ADVERTISEMENT

Stephen Beals is back with more of his funny and relatable "Adult Children" comics, and we couldn't be more excited to share them with you. Known for capturing the ups and downs of working in retail, Beals turns everyday frustrations into humorous art that resonates with anyone who's ever dealt with customer service.

In this new batch of comics, Beals continues to explore the amusing and sometimes absurd situations that retail workers face daily. From interactions with customers to the dynamics between coworkers, these cartoons might make you laugh and nod in agreement.

More info: Instagram | twitter.com | Facebook | gocomics.com

Stephen Beals shared with Bored Panda that he has been creating comics for as long as he can remember, driven by his passion for art. Although his degree is in animation, he found himself more drawn to print and graphic art.

During college, he enjoyed working with people, except when he was exhausted, unwell, or dealing with difficult customers. He humorously referred to these challenging customers as "uppity raccoons." He said, "Sometimes customers are uppity raccoons, and love has left the air."

#3

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

According to Beals, he titled his comic series "Adult Children" because being an adult seems like a made-up story we tell kids to make them behave. "Sometimes it works and a child will master the art of pretending to be responsible. They become politicians, incarcerated, or potentially both."

ADVERTISEMENT
#5

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kelly H. Wilder
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like that so much I screenshotted it to share with people who know my sibling. So much truth.

View more commentsArrow down menu

For Beals, the trickiest part of his work is often the message he wants to convey. Some cartoonists compare writing comics to poetry, which might sound odd at first, but it makes sense. According to the artist, getting the pacing and dialogue right is crucial. He has learned this through trial and error, admitting to making countless comics that just didn't click. "Honestly, that's the way I learn everything. A few hundred failures equal success."

#7

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tabitha
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That joke is older than you are, sir. It’s so old it’s got whiskers.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"I receive more personal responses to my comics about retail than anything I've ever made in the past. People have written me to share some very hilarious stories as well as others that describe painful work scenarios. Really, that's more rewarding than any amount of money. As far as I know. I'd like to test that theory by getting a large amount of money and comparing the two, but this experiment lacks funding."

ADVERTISEMENT
#8

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Teresa Spanics
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would do the same by first asking if I could hug them in case they are still not well enough, and then gently hug them while saying "I hope that you make a full recovery, and that the cancer never returns.".

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Epona
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like how the signs keep saying something different in each panel. "Open 24/7 for possible service" is pretty funny

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Claire Kaplan
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Acme, if you're reading this: NOBODY WANTS TO DOWNLOAD AN ENTIRE APP JUST TO GET COUPONS ON APPLES, YOU DOLTS!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Lotekguy
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

True friendship, and the makings of a great union rep.

#14

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mimi La Souris
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was working for social services, a woman was denied a single parent allowance because she was living with her boyfriend. when she came to challenge the decision, I explained we had evidence she's not single because they share one room, she replied that they slept together in the same bed but he kept his pants...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mike F
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would rather cut off my own toes, one at a time, with tree pruners, than work with the public again.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#17

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mimi La Souris
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i HAAAAAATE these people, so rude.I always wanted to push theirs headphones into an anatomical place without network

#18

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jaya
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

April Bloom makes me so happy. Whenever I see these comics on BP, I'm hoping there's a lot with her in it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
#20

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Lotekguy
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Going home to no one, and the dog is fantasizing about other owners.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Add photo comments
POST
Vira
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honest to God, how lazy are you that it's that hard to find things in a store? Inventory shifts. Businesses stop selling items so new items are stocked, so items shift around. It's fine. Just ask an employee for help, or read the hanging signs. What a ridiculously trivial complaint.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#24

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

#30

Stephen Beals’ "Adult Children" Comics: Finding Humor In Retail Realities (New Pics)

stbeals Report

Note: this post originally had 46 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda