20 Side-Splitting Absurdist Gag Panels From the Herman Comics

Absurdist gag panels are a rare art form where logic politely packs its bags and leaves the room, making space for surreal humor, exaggerated situations, and delightful nonsense. In this review, we dive into 20 brilliantly weird cartoons from the legendary Herman comic series — each delivering its punchline with deadpan charm and visual absurdity.

About the Artist – Jim Unger and the Legacy of Herman

Jim Unger (1937–2012) was a British-born Canadian cartCartoon Panelsoonist whose Herman comic strip became a worldwide favorite. First published in 1974, Herman blended dry wit, quirky art, and an uncanny ability to poke fun at human behavior. Unger’s style featured oddly shaped characters, minimalist settings, and perfectly timed dialogue — allowing the humor to shine without distraction.

1. The Disappearing Arm Trick

A man at a doctor’s office casually explains he’s “lost the use of my left arm”… while it’s mysteriously sticking out from under the exam tablecloth. The kind of surreal sight gag that makes you wonder if the doctor bills extra for hide-and-seek.

2. The Cat Conductor

A pianist follows sheet music while a cat stands on the piano, waving its tail like a maestro. Music lovers, take note: sometimes the best performances come with fur.

3. Debt Collection, Family-Style

When a nephew “wants to borrow $100 you still owe me,” you know family reunions just got a lot more awkward. Unger nails the absurd economy of revenge lending.

4. Sales Resistance Fatigue

A brush salesman meets a customer who’s already had “a rough day.” Translation: even the sales pitch needs sympathy. In Herman, pity purchases are practically an Olympic sport.

5. The Baby Alarm

A man crashes down a staircase, splintering the wood. The concerned spouse? More upset that “the baby’s awake.” Priorities.

6. Strike Amnesia

A guy on strike for two years forgets where he works. Absurdism at its finest — and a cautionary tale about the limits of picket-line memory.

7. Shelf Support Disaster

“If you’d told me you had all those books, I would have made it stronger!” Famous last words from the builder of a dangerously overloaded shelf.

8. Shirtless at the Doctor… Again

“This is the third time this week. Why don’t you wear a T-shirt?” When your medical visits become a running gag, you know Herman’s brand of absurd is in full swing.

9. Luggage and Love

A couple’s travel plans go south when the man says, “Just put her inside the door.” It’s unclear whether “her” is luggage or relationship baggage.

10. Flowerpot Surgery Prep

“Don’t look at me! Look to the front.” Spoken by a doctor holding a mallet while the patient’s head is inside a flowerpot. Sometimes absurd humor feels like a fever dream — this is one of those times.

11. Taxi Trouble

A woman mistakes a taxi driver’s wave for flirtation. The friend calls him an “animal.” Turns out… he’s just signaling for a fare. Classic misunderstanding, Herman-style.

12. The Mummified Mystery

“How’s he sleeping at night?” asks the nurse about a patient wrapped head to toe in bandages, knees sticking straight up like a human origami experiment.

13. Dungeon Etiquette

“You’re being released. Be ready to leave in 30 minutes.” Even medieval torture gets a casual scheduling twist here.

14. Emergency Room Priorities

A caveman arrives smoking, bandaged, and battered… but the receptionist wants the nurse to type a letter first. Healthcare absurdity has no time period.

15. Gorilla Glamour Shot

A zoo visitor leans into a gorilla enclosure for a better photo, while the photographer urges, “Turn this way a little bit?” No one’s thinking about survival — just Instagram before Instagram existed.

16. Wheel of Fame

Two cavemen stand next to a giant wheel of cheese. “Charlie Innertube, one day your name will be a household word!” A prehistoric branding meeting that makes no sense — and all the sense in the world.

17. The Sawing Sorcerer

A wizard saws a woman in half and cheerfully says, “Let me know if you feel anything.” You don’t get safer comedic danger than this.

18. Tie-Ironing Troubles

“You wouldn’t believe it, but some people press their tie BEFORE they put it on.” Logic? Optional. Absurdity? Fully pressed.

19. Disco Is Dead (to Him)

“I don’t wanna go to a disco. I’m going to bed.” Peak marital negotiation: one’s in party mode, the other’s in pajamas.

20. The Cheap Gift Gambit

A man proudly hands over a gift: “They didn’t have anything cheaper!” Proof that Herman humor works even in the currency of pettiness.

Closing Thoughts

This collection of absurdist gag panels is a masterclass in visual nonsense and dry punchlines. Unger’s Herman continues to prove that the funniest jokes often come from taking everyday situations and turning them upside down — sometimes literally. The characters’ deadpan expressions make the humor even sharper, inviting readers to join in the wink.

Credit: All comics by Jim Unger, Herman, distributed by Andrews McMeel Syndication. Unger’s art style blends simple linework with perfect comedic timing — a true gem of cartoon history. visit the official GoComics HERMAN page or the HERMAN Facebook page. Unger’s genius lies in his ability to turn absurdity into art, and his legacy in the comic world is as hilarious as it is enduring.

For more laughs, visit Boredcomics.com and discover even more absurdist treasures.