The Real MVP: Fonts That Carried the 90s and 2000s Web
Ah, the early web—a magical place where web designers were cowboys, riding the open plains of HTML with just a mouse and an “Under Construction” gif. The design choices of the 90s and 2000s were bold, brave, and often, let’s face it, pretty baffling. Nothing encapsulates that era better than the iconic fonts of the 90s and 2000s that carried it. The unsung heroes of the awkwardly flashy websites, these fonts are legends—some infamous, some iconic, but all unforgettable. Grab your Tamagotchi, turn on your dial-up, and let’s take a walk down memory lane to revisit the MVPs of early web typography.
1. Comic Sans
When one thinks of fonts of the 90s and 2000s, the first thing that comes to mind is Comic Sans. If fonts were high school stereotypes, Comic Sans would be the class clown. Created by Vincent Connare in 1994, Comic Sans was meant to be a fun, child-friendly typeface to add a bit of whimsy to your otherwise mundane life. And whimsical it was—used for everything from birthday party invites to, inexplicably, “Professional Legal Advice” signs.
It was the early days of the internet, and Comic Sans brought color and smiles to our otherwise grey webpages. Was it overused? Absolutely. Did people slap it on funeral invitations, eviction notices, and serious medical pamphlets? Oh, you bet they did. Comic Sans didn’t care—it was just here for a good time, not a long time. Even as typographers threw shade at it, Comic Sans smiled back, because deep down, it knew it was the friendly face of the early web.
If Comic Sans Were a Person
If Comic Sans were a person, they’d be that playful, carefree friend who always knows how to make people laugh, even in the most awkward situations. Picture them as the one showing up to gatherings in colorful, mismatched clothing, with a beaming smile and an infectious laugh that immediately lightens the mood. Comic Sans is all about fun, not taking things too seriously, and embracing life with childlike enthusiasm.
Comic Sans would dress in a mix of bright, cheerful colors—think neon greens, yellows, and blues—paired with funky patterns like polka dots or stripes. They’d wear sneakers that look like they’ve seen plenty of action and perhaps have cartoon-themed accessories like a goofy hat or a watch with a character on it. Their style is all about making people smile; it’s whimsical, a little chaotic, and completely unapologetic.
Their hair might be a bit tousled and fun, maybe even a bit spiky, like they just came from an impromptu game of dodgeball. Comic Sans would never leave home without their signature grin—a grin that suggests they have a joke ready, just waiting for the right moment. They have a lighthearted, approachable demeanor, like the type of person who would wear those novelty glasses with the fake nose just for a laugh.
In conversation, Comic Sans is the life of the party. They love puns, corny jokes, and silly anecdotes. They’d tell a story about tripping over their own feet but somehow turn it into an epic comedy skit. They’re the kind of person who starts impromptu dance-offs at weddings and makes friends with complete strangers just because they saw someone who looked like they could use a laugh.
Comic Sans loves to bring joy and doesn’t care much for the formalities or rules. They’re the kind of person who would doodle all over a serious meeting agenda just to make it a little more colorful. Their main goal in life is to make people feel comfortable and to break down the stuffiness that can come with adulthood. They might not always fit the occasion—Comic Sans could be a bit much at a very formal event—but their intention is always good, and they genuinely believe in making things a bit more fun for everyone.
Comic Sans would be the favorite at children’s birthday parties—pulling out balloon animals and magic tricks, or making goofy faces to get everyone laughing. They may sometimes get a bad rap for being too casual or even a bit tacky, but they don’t mind. They’re comfortable in their own skin and are here to remind everyone that sometimes, life is better when you stop taking everything so seriously and just have a good time.
