Why the Moomins Still Matter 80 Years Later

I had never heard of the Moomins before 2007. They were not on my radar at all. Then Drawn and Quarterly quietly but confidently unleashed this strange, gentle, oddly profound comic strip on an audience that did not know it was hungry for something both new and old at once. Nearly twenty years later, Moomin has not slipped out of the collective consciousness. If anything, it has settled in and made itself comfortable.

When Drawn and Quarterly debuted the Moomin comics in English in 2007, it marked the first time the strip had been available in the language since its original run in the London Evening News. That alone felt like a small publishing miracle. Since then, the series has sold more than 400,000 copies, a remarkable feat for a quiet, philosophical comic that refuses to shout for attention. Now, presented in a new softcover format that gathers the best work of both Tove Jansson and her brother Lars Jansson, the Moomin Adventures series feels perfectly positioned to reach an entirely new generation of readers, while still rewarding those of us who arrived late and never left.

What continues to surprise me is how deeply human these stories feel. Through Moomin, Moominmamma, Moominpappa, Snufkin, Little My, Snorkmaiden, and the rest of the valley’s odd residents, the strip explores life in ways that feel both soft and sharp at the same time. Created by Finnish-Swedish author and illustrator Tove Jansson in 1945, the Moomins remain as relevant as ever, celebrating their 80th anniversary in 2025 with no signs of fading away.

The Moomins are very much at it again in this third installment. First, Moominpappa uproots the entire family and drags them to a haunted lighthouse in “Moomin and the Sea,” all in pursuit of his dream of writing a novel. From there, he stumbles into accidental espionage alongside his friend Wimsy in “Moominpappa and the Spies.” Things only get messier. The family deals with gossipy, intrusive houseguests in “Moomin Winter,” and Snorkmaiden finds herself traveling back in time to revolutionary France in “Snorkmaiden Goes Rococo,” forever searching for her elusive prince charming. Each story balances gentle absurdity with emotional truth, offering cheeky snark without ever losing its warmth. It is an inviting, low-pressure way to step into Moominvalley, whether you are eight or eighty.

One reason for that staying power is the strip’s quiet philosophy. The Moomins are not built around tidy morals or lessons neatly tied with a bow. Instead, the stories embrace uncertainty and change. Floods happen. Comets appear. Life turns sideways without warning. The characters respond not with heroics, but with resilience and curiosity. Freedom and individuality are central themes, too. Snufkin lives as a wanderer on his own terms. Little My thrives in chaos and refuses to be softened. Moominvalley itself is rooted in acceptance, a place where everyone is allowed to be exactly who they are. There is also a gentle existential comfort running through the series, a recognition that loneliness and warmth often coexist, and that this is simply part of being alive.

The Moomins also feel uncannily modern. In an era dominated by noise and anxiety, these stories offer calm. Adults return to them for emotional safety as much as nostalgia. Moominmamma, in particular, has become a symbol of self-care and emotional grounding, embodying the belief that few problems cannot be eased with coffee, kindness, and a quiet moment together. The series’ deep connection to nature and sustainable living reflects a Scandinavian mindset that now resonates globally, especially as people look for ways to live more gently in the world.

Visually, the Moomins fit right into today’s aesthetic landscape. Their minimalist, Nordic design and black and white linework feel tailor-made for modern tastes. It is no surprise they have found new life on platforms like TikTok, where they sit comfortably in the global pantheon of cuteness. Despite their Finnish roots, they are hugely popular in Japan, where they represent nostalgia, emotional softness, and a longing for simpler rhythms.

This cultural relevance has also made the Moomins a rare example of a value-led brand. They are not just characters, but a philosophy you can hold, collect, or wear. Arabia’s Moomin mugs are prized collector’s items, eagerly anticipated with each new design. Fashion and lifestyle brands like Acne Studios, Comme des Garçons, and Uniqlo have all embraced Moomin collaborations, appealing not to children but to adults who grew up or grew into these characters.

Looking back, it feels strange that I went so long without knowing the Moomins existed. Looking around now, it feels stranger still to imagine a world without them. They arrived quietly, stayed politely, and somehow became essential. The all-new paperback series gives these timeless Moomin stories a fresh life on the shelf.

This accessible format invites longtime fans and curious newcomers alike to rediscover the quiet humor, gentle philosophy, and enduring charm of Moominvalley. Arriving in stores on June 23, 2026, it is the perfect moment to fall back in love with the Moomins or meet them for the very first time.