Long before students are made to return to the school grind, back-to-school sales populate every inch of the brick-and-mortar retail landscape. For some students, it's an intrusive reminder that their days of summer fun are decidedly numbered. For others, though, it's a welcome reminder that they'll soon have a new backpack full of fresh notebook paper, pencils, and binders to lug around on top of their dozen or so new outfits. For most, though, it's both at once. Naturally, the parents who fork over the cash are just thrilled to manage an emotional stratum that swings excitement to resentment.

Read on for comics that capture the back-to-school shopping experience.

FoxTrot By Bill Amend Aug 30, 1998

Lio By Mark Tatulli Aug 28, 2011

Grand Avenue By Mike Thompson Sept 8, 2006

Off the Mark By Mark Parisi Sept 7, 2013

Lio By Mark Tatulli Aug 21, 2016

Click "Next" below for five more back to school comics.