Single panel cartoons by Dan Piraro are a masterclass in visual wit, social commentary, and surreal imagination. Piraro’s legendary Bizarro Comics bring everyday absurdities to life in a single, compact panel—combining clever dialogue, rich detail, and unexpected twists. Whether he’s skewering modern society or poking fun at human nature, Piraro’s work invites both laughter and thought. In this article, we spotlight 20 of his sharpest and most hilarious one-panel gems. Let’s dive into the world of Bizarro brilliance.
About the Artist Dan Piraro
Dan Piraro is the acclaimed creator behind Bizarro, a long-running syndicated comic strip known for its surreal humor, wordplay, and social satire. Debuting in 1985, Bizarro has won numerous accolades, including the National Cartoonists Society’s “Best Panel Feature” and multiple nominations for the prestigious Reuben Award. Piraro’s style blends expressive, exaggerated characters with intricate backgrounds full of hidden symbols and Easter eggs. His themes often critique modern life—technology, relationships, politics, and human behavior—delivered with biting wit and creative flair.
#1 Chef’s Table, Literally.
A couple sits in a romantic restaurant, hands clasped lovingly—while a chef, bound and gagged, sits between them. “It’s so romantic dining at the chef’s table,” she says. This twisted literal take on the phrase shows off Piraro’s talent for flipping expectations, combining absurdity with a perfectly straight-faced delivery. It’s dark, bizarre, and unexpectedly hilarious.
#2 Monster Marriage Woes.
Frankenstein’s monster sits with his bride, commenting, “The peasants were unusually angry today. I was lucky to get home in one piece.” It’s a perfect blend of classic horror and suburban banality. Piraro contrasts supernatural settings with domestic normalcy, producing a comic that’s both witty and visually charming.
#3 Love Triangle: Ventriloquist Edition
A ventriloquist dummy tells the audience, “We happen to be in love,” referring to his relationship with Barbie. Piraro plays with anthropomorphism and absurd romance, making this one-panel comic an oddball delight. The visual setup—Barbie awkwardly draped on the dummy’s lap—is pure comedy gold.
#4 Bear of a Divorce.
At a cocktail party, a woman nonchalantly explains that her bear companion “ate my ex-husband and his attorney.” Piraro’s comedic timing is spot-on. The bear’s dapper outfit and her casual tone contrast hilariously with the shocking content, making this one of his edgiest panels.
#5 Maneater Motivation.
Two tigers stroll through the jungle. “It wasn’t the taste of human flesh that turned me into a maneater. It was reading headlines.” Piraro weaves social critique into animal dialogue effortlessly, making this both funny and uncomfortably relevant.
#6 The Veteran Bullfro
Next to a campfire, a man listens as a bullfrog recounts tales from Vietnam and Woodstock. “Where the bullfrog gets its name” is the kicker, turning this into a hilarious parody of tall tales. The exaggerated bravado gives the frog more character than most humans.
#7 Roach Hell’s Kitchen.
In a hell-themed kitchen, a devil dressed in an apron sighs, “Not a morsel of food in the entire place.” It’s literal hell for a roach—an environment infested but foodless. This one’s a pun-lover’s dream and showcases Piraro’s delight in wordplay.
#8 Time-Out Wisdom.
A mother scolds her clown-nosed son: “There are better ways to express yourself than hitting Mommy with a pie.” The absurdity of pie-based assault meets parenting reality. The visual of the kid’s clown makeup adds just enough bizarre flair to tip this into classic Piraro territory.
#9 Grocery-Sized Logic.
A car salesman beams, explaining the joy of stowing 6 cubic feet of groceries in 94.2 cubic feet of SUV. A sharp jab at consumerism, Piraro uses numbers to exaggerate the illogical just enough to sting—and make us laugh.
#10 Blind Beggar Comeback.
A man asks a blind beggar, “Who made that sign for you?” The beggar’s sign reads, “Oh, I’m fine. Just keep walking.” The deadpan reply and sarcastic sign deliver a mic-drop moment. Piraro’s social commentary shines through subtle jabs like this.
#11 Mr. Charming’s Priorities.
A smug man on a date says, “Enough about me. Let’s talk about all the stuff I own.” The woman’s unimpressed expression sells the whole gag. Piraro skewers narcissism with just a few words—and a perfectly disinterested dinner date.
#12 Age Math.
When accused of being older than his profile claimed, a man counters, “I’m forty-eighteen.” This math-gymnastics lie hits right at the heart of dating culture. The humor lies in its relatability—and the totally unconvincing logic behind it.
#13 Angel Smacks Explained.
A man shares a childhood myth that angels smack you on the head for impure thoughts. The woman replies, “That explains why so many men go bald.” Piraro’s humor lands on the fine line between sweet and savage—and we’re here for it.
#14 Hamster Moon.
A tiny man at a bar explains, “I turn into a hamster every full moon.” He’s the Incredible Shrinking Man meets werewolf. It’s so ridiculous, it works. The best part? His normal-sized buddy doesn’t even flinch.
#15 Alarm App from Hell.
A woman explains her app plays rainfall to lull her to sleep, then wakes her with a cat hacking up a hairball. It’s an absurd but oddly believable scenario—and a funny jab at tech promises that don’t quite match real-life needs.
#16 Threatening Closing Argument.
A defense lawyer warns the jury that upsetting his client may make them his next target. Piraro’s mockery of courtroom decorum adds dark humor to a typically serious setting. The jury’s panicked expressions say it all.
#17 Frankenstein’s Oscar Speech
Receiving an award, Frankenstein thanks “Chris Ryan for my brain… Jeff Topper for my thighs…” etc. A pun-filled nod to Frankenstein’s assembled origins, this speech is peak Piraro: funny, weird, and smart.
#18 Welcome Mat Loophole.
A vampire defendant argues that a “Welcome” mat counts as legal invitation to enter. Piraro parodies courtroom logic by twisting vampire lore into legal precedent. It’s as clever as it is ridiculous.
#19 Therapist Date Night.
A couple’s therapist reminds them their sessions “don’t count as date nights.” Piraro finds comedy in mundane marital issues, giving even the grumpiest couple something to agree on—if only ironically.
#20 Writing Kills the Stone Age.
Two cavemen discuss the consequences of writing: “These won’t be prehistoric times anymore.” Piraro pokes fun at progress-phobia through primitive banter, making the leap from caveman to modern thinker hilariously smooth.
Final Thoughts
Dan Piraro’s single panel cartoons are anything but simple. They’re packed with subtext, satire, and smart visual gags that reward close reading. Whether it’s dating, monsters, or modern absurdities, Bizarro finds a way to make us laugh and think at the same time. For more offbeat gems like these, visit BizarroComics.com or follow Dan Piraro and Wayno on social media.
For more hilariously weird and wonderful cartoons like these, check out Boredcomics.com — your go-to hub for smart, offbeat humor.