Sure, they can be over-the-top, and they definitely aren’t the right fit for everything, but Comic Sans doesn’t need to be. They’re that carefree friend you call when you need a pick-me-up or a little extra color in your life. Whether they’re wearing a silly hat, telling a ridiculous story, or simply brightening up a dull moment, Comic Sans lives to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
2. Times New Roman
Times New Roman was that serious parent figure every crazy website needed. If Comic Sans was the fun uncle, Times New Roman was the strict, no-nonsense dad font of the 90s and 2000s. Originally designed for The Times newspaper in 1931, it eventually became the default font for all things Microsoft Word and academic assignments.
For the fledgling internet, Times New Roman was the stabilizer, the one you called on when you needed to be “respectable.” It’s the font that showed up to school parent-teacher night in a suit while Comic Sans wore a Hawaiian shirt. Times New Roman gave your GeoCities fan page a hint of authority, even if it was just a page dedicated to your love for Hanson and The X-Files. We loved it for being dependable—even when we didn’t love our teachers assigning us twelve pages in 12-point Times New Roman.
If Times New Roman Were a Person
If Times New Roman were a person, they would be that steadfast and reliable dad who always wears a crisp, button-down shirt and khakis—nothing flashy, but always appropriate for the occasion. They are classic, dependable, and carry themselves with a certain no-nonsense air. Times New Roman is the kind of person who prefers structure, order, and a job well done over improvisation or flashy displays. They’re timeless in every sense, having been around forever and always being counted on to do things right.
Picture Times New Roman with neatly combed hair, a well-trimmed beard (if they have one at all), and a subtle watch that doesn’t make a statement but works perfectly. Their clothes are ironed, their shoes are polished, and their posture is upright—a person who believes that how you present yourself matters. They’re always impeccably punctual and insist on maintaining a detailed calendar, highlighting that practicality and reliability define their way of life.
In conversation, Times New Roman is articulate and deliberate, never raising their voice but commanding attention through their well-chosen words and a calm demeanor. They’re the person who quotes Shakespeare or some famous historical figure during family debates, not to show off, but because they believe in the value of established knowledge. They are the ultimate authority figure—the one who gives speeches at family gatherings that begin with “back in my day” and ends with wise advice about facing the future.
Despite their serious demeanor, Times New Roman has a gentle warmth. They’ll always help you with your homework, patiently explaining things you don’t understand, or fix something around the house, tools neatly organized in a box that’s older than you are. They’re the one who insists on dinner at the table, with no phones, because conversation and tradition are important. They believe in the power of consistency and trustworthiness, and they’ll never let you down.
Times New Roman’s hobbies are reflective of their personality—reading classic literature, collecting fine pens, or gardening in the most meticulous of ways. They love things that are lasting and meaningful. They aren’t interested in fleeting trends or temporary thrills. They thrive on rituals, routine, and reliability—Sunday crosswords, morning coffee with the newspaper, and everything in its rightful place.
They might not be the life of the party, but Times New Roman is the one you’d want when things need to get done right. They carry the weight of responsibility with ease and remind you that sometimes the classics are classic for a reason. There’s comfort in knowing that no matter how the world changes, there are constants you can always rely on—and Times New Roman embodies that sense of unshakable dependability. They are proof that you don’t need to be loud or flashy to be indispensable; sometimes, just being there, in the right way, every time, is what makes you timeless.
3. Papyrus
Now, if Comic Sans was the fun one and Times New Roman the formal one, Papyrus was that one friend who thought a trip to an incense shop equaled a spiritual awakening. Created by Chris Costello in 1982, Papyrus gave early websites a sense of mysterious adventure—or at least, it tried to. It was a favorite for websites that wanted to seem ancient, mystical, or like they just might know something about pyramid power.
The real high point for Papyrus was becoming the de facto font for anything remotely “ancient” or “exotic.” From local spa websites to vegan smoothie joints to James Cameron’s Avatar—Papyrus was everywhere. Of all the the fonts of the 90s and 2000s, it may just be the most overused. It made you feel like every smoothie could be a transformative experience and every yoga retreat was literally the key to unlocking the secrets of the cosmos. Was it classy? Not really. But Papyrus was absolutely iconic.
