Ben comic strips by Daniel Shelton beautifully captures the everyday joys and challenges of family life through the eyes of Ben and Olivia, a retired couple navigating grandparenting and golden years with humor, patience, and love. Created in 1996, Ben quickly became a favorite in newspapers and magazines across North America, resonating with readers of all ages.
Artist Bio
Daniel Shelton’s storytelling is rooted in affection. He presents aging not as a punchline, but as a vibrant, meaningful phase of life. Whether Ben is fighting with a back scratcher or delivering life lessons with an ice cream cone, each strip delivers subtle wit and emotional warmth. Here are 10 of the most charming Ben comic strips that reflect the strip’s signature humor and timeless family values.
Profile info Facebook | Website | Go Comics
1. The Back Scratcher Emergency
Ben desperately contorts himself trying to scratch his back, groaning and grunting with frustration. Olivia is calmly cooking nearby, unfazed by the chaos. Finally, Ben sighs in relief after using a spaghetti ladle to reach the itch and proudly tells Olivia, “It was an emergency.” This strip is classic Ben — physical humor meets the relatable struggles of aging, all while Olivia remains the picture of calm. A slice of everyday hilarity.
2. A Dog’s Perspective
Ben pants at the fridge, the sink, and the front door, seemingly out of breath. At first, it looks like he’s tired of running errands — until the twist: he’s mimicking the family dog to teach a lesson about dependence. “That’s what life is like when you’re dependent on others,” he tells Olivia. This strip brings gentle commentary on aging and empathy, highlighting how pets and people sometimes share more than we think.
3. Rich in Family
Sitting on the couch with snacks, Ben asks Olivia if she regrets not marrying someone who could’ve brought riches. Olivia says “Of course” — and just when it seems like a zinger’s coming, she finishes with, “And I did!” surrounded by kids and grandkids. This moment perfectly captures the heart of the comic — reminding us that family is the greatest wealth. Sweet, funny, and full of emotional truth.
4. Heaven Is a Hammock
On a sunny day, Ben proclaims it’s “A perfect day!” before flopping into a hammock with his dog snoozing beneath him. As he lies back, he reflects, “I’ll betcha heaven is full of hammocks.” This strip encapsulates pure peace — a simple moment of comfort and contentment. It’s a gentle nod to how small pleasures, like naps and nature, are heaven enough for those who know how to appreciate them.
5. Grandpa Logic
A toddler points out an airplane, and Ben tries to turn it into a teaching moment — asking the boy to imagine where the plane might be going. The kid’s guesses? The grocery store or the mall. Despite Ben’s speech about planes traveling great distances, the innocence of childhood keeps the comic grounded in adorable realism. It’s a charming reminder that kids keep things simple, even when adults overthink.
6. Nature Strikes Back
Olivia is inspired to paint in the garden, musing about how nature influenced great artists. As she begins her masterpiece, a rogue splat lands on her canvas, and she angrily shouts, “I’ll bet this never happened to Monet!” Ben calmly adds, “Maybe to Picasso.” The strip is filled with visual humor and gentle sarcasm, with Olivia’s artistic aspirations hilariously humbled by the unpredictability of real-life nature.
7. Newspaper Defense
On the phone, Olivia searches for paper to jot something down. As she approaches Ben — who’s reading the newspaper — he quickly says, “Don’t even think about it!” The strip ends with Olivia smirking, pen poised, while Ben clutches his paper in dread. A classic married-couple moment that rings true for any household — it’s a witty battle over everyday objects that feels all too familiar.
8. Max the Routine King
Ben and his dog Max share the same routine: a long walk after lunch followed by a cozy two-hour nap. Max even carries a pillow to prepare for rest. It’s a wholesome, wordless comic that shows how pets mirror our rhythms — or maybe how we mirror theirs. This one oozes comfort and familiarity, making it one of the most relatable and adorable strips for pet lovers and nap lovers alike.
9. Poolside Rule Breaker
At the pool, Ben lifts a child on his shoulders, only to be whistled at by the lifeguard. Expecting a rule about kids, Ben is blindsided when the real offense is: “No speedos on men over sixty.” The comic delivers a hilarious, cheeky twist — poking fun at body image, generational fashion, and public pool rules, all while keeping the tone light and chuckle-worthy.
10. Ice Cream Guilt
Ben mentions he should lose weight, ice cream cone in hand. Olivia asks if he feels guilty — he says “Not really.” Turns out, he wasn’t talking about guilt at all, but about telling a kid to get to the shade so his cone wouldn’t melt. It’s classic misdirection with a sweet ending. Daniel Shelton shines here by wrapping humor into a slice-of-life moment that’s charming, clever, and quietly caring.
Final Thoughts
The Ben comic strip by Daniel Shelton is a heartfelt and humorous tribute to everyday life, aging, and the bond of family. With its clean artwork, relatable dialogue, and subtle wisdom, it continues to resonate with generations of readers. Ben and Olivia’s world is one many of us know — and love.
Catch more laughs and life lessons from Ben at BenComicStrip.com and follow more great picks at TheHumorSide.com.
