Boris the Bear

From 1987 to 1991, Nicotat Comics published Boris the Bear, a 22-issue series that blended dark humor with a distinctly offbeat sensibility. Most frequently written by James Dean Smith, Steve Mattsson, and Valaska Smith, with Smith also serving as the primary artist, the series carved out a cult niche in the late-'80s independent comics scene. Its legacy lies in its willingness to subvert expectations, offering a grimly comic take on the animal-adventure genre that resonated with readers looking for something different.