If Papyrus Were a Person
If Papyrus were a person, they’d be that free-spirited friend who’s always planning their next great adventure—often somewhere off the beaten path, like a forgotten desert or a remote rainforest village. Papyrus has an aura that suggests they might know some ancient secrets or have spent a little too much time meditating in a temple on a mountaintop. Their vibe is all about mystery, mysticism, and just a hint of “trying too hard” to be unique.
Papyrus would dress in flowing, earthy-toned clothing, favoring loose linen pants and draped shawls or scarves. They often wear handmade jewelry—bracelets with exotic stones, rings that look like they might have been found on an archaeological dig, and necklaces adorned with feathers, beads, or symbols of ancient meaning. Their style is a mix of wanderer and artisan, with an unmistakable love for the rustic and eclectic.
Their hair is long and untamed, as if it hasn’t seen a comb in weeks—but that’s all part of the aesthetic. It could be tied in a loose bun or left to cascade in natural waves, evoking images of windswept travels. They have a small tattoo or two—perhaps of an Ankh or a crescent moon—adding to their mystic allure, hinting at a deep connection to something spiritual or otherworldly.
Papyrus speaks in a calm, almost poetic manner. They use words like “journey,” “soul,” and “energy” more than any other person you know, and they’re always ready to share the deep wisdom they picked up during their last trip to the Peruvian Amazon. They’re the type to carry around a journal with distressed edges, scribbling down their thoughts about the universe while sitting in a cafe, sipping on some obscure herbal tea you’ve never heard of.
They love incense, dreamcatchers, and anything that evokes ancient civilizations—whether it’s Egyptian hieroglyphics or symbols from the Mayan calendar. Papyrus is the friend who would suggest a sound bath instead of a typical Friday night out, and they’re always offering you herbal remedies they swear by. They’re a bit unpredictable, not always fitting neatly into the modern world, but they add a touch of magic to everything they do.
Papyrus is endlessly curious and enjoys exploring different cultures, particularly their art, mythology, and philosophy. They can sometimes come off as a little pretentious—after all, they pride themselves on not being “mainstream”—but their genuine fascination with the world around them is what makes them endearing. They want every interaction to be meaningful and every choice to carry some deeper purpose. When you need someone to tell a good story under the stars, or to add a dash of mystery to the ordinary, Papyrus is your go-to.
Their presence can be polarizing—you either love their enigmatic charm or find it a bit much—but there’s no denying they bring a unique energy wherever they go. They’re here to remind you that the world is full of mystery, and sometimes it’s worth leaning into the exotic, the mystical, and the beautifully imperfect.
4. Impact
Then there was Impact, the bold font that didn’t just speak—it shouted. If early internet fonts were a band, Impact would be the drummer—loud, in your face, and impossible to ignore. Its thick strokes and bold presence were tailor-made for those early memes, long before we had Twitter to succinctly share our thoughts in 280 characters.
Impact wasn’t interested in subtlety. It was the all-caps friend who always wanted to make sure everyone heard the punchline of a joke. It made text-heavy websites seem like they were yelling out into the void of the early web, because frankly, if your website wasn’t yelling, who was going to listen?
If Impact Were a Person
If Impact were a person, they’d be the loud and energetic hype person that everyone notices as soon as they enter the room. Picture them at a party—they’re the one on the microphone, making announcements, organizing the dance-off, and making sure everyone knows where the action is. Impact has no off button; they’re bold, brash, and absolutely unapologetic about it.
Impact would be dressed to grab attention—think neon colors, bold patterns, and statement accessories like a thick chain necklace or sunglasses that never come off, even indoors. Their hair is styled in a way that stands out—spiky or brightly colored—because blending in is simply not an option. Everything about them screams confidence, and they aren’t shy about taking up space.
