Superman comics are back—and not just saving the world, but making us snort our coffee. Welcome to the most relatable, funny, and occasionally absurd look at Superman you’ll ever get, courtesy of Mark Parisi’s legendary “Off the Mark” comic strips. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the Man of Steel faces modern life (spoiler: kryptonite’s not his only problem), this review is for you.
About the Artist: Mark Parisi
Mark Parisi is a powerhouse in the world of funny superhero cartoons and slice-of-life comic strips. Since launching “Off the Mark” in 1987, Parisi has picked up multiple National Cartoonist Society awards and syndication in hundreds of newspapers. His signature themes include everyday absurdity, pop culture mashups, and, of course, giving classic heroes like Superman a hilarious twist. Parisi’s style is sharp, colorful, and instantly recognizable—his cartoons blend sharp wit with expressive, sometimes bewildered faces that bring out the humor in the smallest moments.
1. Superman vs. The Body Piercings Dilemma
Who needs kryptonite when you’ve got a mugger and a bunch of bullets? In this laugh-out-loud strip, Superman gets peppered with bullets and asks, “What’s it like to have body piercings?” Classic Parisi—he flips the invincible hero trope on its head and makes us see Superman as a clueless, lovable dork.
2. What Are You Listening To, Superhero Edition?
You’ve never seen superheroes with such spot-on playlist choices. Superman’s jamming to “I’m Looking Through You,” The Thing’s all about “I Am a Rock,” Spidey prefers “Spiderwebs,” and Batman? Naturally, he’s “The Joker.” Parisi nails every character’s vibe with a wink and a punchline—these are the kind of jokes only true comic fans will catch.
3. Superfish: Making a Splash on Land
Superman’s fishy cousin hits the beach! When a caped fish launches out of the water, his buddies shout, “Look! Up on the land!”—a hilarious aquatic twist on the Superman intro. Parisi has a gift for reimagining classic lines in fresh, ridiculous ways.
4. Thanks for the Tie, Lois…Again
Every Superman needs a Lois, but does every Lois need to gift the world’s most powerful man another tie? This strip pokes fun at the perennial “bad holiday gift” with Superman’s over-the-top gratitude—and Lois’s deadpan exhaustion. Relatable much?
5. Up, Up, and…Marriage Counseling?
When Superman and Lois land on the therapist’s couch, the doc asks if he’s thinking “up, up and away.” It’s superhero relationship therapy at its finest. Parisi’s humor always hits home—maybe even the Man of Steel needs a little emotional support.
6. Adorable Nightmares: Batman’s Flying Dream
Batman confides to Superman, “I had that flying dream again…” Superman’s only reply? “Adorable.” The juxtaposition of tough-guy Batman and big-brother Superman is comedy gold. Sometimes, even heroes have adorable insecurities.
7. Pink Underwear and Proud
Baby strollers, parent pride, and…pink underwear? Superman’s child may have his eyes, but it’s the signature undies that really stand out. It’s a wink to decades of comic book gags—one that never gets old.
8. Vader’s Dry Cleaning Debacle
What happens when Darth Vader’s cape gets swapped for Superman’s at the dry cleaner? Only in Mark Parisi’s world could you see such a mashup. Vader’s confusion and the hapless clerk’s blank stare are just perfect.
9. Therapist Notes: Trust Issues…or Super Strength?
“Stop trusting people as far as you can throw them,” says the therapist. Superman’s blank stare says it all. Parisi is a master at these subtle superhero-in-real-life jokes.
10. Golfing with Heroes: Grand Canyon Edition
Bat and Supes tee off, but Superman’s “divot” is the entire Grand Canyon. This strip turns a dad joke into comic strip magic. If you’ve ever seen a superhero do yardwork, you’ll get it.
11. The Kryptonite Lockout
Not all locks are breakable—even for Superman. He’s foiled by a “Kryptonite” bike lock while a cyclist looks on, unimpressed. A perfect example of real-world problems for comic book legends.
12. Pull My Finger: The Super Edition
The game that ruins every family party takes a wild turn when baby Superman’s powers get involved. The unsuspecting grandfather never knew what hit him (or his nostrils).
13. Clark Kent’s Piñata Party Disaster
One super-swing and suddenly candy orbits Earth. Let’s just say Clark Kent isn’t getting another party invite. Parisi’s humor here is out of this world—literally.
14. Heimlich Maneuver: Hero Edition
Maybe don’t let Superman handle first aid. One “helpful” squeeze and… well, let’s just say the patient needs more than a doctor. Parisi’s take on superhero overkill is spot-on.
Conclusion: Why Superman Comics (Especially Mark Parisi’s) Are a Must-Read
To sum it up, Superman comics aren’t just about punching villains—they’re about seeing our favorite hero fumble, joke, and live (almost) like the rest of us. Mark Parisi’s “Off the Mark” strips are the perfect blend of superhero nostalgia and modern-day hilarity, making them essential for any comic strip fan.
All comics reviewed in this article are the brilliant work of Mark Parisi. Huge thanks to Mark for showing us Superman’s lighter side—your witty style and creative genius bring these characters down to earth in the best way!
Check out more of Mark Parisi’s work at offthemark.com
Want more comics? Don’t forget to visit Boredcomics.com for your next daily dose of laughter!
