Big Nate: In a Class by Himself

Lincoln Peirce’s Big Nate: In a Class by Himself launched the long-running middle-grade comic series from HarperCollins in 2010, following the misadventures of sixth-grader Nate Wright as he navigates school, friendship, and his own outsized ego. Peirce, the series’ sole writer and artist, built a warm, funny world around Nate’s classroom antics and his rivalry with the school’s strict teacher, Mrs. Godfrey. This debut issue established the tone for a beloved franchise that would go on to span dozens of books, blending Peirce’s sharp cartooning with relatable, kid-centered humor. It matters as the cornerstone of a series that has become a staple of children’s comics, offering a timeless take on the everyday chaos of elementary school life.