Daily life humor is the secret sauce that makes Arlo and Janis such a comic classic. In this comic/cartoon review, we’re diving into 20 of the funniest Arlo and Janis strips, each serving up a hearty dose of real-life laughs, marriage banter, and everyday misadventures. If you love comics that perfectly capture the quirks of modern life, this is your must-read list.
Meet the Artist: Jimmy Johnson
Before we dig into the best gags, let’s tip our hats to Jimmy Johnson, the creative mind behind Arlo and Janis. Launched in 1985, this strip quickly found its niche by spotlighting the comic gold hidden in everyday moments. Johnson’s art style is instantly recognizable: clean lines, expressive faces, and a minimalist flair that never distracts from the punchline.
Over the years, Jimmy Johnson’s work has earned him praise for pioneering “adult” daily life humor—where the jokes are clever, a little bit cheeky, and always grounded in reality. Johnson’s comic is regularly featured on GoComics and is syndicated nationwide. Whether he’s poking fun at marriage, aging, or the eternal battle with household gadgets, Johnson’s strips feel like a conversation with your wittiest friend.
#1 The Cat Days of Summer—Or Is It Dog Days?
Ever met someone who insists on their own facts? This strip hilariously rebrands the “Dog Days” of summer as the “Cat Days,” with logic so convoluted you can’t help but snort. Classic daily life humor—watching Arlo’s stubbornness get checkmated by Janis’s dry wit is pure comedy gold.

#2 Flies Have Leveled Up
In this battle of man versus nature, Arlo’s losing war with a fly is almost Shakespearean. The punchline? “Have you noticed how much faster flies are these days?” If you’ve ever found yourself outsmarted by a bug at the picnic table, this one’s for you.

#3 Defensive About Golf
Golf isn’t just a game—it’s a personality trait. Arlo’s impassioned (and slightly defensive) defense of his golf viewing habits is instantly recognizable to anyone who’s tried explaining their TV choices to a skeptical partner. Daily life humor at its most relatable.

#4 Yard Sale Regrets
Nothing says suburban adventure like the lure of a $1 yard sale book and the existential crisis that follows. Janis’s resigned sarcasm (“Well, I begged you not to make me go to yard sales…”) captures the true spirit of coupledom.

#5 March Madness Mayhem
Trying to follow tournament brackets? Good luck. Arlo’s confusion is all of us, every March. “There goes my bracket.” Need we say more? This comic nails the pain of sports fans everywhere.

#6 Pointless Exercise
Janis wants a walk; Arlo wants a reason. The debate about “pointless exercise” will hit home for anyone who’s ever weighed the pros and cons of a brisk stroll versus staying on the couch. Bonus points for the strip’s ice cream punchline.

#7 86ing The Joy of Sex
Clearing out old books can spark some unexpected nostalgia (and awkwardness). The couple’s back-and-forth about ditching “The Joy of Sex” manual is a perfect snapshot of long-term relationships and the gentle, hilarious jabs that come with them.

#8 Messing With the Discards
Comic proof that “Are you messing with me?” is the universal language of couples everywhere—especially when it comes to tossing out books with questionable sentimental value. Daily life humor is all about these tiny, ridiculous moments.

#9 Toolbox Attitude
Is your partner “helping,” or just critiquing? Arlo’s decision to reorganize his messy toolbox leads to a passive-aggressive exchange that’s so spot-on, you might just hear your own voice in it.

#10 Neighborhood Watch
This strip is a gentle roast of our nosiest tendencies: “I wonder who lives in these houses.” “Lord knows.” The joys of a neighborhood stroll, captured with a wink.

#11 Spring Break Memories, Water Hose Edition
One word: “NO!” If you’ve ever had your spouse bring up ancient (and slightly embarrassing) history, this comic will hit close to home. Daily life humor thrives on these moments of playful exasperation.

#12 New Year, Same Stubborn Stool
Who needs a grand New Year’s resolution when the real goal is finally fixing that wobbly stool? Jimmy Johnson’s masterstroke is making the mundane memorable—and hilarious.

#13 Laundry Day Diplomacy
Even the most routine chores become a battle of gratitude. “Thank you!” “You’re welcome!” Sometimes daily life humor is just two people over-praising basic decency.

#14 Winter Cabin Fever
Janis is desperate for a walk, Arlo is equally desperate to stay put. The comic nails winter cabin fever, couples’ communication, and that passive-aggressive “not that I was invited” closer.

#15 The Bathing Suit Dilemma
Few things are as fraught as swimsuit season. The strip’s closing line—“It’s kind of sad when a couple’s interests grow apart”—wraps everyday insecurity in a warm blanket of humor.

#16 Boredom, Defined
“What do you mean, bored?” The debate over the definition of “bored” is peak daily life humor. And the punchline: “Boredom, the third rail of domestic politics.”

#17 The Flies’ Revenge
It’s an eternal truth: sit down to eat outside, and the flies RSVP immediately. “Flies time when you’re having fun!”—the wordplay alone is worth a standing ovation.

#18 Swimsuit Audit
Janis’s trip down memory lane (and swimsuit drawer) is both funny and quietly poignant. Arlo’s gentle concern is a sweet nod to decades of marriage, handled with a wink.

#19 Heatwave Melodrama
Arlo gets dramatic about the heat (“the sea boiled, dogs grew mad…”), while Janis delivers the facts: it’s just hot. This strip’s punchline proves daily life humor is about exaggeration meeting reality.

#20 Modern Annoyance: Reviews
“Please rate your experience…” Sometimes, the world just wants too much feedback. Arlo’s internal monologue—“The world was a better place when nobody wanted my opinion!”—is the daily life humor anthem of the internet age.

Wrapping Up: Why Arlo and Janis Is the King of Daily Life Humor
If you crave daily life humor that’s sharp, relatable, and endlessly witty, Arlo and Janis is your go-to strip. Jimmy Johnson’s classic comics shine a light on the tiny details and familiar frustrations that make daily living both hilarious and heartwarming. Whether it’s the battle with flies at a picnic, the war over the TV remote, or a playful jab about yard sales, these comics prove that the best comedy happens right at home.
Credit:
All comic panels featured here are the creative work of cartoonist Jimmy Johnson. For more of his brilliant daily life humor, visit the official Arlo and Janis GoComics page. Johnson’s knack for capturing life’s everyday absurdities makes his strip a timeless treasure—don’t miss out!
Looking for more laughs? Explore the world of daily life humor at Boredcomics.com!