereof—with a sharp comeback and a supportive nod from a fellow shopper. It’s funny, timely, and proves you don’t need a global crisis to know how to behave. A subtle jab at public courtesy that lands perfectly.
3. Romance, Rushed and Rationalized
A hopeless romantic laments not marrying his crush, but Tabby hits back with logic: happily ever after is the boring part! The comic turns fairy tale tropes upside-down with wit and realism. As he realizes life’s chaos is part of the fun, Tabby keeps it cool—and frugal—with a snarky final line. It’s a clever blend of emotional honesty and hilarious practicality, all wrapped up in four perfect panels.
4. Miss Snuggles Saves the Day
A customer, furious over a return policy, threatens to make a viral video—but the employee beats her to it using a puppet named “Miss Snuggles.” This strip is a laugh-out-loud twist on social media outrage, where absurdity wins over drama. The deadpan delivery and unexpected use of a puppet turn a tense moment into a bizarre comedy win. Pure retail worker fantasy material right here.
5. Cranky Baby or Grumpy Husband?
A mom explains her child gets cranky during store visits—only it’s her husband who’s acting like a toddler. The payoff lands beautifully when he stomps up demanding to leave. This comic flips expectations with effortless timing, reminding us that adults can be the biggest babies. It’s relatable, ridiculous, and a perfect jab at immature grown-ups. Great humor through role reversal and spot-on expressions.
6. Nobody Wants to Work (For You)
An old boss complains that all his employees quit, blaming laziness and modern work ethic. But his former employee sets him straight with the perfect mic-drop: “At least not for you.” This comic is a satisfying moment of retail revenge, highlighting how toxic management often drives workers away. A sharp, relatable look at labor frustration from the employee’s side—with a deliciously blunt ending.
7. Lunch Break Logic
A woman complains about long lines, assuming the young employee isn’t helping—only to learn he doesn’t even work there. The twist? He’s just on lunch break from a different store. This one delivers pure comedic irony, skewering entitled customer attitudes and the unrealistic expectations thrown at retail workers. The reveal lands beautifully, making it one of those comics you’ll want to send to every friend in retail.
8. Yellow Tape and Duct Tape Logic
A renovation job leaves the store with an exposed dirt floor. When questioned about the lack of safety tape, the worker casually admits they “ran out.” This comic is peak retail absurdity—downplaying real hazards with hilarious nonchalance. The final panel’s customer inquiry about spring potting soil makes it even more surreal. It’s chaos with a smile, delivered with that classic Adult Children dry tone.
9. Customer Service Truths
A frustrated customer wants to know when renovations will be over, but the answer has already been posted everywhere. The employee’s final quip—“Rule number one: Customers don’t read”—is the perfect capper. This comic nails one of retail’s greatest frustrations: people ignoring obvious signage. It’s a short, savage truth bomb disguised as a cartoon. Every service worker has lived this moment—and laughed in hindsight.
10. Volunteering, Retail Style
A manager asks if anyone wants extra hours, and the employee’s deadpan “yes” says it all. The silence, the stare, and the reluctant answer capture the soul-sucking tone of retail scheduling. It’s minimal dialogue, maximum impact—conveying just how over-it employees can feel. Anyone who’s said yes to a shift they didn’t want just to avoid a longer conversation will chuckle in painful recognition.
Final Thoughts
Stephen Beals’ Adult Children is a delightful mirror to the chaotic absurdity of grown-up life. From the quirks of retail to the awkwardness of adulthood, his comics are relatable, sharp, and consistently funny. The strip’s dry delivery, expressive characters, and clever punchlines make it a standout in the world of modern comic art. Whether you’ve worked in customer service or just survived another bizarre day as an adult, there’s something here that will make you laugh and nod in total agreement.
Credit: All comics featured in this article are created by Stephen Beals and can be found at his official site, stbeals.com. Article curated for fans by TheHumorSide.com, your go-to destination for the funniest comic collections on the web.
