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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

#1

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

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Mike F
Community Member
2 years ago

Fair enough.

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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."

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    #2

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

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Yes, Benny. Your problem is not my problem.

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    #3

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

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Do you want your damned bacon bits or not, Albert?

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    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."

    #4

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

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Without using the mace under the counter.

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    #5

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

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    Kelly H. Wilder
    Community Member
    2 years ago

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

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    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."

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    #6

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Good one

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    #7

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

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    2 years ago

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

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    "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."

    #8

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

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    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.".

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    #9

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

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    robecca leyden
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Definitely agree on the cats

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    #10

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

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    Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Good answer!

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    #11

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

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    Epona
    Community Member
    2 years ago

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

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    #12

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

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    Claire Kaplan
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited)

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

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    #13

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

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago

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

    #14

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

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    Mimi La Souris
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    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...

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    #15

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

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    2 years ago

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

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    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

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

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    René Sauer
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    A Cat?

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    #17

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

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    Mimi La Souris
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    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)

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    Jaya
    Community Member
    2 years ago

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

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    #19

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

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    Kelly H. Wilder
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    "Stores in a big store don't live as long as mayflies." 😔

    #20

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

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago

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

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    #21

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

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    Me Oh My (He/They)
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Yeah, Davy! Don't take the sign!

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    #22

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    We all need a Tabby as a coworker.

    #23

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

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    Vira
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    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.

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    #24

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

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago (edited)

    The boss doesn't even know he's missing a heart.

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    #25

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    I feel this.

    #26

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

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    William Plummer
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    The audacity of some bosses 🙄. Vacation means VACATION!

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    #27

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Please!

    #28

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    I don’t think he should have children.

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    #29

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Nice strategy

    #30

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Must be a newbie

    #31

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

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    Jrdiver
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    She's not here to help. Just to point laugh and enjoy the show.

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    #32

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

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago

    Their pictures should be posted behind the counter, like they do for people who've paid with bad checks or stolen credit cards.

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    #33

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

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    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Paul? I don't know, I always thought Tabby was more of a Tom guy XP

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    #34

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    The dog

    #35

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

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    Kelly H. Wilder
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    The sign above the schedule! 😂

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    #36

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Sarcasm is in my DNA.

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    #37

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    For now...

    #38

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Oh dear

    #39

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    I hate those wobbly wheeled carts!

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    #40

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    But I’m a piece of art that speaks to you.

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    #41

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Sweetie Honey Baby

    #42

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Everyone is familiar but referent.

    #43

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Berle is just chopped liver.

    #44

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Yup

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    #45

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Uh, nope

    #46

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

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    MyName'sLisaMontoyaYouKiltMyPa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    Give Tabby a raise now!