An Addictive Generator For 'Oh No' Comics? Oh Yes!

Just over a year ago, "Code Monkey" and Ravelry co-founder, Cassidy Forbes created "webcomicname-mashup". An app that enables you to make your own versions of the popular Webcomic Name comic strips.

For those unfamiliar, Webcomic Name parodies the relatable 3-panel comic format. There's the setup, things happen, but they always end with the same little celebration of failure: 'oh no'. But don't let the simple format fool you. The comic's gloomy reflections on life have a self-conscious charm and wit that can be both funny and thought-provoking.

"Webcomicname-mashup" puts Norris' back catalog of comic strips to work. You can generate a random comic, or carefully click through the panels until you settle on your own 'oh no' masterpiece.

Norris remarks. From reflections on our productivity-sapping obsession with gadgets to poignant comments on the state of discussions of identity and gender, the results can be en pointe.

says Forbes,

quips Norris. Adding that

And today, Norris' has something else to be proud of. Webcomic Name is now available in paperback with the release of . Published by Andrews McMeel, it brings together all the series’ greatest hits as well as dozens of never-before-seen comics.

Landing just after April Fools day, the timing of the book's launch is apt as Webcomic Name is the result of an April Fools joke itself. In 2015, Norris faked that 'Dorris McComics', another Norris web comic creation, was becoming a trite relatable comic with 8 updates per day. Norris tells us. And of course the internet loved it. Norris has been creating hilarious, cliche-filled, blob-based works of art ever since.

Inspired to create your own? Norris leaves us these suitably dour words of encouragement: "Anyone can become an internet artist, the bar has never been lower!"

Norris’ book "oh no" is out today.