Does a comic strip need words?

While most comic strips do use words, it's not a necessity. There are several examples of successful comic strips that rely heavily on visuals and very little dialogue, if any at all.

Here are a few examples:

* The Far Side: Gary Larson's iconic strip is known for its surreal humor and often features animals in strange scenarios. While there are some words, the visuals and clever concepts do most of the heavy lifting.

* Dilbert: Scott Adams' strip uses minimal dialogue, focusing on the humorous observations and interactions between characters in the corporate world.

* Zippy the Pinhead: Bill Griffith's bizarre and nonsensical strip relies almost entirely on visuals and wordplay, often with minimal text.

Ultimately, whether a comic strip needs words depends on the artist's style and the type of humor they're aiming for. Some artists utilize words for dialogue, exposition, and humor, while others rely on visual storytelling and expressive art to communicate their ideas.

There's no right or wrong answer, as long as the comic strip is engaging and enjoyable for the reader.