Comic Strip Humor is alive and well in the delightfully witty world of Crankshaft. If you love old-school comic strips that poke fun at daily life, aging, technology fails, and family antics, then this review is your fast track to a smile. Today we’re diving into a fresh set of Crankshaft comics that bring together the best of dry wit, clever wordplay, and the kind of everyday awkwardness that makes newspaper comic strips a timeless pleasure. Settle in and get ready for a laugh (and maybe a groan or two) as Ed Crankshaft and his crew remind us that life’s little mishaps are best enjoyed with a side of comic strip humor.
About the Artists Tom Batiuk & Dan Davis
Crankshaft is the brainchild of Tom Batiuk, with fantastic art from Dan Davis. Batiuk, a legend in the world of comic strip humor, is also known for his acclaimed series “Funky Winkerbean.” Over his decades-long career, he’s received multiple awards, including Pulitzer Prize nominations and the Inkpot Award for his unique contribution to American comics. Dan Davis, meanwhile, is a master of expressive character work and comedic timing—he brings Batiuk’s scripts to life with crisp, classic lines and just the right amount of old-school charm. Together, they deliver a strip that’s part social satire, part nostalgic comfort food, and 100% relatable.
#1. On-Air Awkwardness: Call Me Maybe, But Not Right Now
Crankshaft comic strip humor is on full display when Lillian calls a news anchor… while he’s live on the air. The look of panic, the awkward timing—it’s every boomer’s nightmare and every millennial’s “please don’t be my mom” moment. Ed’s expression says it all: maybe voicemail would’ve been better.
#2. Outdated Tech Woes: The Long-Lived Librarian
The teens are glued to YouTube, but the librarian’s claim to fame is just still being around. The generational gap has never been wider—or funnier—as modern comic strip humor collides with old-school wisdom (and a hint of existential dread).
#3. Phone Fumble: Who’s Calling Who?
Losing your phone and calling it from someone else’s only to realize it’s right next to you? This is comic strip humor for the digital age, and Ed’s sheepish look could be every grandparent trying to master smartphones since 2010.
#4. Superman’s Neighborhood: Dreams Take Flight
There’s something magical about learning Superman’s creator lived nearby—and suddenly, being legendary doesn’t feel so impossible. It’s a sweet, hope-filled strip that shows Crankshaft isn’t just about laughs—it’s about believing you’re not so different from heroes.
#5. Sideline Drama: The Blue Tent Brigade
Sports culture meets comic strip humor with Crankshaft’s grumbling about inflatable helmets and the new “injury tent” trend. Only Ed could turn a simple football game into a commentary on medical accessories and playoff curses.
#6. Birdwatching Brilliance: Wild Blue Yonder
Leave it to Ed to spot a “wild blue yonder.” It’s a groaner of a pun, but that’s exactly why it lands—classic dad joke energy at its finest, made even better by everyone else’s confusion.
#7. Pickleball Refusals: Food Logi
Ed’s rule is simple: don’t play games named after food. He’s managed to dodge squash and Parcheesi thanks to his quirky logic, and honestly? It makes more sense than most adult decisions.
#8. Pizza Power: How Comics Saved Tuesdays
When pizza sales go up, so does the editor’s mood—and it turns out, so does the comic page. The secret? A “Teen Page” comic strip and plenty of pepperoni. Only Crankshaft would connect snacks and syndication.
#9. Hustled at Pickleball: The Venmo Twist
You know you’ve been hustled when your opponent requests payment via Venmo after a game—especially when they showed up with “pro” leather-case paddles. Modern comic strip humor never misses a chance to roast the present.
#10. Comics Code Authority: Stamp of Approval
Who could resist buying a comic with the “Comics Code Authority” stamp? For Ed and friends, it’s practically required reading. That’s the kind of rationalization every comic fan has used at least once (or, let’s be honest, a hundred times).
#11. Lawn Care Sabotage: Mower Mayhem
Crankshaft’s take on neighborhood rivalries hits home when a simple lawn mowing turns into an arms race. The punchline? Ed’s always just one gadget ahead—or at least, he thinks he is. Classic comic strip humor for anyone who’s ever kept up with the Joneses.
#12. Holiday Card Hiccups: Festive Frustration
Trying to take a perfect family holiday photo? Good luck. The strip captures the chaos of squirming grandkids, blinking eyes, and that one person who always “forgets” to smile. If you’ve ever staged a photo shoot, you’ll laugh in solidarity.
#13. Drive-Thru Dilemmas: The Great Order Mix-Up
Ordering coffee should be simple, but not for Crankshaft. By the time he’s through the drive-thru, he’s either forgotten what he wanted or invented a whole new menu item. It’s the daily grind—comic strip humor style.
#14. Retirement Home Hijinks: Bingo Brawls
Nothing stirs up drama like bingo night at the retirement center. This strip takes competitive spirit to the next level, showing that no one is too old for a little sabotage (or a lot of sass).
#15. Lost and (Never) Found: The Mystery of the Missing Sock
Where do lost socks go? Crankshaft suggests it’s an interdimensional portal—finally, a theory that makes sense. The only thing more mysterious than laundry is Ed’s sense of humor.
#16. Traffic Light Tactics: Racing the Red
Ed’s “strategy” at the stoplight is a study in comic strip humor: floor it when it turns yellow, then complain about the ticket. If you’ve ever cursed a red light, you’re in good company.
#17. Book Club Confessions: Literary Lies
Everyone in the book club claims they finished the book, but only Ed admits he just watched the movie. Honesty is the best policy—or at least the funniest one.
#18. New Year, Same Ed: Resolution Reboot
Ed’s New Year’s resolution? Don’t change a thing. And frankly, why mess with perfection? Crankshaft’s approach to self-improvement is the most relatable (and realistic) take on resolutions out there.
#19. Garden Gnome Grievances: Statuesque Shenanigans
The neighbors have a new garden gnome, and Ed’s convinced it’s plotting against him. The paranoia is real, but the punchline is even better. Only in comic strip humor can garden decor be this threatening.
#20. DIY Disaster: The Tool Time Trap
Ed tries to fix a leaky faucet, but ends up needing an entirely new kitchen. Sometimes, “do it yourself” really just means “call for backup”—or, in Ed’s case, start shopping for takeout.
Wrapping Up: The Enduring Charm of Comic Strip Humor
Comic Strip Humor is timeless, and nowhere is that clearer than in Crankshaft. From daily disasters to stubborn quirks and one-liner wisdom, Ed Crankshaft’s world is a masterclass in finding the funny side of life. Batiuk and Davis deliver sharp punchlines and lovable characters with a style that’s as classic as it is fresh.
Credit: All comics in this article are the work of Tom Batiuk and Dan Davis. For more Crankshaft, visit the official site, check out their Facebook page, or follow on Instagram. Their style is a must for anyone who loves a daily dose of laughter.
And if you want even more comic strip humor, don’t miss Boredcomics.com for laughs from every corner of the internet!
