Love Hurts (comics)

Love Hurts is a British comic strip and comic book series, created by Kim Casali. It features a rotund, cherubic, and perpetually lovelorn female character who shares the artist’s first name. The strip typically focuses on her attempts, often humorously unsuccessful and sometimes bordering on the absurd, to find love and romance.

Originally titled "Kim," the strip was born out of personal notes and doodles Casali created for her future husband, Roberto Casali. These early notes depicted the character of Kim expressing affection and humorous observations on relationships. After Roberto’s suggestion, the strip was published as "Love is..." in the British newspaper, Evening News, in 1967. Following Roberto's death in 1975, other artists continued the "Love is..." strip.

The "Love Hurts" spin-off emerged later, focusing more specifically on the challenges, frustrations, and comedic mishaps associated with finding and maintaining romantic relationships, as experienced by the Kim character. Unlike the sentimental and often saccharine nature of "Love is...", "Love Hurts" leans more towards self-deprecating humor and relatable awkwardness.

The "Love Hurts" comic has appeared in various newspapers, magazines, and collections, gaining popularity for its lighthearted approach to the trials and tribulations of modern dating and relationships. The strip's simple artwork and universally relatable themes have contributed to its enduring appeal. The artist Kim Casali's personal experiences often served as inspiration for the scenarios depicted in the comic.