Jerry Van Amerongen is the mastermind behind the delightfully twisted world of Ballard Street. With a background in corporate life and a leap into cartooning in the late 1980s, Jerry’s art has graced countless newspapers and collections. His signature style blends quirky suburban characters with surreal scenarios that balance wit, charm, and a whole lot of “what did I just witness?” humor.
About the Artist Jerry Van Amerongen
Known for his expressive, offbeat characters—often with bulging eyes, giant glasses, or oddly specific pets—Van Amerongen’s cartoons thrive on the mundane made strange. He’s earned multiple accolades, including the National Cartoonists Society’s Newspaper Panel Cartoon Award, and continues to be a cult favorite among fans of absurd comics humor.
#1 Arlene’s Daily Frustration, Expressed Creatively
Arlene is done with the “daily sameness” and decides that jabbing her husband’s head with a pencil bouquet is a perfectly sane outlet. The deadpan delivery and wild visual make this a masterclass in absurdity.
#2 Roger’s Gourmet Patience Pays Off
Roger, a dog with utensils taped to his face, patiently waits for cake scraps. Because in Ballard Street, even dogs take culinary technique seriously.
#3 Sparky’s Fedora Swagger Moment
There’s something about a hat that gives a dog attitude. And Sparky, lounging with his paws crossed and a sly grin, owns that couch like a runway model.
#4 Not a Fan of the Neighbor’s Dog
Charles’ horrified glance at the bizarre beast outside his window says it all—Ballard Street pets are just built differently. Absurd comics humor? Check.
#5 Bone Trampoline Training
In what can only be a backyard science experiment, this dog-owner duo sets up an elaborate trampoline bait situation. Olympic-level pet parenting, Ballard-style.
#6 Darrin’s Covered Wagon Dream
When your pajama’d legs stick out of a blanket tent and the caption mentions wagon trouble, you know you’re inside Van Amerongen’s deliciously weird mind.
#7 Dorie’s DIY Disaster Zone
If casual furniture means surrounded by sawdust and reading while buried in planks, then yes, Dorie’s on trend. This one nails that suburban absurdity vibe.
#8 Flower Blanket Confrontation
With a massive flower-covered blanket hiding someone’s full identity, this strip turns passive-aggressiveness into a visual gag of epic proportions.
#9 Graham’s Shoe-Tying Acrobatics
Tying shoes shouldn’t require Olympic-level twisting, yet Graham’s managed a Cirque du Soleil act. Extra points for grandma’s unfazed expression.
#10 Ben’s Sofa Lab Experiments
Ben’s “area of experimentation” by the couch includes mysterious items and intense focus. It’s weird science meets everyday boredom—classic absurd comics humor.
#11 Nelson Gets the News
Nelson just wanted to read the paper, but his partner’s warning about “getting flighty around the edges” adds a layer of surreal concern to a domestic moment.
#12 Kyle Merges with the Furniture
Kyle crawls halfway inside a chair while muttering about becoming “a bigger part of the world.” Existential absurdity? You bet.
#13 The Living Room Race Track
Muriel clutches the couch as her husband takes a “sharp turn” in their make-believe car. Who needs reality when you’ve got imagination (and a steering wheel)?
#14 Neal’s Shirt-Stuffing Zen
Nancy thinks Neal is deep in meditative bliss. In reality, he’s just folding his shirts into himself. Domestic logic, Ballard-style.
#15 Arlene’s Bold Moves, Monty’s Fall
While Arlene steps out with regal confidence, Monty dives headfirst into the bushes. The contrast in their energies is hilarious—and totally absurd.
#16 Roland’s High-Energy Entrance
Roland, mid-swing from a tree, is the living embodiment of “doing too much.” This one’s a great visual punch of physical comedy.
#17 Blood Flow = Brainpower?
This character attempts an upside-down thinking session, convinced blood to the brain equals brilliance. We’re not sure about science, but it sure looks funny.
#18 Carl the Couch King
Carl owns the living room with the grace of a potato. Remote in hand, snacks everywhere—he’s turned laziness into an art form.
#19 Bob’s Shower Exit Adventure
Bob didn’t just step out of the shower—he escaped it like an action hero. Soap suds and all, this strip captures chaos in the most absurd way.
#20 Tony’s Memory Meltdown
Tony’s brain officially gives up trying to remember something from yesterday. We’ve all been there—but Ballard Street makes it look hilariously tragic.
Why This Absurd Comics Humor Works
What makes Ballard Street so captivating is how it exaggerates the ordinary into the delightfully bizarre. From eccentric dogs to awkward neighbors and offbeat seniors, each panel captures a slice of suburban life that’s just a few notches off reality—and all the more entertaining for it.
Credit: All comics featured are by Jerry Van Amerongen.
📌 Official Website: ballardstreet.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/ballardstreet
📸 Instagram: Not officially listed
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