The Sydney Morning Herald, first printed in 1831, has long been one of Australia's most venerable newspapers. Today it took the extraordinary step of using Comic Sans on its front page.
But seriously, could you imagine a proud newspaper like The New York Times doing this?
An editor at News.com.au was one of the first to throw some shade on the paper and question the future of Fairfax, publishers of the SMH.
When they record the downfall of Fairfax, the comic sans front page will be seen as the beginning of the end
The SMH's Deputy Editor responded with a sick burn to the tabloid competitor.
@Rob_Stott don't knock the font! Your whole website is, metaphorically speaking, in comic sans
The Sydney Morning Herald's Editor, who has weathered recent scandals and serious economic troubles, was willing to stand by the art department.
Love that comic sans. Under-rated font! @rickeyre @bencubby. Appalled by ex Treasurer's claims he was cool with leaked documents. Outrage!
Approached by BuzzFeed for comment, Mr Goodsir sent a strong response to serious questions about the use of the font.
Dear MarkAs you can see, I love the font - but am more than aware that my affections are not universally shared. As for the newspaper, the decision was made to match the surreal nature of the shocking revelations at the ICAC - and it was felt the font would best depict the comic-book feel we were trying to give to the front; as if to make a mockery of the appalling displays in the witness box from a former politician and a current parliamentarian. I am very pleased with the result, but that's about it.bestDarren
Needless to stay, people are mocking the newspaper.... mercilessly.
@Rob_Stott @dannolan
The Editor's response was a firm support for the font.
And there was exceptional help for the front page design of its website.
.@smh unveils their new-look homepage. #ComicSans
Tomorrow's print edition is ready to go.
I've saved some time for @smh and sorted out tomorrow's front page for them.
The Guardian's Nick Evershed took some time to run the top news sites through a Comic Sans filter.
here's The Oz, actually looks pretty good in COMIC SANS #comicsans
And some of it looked better than others. Like here's Australia's most popular tabloid, News.com.au.
here's @newsdotcomdotau's homepage in COMIC SANS #comicsans
The Guardian's very own website wasn't free from a bit of Comic Sans.
here's what @GuardianAus homepage looks like in COMIC SANS #comicsans
What if... *gasp*... what if NYT were Comic Sans-ified.
here's the New York Times in COMIC SANS #comicsans