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Berkeley Mews' creator calls it a dark humor comic series that exposes the seedy underbelly of everything wholesome and pure. "It takes fairy tales and Disney movies and fond remembrances of childhood and turns them into horrible nightmares - but, like, in a fun way," Ben Zaehringer told Bored Panda.

Ben took some art classes in high school and at the nearby community college, where he learned life-drawing and basic anatomy. "We were also taught to draw cars," he said. "Cars are the bane of every cartoonist, so I'm glad that I was forced to draw them early." Now, he's using these skills to unleash his creative ideas, and people think he's doing a great job. His dark comics has about 200K followers on Instagram and Facebook, and this number is constantly growing.

More info: berkeleymews.com

"I've been doing these cartoon drawings for as long as I can remember," Ben said. "My mom's cousin, Steve Moore, is a cartoonist, so right away I thought of cartooning as a vocation. My first comics were all in the style of newspaper comic strips, like FoxTrot and Peanuts, only bad instead of good."

"My friend Kevin Garvey and I would make comic books every day after school, by folding two sheets of paper together and then filling them in with funny comics. Mine were mainly parodies of Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z, and Kevin's were these epic, super-funny space operas. When we were done, we'd show them to each other and to our friends. This was the best comics education I ever got. If you are an aspiring cartoonist, make a friend who draws comics (or make your friends draw comics)."

RELATED:
    #2

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    S.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    . . . oh

    Amr Mohamed
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some fish live through the freeze! Their heart rate drops and their bodies go into some kind of hibernation state and go back to normal when the ice thaws!

    Esca Sav
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Technically the water wouldn't be frozen if it was inside the igloo, because the temperature can reach up to 60 degrees

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At this point, he'd be better off having a pet frozen fish stick.

    Alexandria Rejon
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It took me a while to get/see it 😐😐😐

    Juan Mejias
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He could have Sixth-sensed this by moving the first frame to the last position

    Night Owl
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Took me a few seconds and then 🙁

    Jjjane20
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, at least you can have your fish forever. Who can say that about their pets?

    Nikki Klingler
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mmmm, looks like my house when the heater broke one winter. Looks like my beata fish too...

    CJ Turner
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    frozen fish please delicacy of antarctica

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    The creator of the webcomics said that disappointment is the main theme in Berkeley Mews. "When I'm writing I ask myself, 'How can something fun be made disappointing?' Recurring motifs include: God, Santa, love, death, childhood, and 90s pop culture references. Life moves fast, so I try to only riff on things that are timeless, like Disney movies that get remade every ten years."

    #3

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just a logical conclusion. Animation movies have a dark twist if you just think them through...

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    #4

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

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    #5

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    queen...<3
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got really confused, but then I saw the trash can lol.

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    #6

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love is just a mushroom away!

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    #7

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I expected a giant cat overlord to sit on top of it.

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    #8

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

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    #9

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

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    #11

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Grapeling
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    .. which is a secret ticket to an unknown society where the dad stored his true will...

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    #12

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Rissie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But. This is great advice. A generic strategy for finding information.

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    #16

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    S.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me, except I always poke a small bruise to check that it is, indeed, a bruise which is small.

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    #17

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    IzzieM
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wingmen sometimes get all the action...

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    #18

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Grapeling
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *Immediately pinches self* nope not still dreaming

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    #19

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is the mission impossible theme playing in my head?

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    #21

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, that escalated quickly. And evilly.

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    #22

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Grapeling
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now let's hope one of you guys chokes on Maury!

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    #24

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For an additional twist, the artist should have added cleavage to the bone...

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    #28

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    JeffC
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This why ghosts are horrible at telling lies....we can see right through them haha!

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    #29

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    S.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not too far from reality, often.

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    #30

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Herb Eaversmells
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whats dark about this? I went to speech therapy for years as a kid and found the whole experience enjoyable. Its the only reason i speak without my horrible speech impediment I had

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    In the creative world of comics, Berkeley Mews presents a darkly humorous perspective that resonates with fans around the globe. The series, celebrated for its twisted takes on familiar narratives, finds a unique balance between light-heartedness and deeper commentary. If you're intrigued by how humor cleverly intertwines with unexpected storytelling, exploring the evolution of Ben Zaehringer's approach to comic art can provide fascinating insights.

    To learn more about his creative journey and what inspires his unique style, check how he constantly delivers innovative and relatable twists in his comics.

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    #33

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    #34

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    tuzdayschild
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Makes about as much sense as Jaws: The Revenge

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    #35

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Grapeling
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You will survive until they bury you alive

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    #36

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    lilly nyangweso
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    be more specific next time...wait there is no next time...oops

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    #38

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    SirPatTheCat
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “You may kiss the bride”.....”clonk”...”A round of applause for the newlyweds?”....”clonk clonkclonkclonk clonk”

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    #40

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I demand a fourth pane with a knot!

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    #44

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Santa likes the rich kids better, if you just think it through...

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    #48

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

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    #49

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    #50

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Lemon
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm never touching a snowflake again! (Or anything that relates to the sky for that matter)

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    #51

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This actually happened over here...but you can combine it with playing nurse afterwards...

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    #53

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    PyroKitty
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Giant man bursts into a random house, threatens your uncle with a pink umbrella, and tells you that you're a wizard. Seems legit.

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    #55

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Grapeling
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, it's- wait it's actually a plane!!

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    #57

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    #58

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    JeffC
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What he gets for assuming hahahaha!

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    #65

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    S.
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But, how does Ariel decide which ones are her friends and which ones are her bra?

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    #68

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

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    #69

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Link
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NGL, I'd actually want that Pokemon.

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    #72

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Kurisurin Sutaringu
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some parents are actually like this and it pisses me.

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    #73

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    #74

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Must be the bunny from Monty Python...

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    #80

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

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    #81

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just like debates on the reducation of climate gases...

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    #82

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Little Wonder
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That car is poking my memory banks, does anyone know the book it's from?

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    #83

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    #84

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To me this one is the cruelest.

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    #88

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

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    #89

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    ShadowHunter7623
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you read the book Dorthy must die you would know that this is a better option

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    #92

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

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    #97

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Ava Florine
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What was it even hanging on in the first place

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    #99

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Wyomudder
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    #TooReal. Before you all start blowing up here. Coal creates much of your electricity. And now start downvoting and explaining how the world has convinced you this isn't true. Go...

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    #104

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report

    Daniel Wang
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the 1,000,000,000,000th visitor is probably his brother

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    #105

    Berkeleymews-Sorry-I-Ruined-Your-Childhood-Comics-Ben-Zaehringer

    berkeleymews Report