The font was designed in 1994 by Vincent Connare, a Microsoft employee engaged in developing educational software. Whilst reviewing a new program which was being designed to make computers friendly and accessible for IT virgins, Connare was alarmed by the Times New Roman which accompanied the animated dog called Bob. ‘Microsoft Bob’ was akin to the Micosoft paperclip animation, so beloved by users of ‘Word’. It’s purpose was to lead, through simple and friendly instruction, the user through the simple tasks of word processing and simple spreadsheets. The form & purpose where simply at odds with oneanother. Connare recognised the need for a simple organic type form and, inspired by the clarity and accessible look of comic strip speech bubbles. He set about designing a formal font with a strong legacy to the hand drawn letterforms more easily associated with Batman cartoons. The slight italic feel adds an immediacy to any text set in Comic Sans.

Unfortunately, ‘Microsoft Bob’ was not a success and was confined to digital oblivion – but not Comic Sans. Released as part of a set of supplementary fonts in ‘Windows ‘95’ the font was quickly recognised as an ‘anti font’ to the rigid strictures of Arial and Times Roman and absorbed into the ‘Desktop Publishing’ lovers toolbox.

In fact, Comic Sans has a serious side. Like another of Connare’s other font designs “Trebuchet’, it has been shown to be an excellent font for people with Dyslexia, where it’s clear and rhythmic form proves less confusing.

Next time you see it, however inappropriate – remember that it was orphaned early in it’s life and that it was designed with the very best intentions!