Mary Nicola has quickly become a favorite in the webcomic world with her charming strip series—aptly tagged mary comics—that turns everyday moments into laugh-out-loud vignettes.
Drawing from her own experiences and sharp observations, Nicola’s art style blends warm pastels with expressive character work, giving each four-panel story an inviting, cozy feel. Since launching her first comic in 2021, she’s built a loyal following on Instagram and TikTok, where fans eagerly await her weekly drops.
Nominated for “Best New Webcomic” at the Digital Cartoon Awards, Nicola balances relatable humor with a touch of absurdity, whether she’s poking fun at pet-owner stereotypes or the relentless grind of adulting.
What truly sets her apart is the gentle empathy woven through every joke—she’s not just making fun of our foibles, she’s celebrating the shared awkwardness that unites us all.
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In the first batch of strips, Nicola introduces us to four types of pet parents in “Which Pet Owner Are You?” We meet the organic-food zealot, the home-cooked-meal devotee, the free-spirited cat caretaker, and the ultimate couch-buddy duo.
Each panel is instantly recognizable to anyone who’s ever tried to parse the endless debate over kibble versus rice and meat. Next, she captures the pure delight—and frantic cover-up—of finding unexpected cash in a birthday card, brilliantly showing our hero pretending to be grateful while bills flutter around her feet.
Nicola then riffs on our phone addictions with a Duolingo-inspired strip: it’s 2:15 AM, the protagonist promises to sleep “after level five,” and the next morning can’t utter a single line of “Valar Morghulis.” These opening comics set the tone for Nicola’s signature mix of slice-of-life humor and playful satire.
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The next set of mary comics dives deeper into the daily hustle. We follow a proud homemade-lunch bringer who caves and orders takeout when coworkers apply even the slightest peer pressure—cue the sheepish “Alright…gimme that phone.”
Then comes a heartfelt tribute to first pets, a tiny hamster who reigns supreme over a huge German Shepherd, cheerfully demanding snacks on a timer. Nicola’s gym strip captures everyone’s favorite conversation: “Hey, sorry! How many sets do you have left?” Met with a blank, “Oh, I’ve got two,” it perfectly illustrates our collective anxiety around fitness small talk.
Finally, she nails family dynamics with a Balkan-mom comic, where her character’s every sniffle earns bizarre home remedies: onion-and-vinegar socks, anyone?
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Rounding out the selection are three final gems that highlight Nicola’s empathetic streak. One strip shows a frantic late-night fridge run to feed our hamster friend—only for it to squeak in disappointment, “I just fed you?!?” Then, in a sweet twist on self-care, Nicola’s avatar admits, “No matter what you do…who was there at your lowest?” as a computer screen flashes, “How can I help you today?” It’s a nod to the comfort of small routines and the unexpected support we find in unlikely places. Lastly, she contrasts typical childhood caregiving—honey-tea and pills—with the hilariously over-the-top Balkan-mom approach, reminding us that sometimes love comes wrapped in onion socks and stern lectures.
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Whether you’re a pet parent, a late-night learner, or someone who’s ever pretended not to see birthday money, Mary Comics delivers a punchy blend of humor and heart. Nicola’s gift lies in turning the mundane into the magical, and these ten strips are your perfect introduction. Follow her on Instagram @mary.comics to catch new installments every week—and prepare to see your quirks reflected in each perfectly timed punchline.