They’re the person who always knows where the coolest events are happening, whether it’s a concert, a protest, or a street festival. Impact is the one you call if you need someone to make an impression—whether that’s hyping you up for a big moment or helping you make a bold statement. They’re a natural leader, not afraid to tell it like it is, even if it means stepping on a few toes.
In conversation, Impact speaks in all caps—figuratively, of course. They aren’t interested in small talk; instead, they want to get straight to the point, make their voice heard, and ensure that no one is left wondering what they mean. They love punchy catchphrases and never shy away from telling a joke, even if it borders on obnoxious. But that’s part of their charm—Impact doesn’t do subtle, and people love them for their straightforwardness.
They thrive in the limelight, always at the center of things, and have an instinctive understanding of how to get attention. Whether it’s by standing on a chair to rally the crowd or by simply wearing something too outrageous to ignore, Impact knows how to make a scene. They love memes, bold graffiti, and art that makes people stop and stare—anything that captures the essence of “here I am, and you can’t ignore me.”
Yet, despite their shouty demeanor, Impact is loyal. They’re the friend who’ll always stand up for you, loudly proclaiming your greatness to anyone who will listen. They’re not here for the quiet moments, but if you need someone to amplify your voice, Impact is the person for the job. Impact’s loud, sometimes a bit too much, but they’re always there when you need someone to break the silence and command the room.
5. Arial
Arial was like Times New Roman’s younger sibling who just wanted to be liked by everyone. It was neutral, it was safe, and it was there whenever you needed it. Arial wasn’t flashy—it didn’t have the humor of Comic Sans or the boldness of Impact—but it was reliable. Arial was the font you chose when you just wanted your text to be readable, and that was something many early websites struggled with amidst the sea of rainbow backgrounds and animated gifs.
Arial was the unsung hero that powered through countless Myspace pages, business websites, and blogs dedicated to your pets. It might not have been the most exciting of fonts, but when you needed to write about your love for Neopets or your hottest Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan theories, Arial was there for you.
If Arial Were a Person
If Arial were a person, they’d be the everyman everyone knows and trusts—the kind of person who is always there, dependable, and effortlessly adaptable. Picture Arial as your go-to friend, the one who shows up early to help you move without even being asked, wearing comfortable jeans and a classic plain t-shirt. They don’t crave the spotlight but somehow always end up at the center of everything because they just fit in everywhere.
Arial’s style is simple and straightforward—think neutral colors, clean lines, and nothing too flashy. They’re the type who believes in comfort over trends, often spotted in a timeless hoodie and sneakers, looking polished without even trying. It’s not that they’re afraid to stand out; it’s just that Arial would rather be approachable and easygoing than ostentatious.
They are the ultimate team player at work—never hogging credit, but always getting things done. Whether it’s a last-minute report, an impromptu presentation, or covering for a colleague, Arial’s motto is “I’m here to help.” They have a knack for blending in at both formal boardroom meetings and casual happy hours, seamlessly adapting their demeanor to whatever the occasion calls for.
Arial’s social skills are unmatched. They can strike up a conversation with anyone—artists, techies, lawyers—because they have a little something in common with everyone. Their interests are broad but not deep; they know a little about everything, which makes them a hit at trivia night, though they’ll never be the star of a niche debate. They are the glue that holds groups together, the friend you call when you just need someone who’ll be there, no questions asked.
Even their sense of humor is universally likable—light-hearted, easy to digest, nothing too dark or divisive. Arial knows how to crack a joke that will land well in any crowd, from the office party to family gatherings. They’re the person who helps diffuse awkward situations, smoothing over uncomfortable pauses with a simple joke or an easy smile.
There’s a reliability about Arial that’s often underrated. They’re not the flashiest or most distinct friend, but that’s what makes them great. You might not notice them at first glance, but try to imagine your life without them, and it just feels… off. Arial isn’t looking to make waves, but they have a quiet confidence that makes them impossible to ignore. They remind you that sometimes, blending in can be its own superpower—after all, being versatile and dependable is what makes Arial the hero we all need.
