Herman cartoons are a masterclass in single-panel absurdity, and this review dives straight into the best of them. If you’ve ever chuckled at a painfully awkward moment, dry one-liner, or wildly offbeat scenario, Jim Unger has probably drawn it better than you imagined it. Let’s celebrate Unger’s wit with 20 of his most hilariously brilliant cartoons that showcase just how sharp and timeless his humor really is.
About Jim Unger The Mind Behind the Mayhem
Jim Unger, a British-born Canadian cartoonist, carved his legacy with “Herman,” a syndicated cartoon that exploded in popularity across the globe. Launched in 1974, the strip became a staple in newspapers worldwide, reaching over 600 publications. Unger’s work is known for its exaggerated characters, surreal scenarios, and biting social commentary—all packed neatly into a single panel.
With a style that’s as recognizable as it is relatable, Unger brought attention to the mundane and made it laughable. His work earned him the National Newspaper Award twice and cemented his status as one of the greats in cartoon history. Even years after his passing, Herman lives on through reruns and syndication, continuing to amuse and bewilder new generations of fans.
#1 They Won’t Breed Like That.
A couple’s attempt at fish breeding hilariously derails when logic takes a nap. The suggestion to push two fishbowls together is so innocent, it’s genius—until you realize how utterly nonsensical it is. This cartoon is peak Unger: ordinary folks, offbeat logic, and a deadpan expression that says, “Yes, we’re serious about this.”
#2 Fast or Slow—Just Rip It.
The classic bandage dilemma gets a Herman twist. A doctor casually holding a scalpel asks a patient if they want the wound treated “fast or slow.” The tension between implied pain and cartoon absurdity makes this panel unforgettable. You’ll laugh, cringe, and suddenly be grateful for anesthetics.
#3 My Wife Took the Car.
Standing next to a lonesome tire, a man informs the insurance adjuster that only the tire came home after his wife borrowed the car. It’s a masterstroke of comedic exaggeration—marital drama meets vehicular mystery. Unger’s ability to say so much with so little is unmatched.
#4 The Superman Incident.
In a hospital room, a woman holds up a Superman shirt and gently roasts her injured husband: “They said you were wearing this when you fell off the roof.” It’s heroic delusion meets comic karma. Unger reminds us all that sometimes confidence really is the enemy.
#5 Michelangelo’s Modern Orders.
A medieval painter is scolded by a bishop for using the wrong shade of white on the Sistine Chapel. The sheer anachronism here is delightful. Who knew Michelangelo had a supervisor in a red robe yelling about paint swatches?
#6 Caveman Career Advice.
In a prehistoric setting, a caveman rants about the dangers of his “career” chasing bloodthirsty beasts. It’s satire on modern work complaints dialed back to the Stone Age. HR would be useless here—but the laughs? Timeless.
#7 Family Genes on Display.
“He takes after his great-great-great… great-grandfather.” This cartoon pokes fun at the infinite loop of family pride—or excuses. The visual of a man with an exaggeratedly thick physique says it all, while the dialogue seals the joke. Evolution, meet comic tradition.
#8 I Saw It on the News.
A burglar hiding behind a wall eavesdrops as a woman casually mentions her birthday gift appeared on the 11 o’clock news. The implication is so absurd it’s clever. If you’re into criminal mischief, media moments, and sarcastic reveals—this one’s for you.
#9 Spin Cycle Surprise.
A woman reads the washing machine manual as a pair of legs stick out of it. “Don’t open the lid during spin cycle,” she reads aloud. Unger captures domestic chaos at its peak—safety instructions rarely come with such graphic reinforcement.
#10 Illiterate Logic.
Two men argue, and one defends his intelligence by noting his parents’ long marriage. “…don’t call me illiterate. My Ma and Pa have been married thirty-eight years.” This is classic Unger: logic so broken it loops back into being funny.
#11 Cake with a File.
A prisoner reminisces about Christmas, wishing for a cake with a file in it. It’s the age-old prison gag, delivered with Unger’s unique blend of hope and futility. Simple visual, dark chuckle—perfect combo.
#12 Giraffe Heads and Work Stress.
Two disgruntled zoo employees disguised as giraffes rant about poor pay. Just the image of humans wearing giraffe masks makes it hysterical. Add workplace complaints to the mix, and you’ve got layered comedy at its best.
#13 DIY Disaster.
In the middle of fixing a toaster, a man explains that he plugged it in to “see if you’d fixed it.” His hair is electrocuted into chaos. Domestic disasters, powered by trial-and-error logic, are pure Herman gold.
#14 Long Trip for Fuses.
A man holding a foot-long candle explains that while picking up fuses, he also grabbed some groceries. His wife, holding the shopping bags, does not look impressed. This is marriage in cartoon form: expectations, delays, and a flicker of comedy.
#15 Mermaid vs. Baseball.
A man argues over the TV remote, insisting that he doesn’t care how much the fish “likes The Little Mermaid.” It’s a fish. In a bowl. Debating TV preferences. Ridiculous? Yes. But you’ll giggle anyway.
#16 Bruno’s Breakdown.
A doghouse barricaded from the inside leads one neighbor to explain that Bruno knows he’s due for shots. The defensive architecture, the unseen dog’s fear—it all comes together in a laugh-worthy canine moment.
#17 Mummy Real Estate Review.
A mummy points at the pyramids and complains, “None of those buildings used to be there.” Urban development, ancient history, and undead real estate gripes—only Herman could bring them together in one delightful panel.
#18 Fork Fee Fiasco
A waiter informs a man that there’s a 50-cent surcharge for the replacement fork he received. It’s customer service gone rogue. Every diner who’s felt gouged at a restaurant will appreciate the sting of this one.
#19 Nurses Deserve Better.
A man on a hospital bed praises nurses moments before one appears with an enormous needle. It’s touching—until it’s terrifying. Then it’s just funny. Unger walks the fine line between gratitude and gut-busting exaggeration.
#20 Side Effects May Include…
At a pharmacy, a man asks if the pills have any side effects “apart from bankruptcy.” It’s painfully relatable, especially if you’ve ever seen your pharmacy receipt and thought, “I could’ve bought an iPhone instead.”
Summary
Jim Unger’s Herman cartoons are a sharp, hilarious take on everyday absurdities. With dry humor, simple sketches, and wildly original logic, these 20 gems show just how timeless Unger’s work remains. Whether he’s tackling health care, relationships, prehistoric woes, or poorly-behaved pets, his punchlines still hit home.
Credit
All featured cartoons are the creative work of the legendary cartoonist Jim Unger. His signature one-panel comic “Herman” continues to be syndicated by Andrews McMeel and distributed by LaughingStock Licensing. Unger’s unique visual style and understated humor are what make Herman an unforgettable part of comic history.
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