The nudist charm of Jucika
A mid-century Hungarian comic heroine finds new fans—many of them nude
Like many other nudists on Bluesky or Twitter (or Tumblr—I see you), I have been awakened in recent years to the wide world of Jucika, the Hungarian comic strip star from the late 1950s, thanks to the unexpectedly popular @jucikadaily account. With over 22,500 followers (quite large by Bluesky standards) the account posts a vintage Jucika comic nearly every day. It also does so on X, with over 58,000 followers there. Many of the strips feature the mischievous, self-assured heroine confidently navigating the world in the buff.
Artist Pál Pusztai created Jucika (pronounced roughly YOO-tsi-kah), which originally appeared in Hungarian magazines like Érdekes Újság and Lúdas Matyi between 1957 and 1970. Each strip was typically a wordless three- or four-panel gag, relying entirely on body language, expression, and situational humor to tell its story. The comics dabble in satire and even fantasy at times, but they always center around Jucika, who is clever, fashionable, flirty—but most importantly, free. And frequently nude.
While not always presented as a nudist per se, Jucika’s recurring state of undress—at home, in the bath, on the beach, or often in unexpected semi-public scenarios—emerged during a time of global cultural upheaval, when the sexual revolution and second-wave feminism were beginning to challenge long-standing ideas about modesty, gender roles, and body autonomy. Even under Hungary’s heavily controlled print culture of the time, Pusztai’s depiction of a self-possessed, unapologetically nude woman signaled a shift in how female freedom could be imagined—cheeky, stylish, and entirely on her own terms.
And yet, in the context of her comics being frequently shared in nudist/naturist circles on social media, she has become something of an honorary nudist icon in 2025. In recent years, the character has gained a global internet following, first on Tumblr and Twitter, and now thriving on Bluesky. She’s never ashamed. Often, she’s the only one in the comic not embarrassed. Her nudity is not usually sexualized, though it’s sometimes fantasized a little. Her nudity is not hidden from the audience, but she’s also not portrayed as an exhibitionist—and she does have modesty. Her nudity is often portrayed as just part of her life. And while her appeal spans vintage comic fans, retro feminists, and Eastern European culture lovers, she naturally seems to have found a particularly warm welcome among nudists.
We claim no ownership of the comics below—we’re just sharing them for the fun of it. All were found thanks to @jucikadaily.bsky.social, whose delightful archive is worth following if you enjoy your mischief vintage. This is but a small sample of the many works that they have shared. 🪐
It’s no mystery why she would be appealing to the naturist set. Jucika embodies body freedom. She laughs in the face of modesty, slips past gawking bureaucrats, and reclaims her autonomy regularly. No wonder so many nudists are resharing her comics with admiration. 🪐
I discovered this strip a few years ago and feel absolutely in love. Partially I have a soft spot for pantomime strips in general, but every panel here is just a masterpiece in composition. Every single line is in the right place.
Another big fan here! Thanks Evan for researching the background story on this. Jucika’s attitude towards nudity has just the right mix of sass, nonchalance, humor, and empowerment. 🩷