6. Courier New
Let’s not forget Courier New, the one that brought back all the nostalgia of typewriters, back when writing looked serious, even if you were typing up a list of the best episodes of Saved by the Bell. Courier New made your early website feel like you were part computer geek, part old-school journalist.
It was the go-to for code snippets, giving a retro, hacker feel to your website—whether or not you were actually hacking anything. It gave off serious WarGames vibes, and in a world of glitter text and rainbow spinning globes, Courier New brought a sense of underground, nerdy cool. And wasn’t that what the early internet was all about?
If Courier New Were A Person
If Courier New were a person, it would be the nostalgic nerd at the high school reunion, standing by the punch bowl with an endearing awkwardness, sporting a retro pocket protector and a “WarGames” t-shirt. You know the type—quietly cool, a little retro, and someone who absolutely refuses to upgrade from a classic Nokia because “the new stuff just doesn’t have the same charm.”
Courier New would be the one who fondly remembers the good old days of dial-up connections and BBS forums. Their voice has the distinct click-clack rhythm of a typewriter, and they always carry around a well-worn notebook, scribbled with lines of code, favorite sci-fi quotes, and random musings about how things used to be simpler. They thrive on nostalgia—constantly talking about the era when computers were beige and all the coolest people knew BASIC.
In their outfit, you’d find elements from every era: a pair of vintage round glasses that seem like they’ve been stolen from a 70s movie set, a tie with the pixelated design of a floppy disk, and, of course, sneakers that are scuffed up from years of roaming the stacks of second-hand bookstores. There’s an authenticity about Courier New—you get the sense that they’re not interested in following trends. In fact, they’d probably scoff at the idea of “aesthetic minimalism” and shrug with a gentle, nerdy smile.
Their hobbies? Typing on old mechanical keyboards, collecting vintage sci-fi paperbacks, and hosting LAN parties even though everyone else has moved on to cloud gaming. Courier New might get teased for their reluctance to join the modern font crowd—they’ll never be as flashy as Futura or as sophisticated as Garamond—but they don’t mind. They’d rather be the authentic, quirky one in a sea of conformists.
Their motto? “If it worked then, it works now.” They’re practical, no-nonsense, and deeply committed to authenticity. Courier New loves to share their knowledge with anyone willing to listen, often slipping into long tangents about the merits of monospaced fonts and the charm of ASCII art. They’re a typeface with a story, one that brings you back to a simpler time when coding looked like a mysterious art, and each line of text was typed with intention.
And when you need someone dependable—someone who will be there to make your code snippets look classic or your screenplay feel like it came out of a noir detective’s typewriter—Courier New steps up, with that slight smile, ready to serve. They may be a bit nerdy, but they’re a comforting reminder of where it all began, back when the internet felt a little smaller, a little geekier, and a lot more personal.
Fonts of the 90s and 2000s: The Legacy Lives On
Love them or hate them, the fonts of the 90s and 2000s helped shape the web as we know it. They were the perfect reflection of the internet back then—brash, experimental, sometimes a little misguided, but always charming. Sure, today we have sleek, minimalistic fonts designed to optimize readability and UX flow, but sometimes it’s nice to look back and remember the wild west days of Comic Sans and Impact.
These fonts carried the early web—sometimes kicking and screaming—but they carried it nonetheless. They were our first attempts to make the sterile digital world a little more personal, a little more human, even if that meant some choices were slightly (or massively) over the top. Which font matches your personality? Maybe this is why you’re inclined to use it more often (and maybe still use it a little too much).
So, here’s to the MVPs of early web typography. If you’re feeling nostalgic, don’t be afraid to slap some Comic Sans on that birthday card or throw some Papyrus on a random sign. Let’s face it, without these fonts, the internet wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun—and certainly not as memorable.