Argyle Sweater comics by Scott Hilburn are a pun-lover’s dream, and this comic review dives headfirst into his offbeat brilliance. From food jokes to pop culture jabs, Hilburn delivers laugh-worthy panels that make you think and chuckle. We’ve handpicked 10 hilarious gems that perfectly showcase his twisted sense of humor and wildly imaginative brain.
Scott Hilburn, the mastermind behind The Argyle Sweater, has carved out a niche in the cartoon world with his unapologetically punny, quirky, and smart single-panel gags. A former student of psychology and clinical science, Hilburn ditched the lab coat for a pen and never looked back. His comic debuted in newspapers in 2008 and has been syndicated by Andrews McMeel ever since.
Unlike traditional comic strips with ongoing storylines, Hilburn’s style channels the spirit of The Far Side—every panel is its own wacky world. Whether he’s riffing on Greek mythology, reimagining fairy tales, or punning up a storm at the salad bar, Scott’s humor walks a delightful tightrope between silly and cerebral. His comics have earned accolades and fans worldwide for their clean art style, clever setups, and satisfyingly absurd punchlines.
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1. Frankenstein’s Got a Monster Energy Problem
In this one, Frankenstein’s monster isn’t just alive—he’s wired. Igor describes him like a fine wine, “strong, lots of energy, hints of fruit.” It’s a pitch-perfect Monster Energy pun, layered with hilarious absurdity. Hilburn’s clever twist on a classic horror trope brings the Monster into the modern world of caffeinated chaos.
2. S.S. Trouble: Beware of Lou Slipps
A play on words so good it might just sink your ship! When port authorities see the name “Lou Slipps” on a passport, they panic. And who could blame them? Hilburn drops this visual pun with surgical precision, pairing the name with perfect deadpan delivery and the threat of nautical doom. Genius.
3. Scooby-Doo Meets Olympic Jealousy
A cartoon villain, shaking her fist from the sidelines, laments, “And I would’ve won if it weren’t for those medaling kids!” The wordplay is flawless, mixing Scooby-Doo’s catchphrase with Olympic lingo. It’s this kind of mash-up that proves Hilburn is a grandmaster of the comic crossover.
4. Lettuce Become Friends at the Salad Bar
It’s war in the salad bar aisle—but not for long. A cherry tomato throws out a pun-packed peace offering, and even balsamic vinaigrette gets roped in. “Lettuce become friends”? Classic Argyle Sweater energy. This one’s for every food lover who loves their jokes with a side of greens.
5. The Punny Express Rides Again (Briefly)
This western-themed comic delivers not just mail, but peak pun-levels. A cowboy mailman confesses, “I’m just a carrier,” and gets threatened with a rope by annoyed cowpokes. The caption nails it: “The Punny Express was short-lived for obvious reasons.” Hilburn kills it here with meta-humor, wordplay, and a story in a single frame.
6. No Sheets, Sherlock!
Sherlock Holmes is on the case—but the mystery is hilariously basic. Watson points out the obvious missing element: bed sheets. “No sheets, Sherlock” is a pun so dumb it’s brilliant, and Hilburn leans into it without apology. Simple art, big payoff.
7. Born and Raised in South Detroit…
This one’s a karaoke goldmine. A woman gives the most dramatic description ever of her missing son—lyrics straight from Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” It’s a pop culture gag that lands hard, especially when paired with the confused cop frantically taking notes. It’s musical comedy with a criminal twist.
8. Jimmy Buffett: Musician, Songwriter… Male
In a brutally relatable domestic scene, a woman scolds her partner for missing something that’s been “in front of your face the whole time.” The man? None other than Jimmy Buffett. The caption? “Typical male.” The punchline here isn’t just about forgetting—it’s about being every guy in every kitchen ever.
9. Kardashians and the Plastic Commend
An innocent question at the grocery checkout—“You okay with plastic?”—sends the Kardashians into a meltdown. The brilliance lies in the simplicity: one sentence, four angry sisters, and a punchline with pop-culture bite. Hilburn skewers celebrity vanity without being mean-spirited. It’s sharp, sassy satire.
10. The Wee-Wee Piggy Road Trip
This cartoon takes the “wee-wee-wee all the way home” nursery rhyme and turns it into a hilarious family car ride nightmare. The pigs look fed up, especially the driver. It’s relatable road trip humor meets childhood nostalgia, served with a side of bacon irony.
11. Scope It Out: The Pigs Are Negotiating Hygiene Terms
Big Bad Wolf? More like Big Bad Breath. In this side-splitting twist on the classic “Three Little Pigs,” Hilburn gives us a scene where the pigs have upped their defense game — not with bricks, but with mouthwash. Their plea for the wolf to freshen up before blowing down their house is both modern and wildly unexpected. It’s a prime example of Hilburn’s talent for turning a beloved fable into an absurd, breath-mint-powered standoff.
12. Cat Got Your Thong? Oops, That’s Not Right
This cartoon takes the phrase “cat got your tongue” and hilariously misfires it — with an actual cat wearing the wife’s undergarments. The husband’s sincere confusion adds to the comedy, while the cat casually raids the pantry in a thong. It’s awkward, ridiculous, and completely on-brand for The Argyle Sweater. Wordplay and visual puns? Check and check.
13. Retail Regret: Her Visa Card Has an Opinion
When your credit card starts giving fashion feedback, it might be time to reconsider that no-interest deal. This comic brings consumer guilt to life in the most literal (and judgmental) way possible. The card’s deadpan “meh” is a hilariously honest representation of buyer’s remorse — and possibly your inner voice next time you hit the mall.
14. Holy Cow! This Sermon Is Rare and Well Done
Hilburn goes full-on pun with a divine twist as a cow preacher delivers a heartfelt sermon praying for “Patty” to be spared from becoming a burger. The clever use of religious imagery (plus that “Hallemoojah!” from the crowd) makes this cartoon a meaty mix of theology and cheeseburgers. Only The Argyle Sweater could pull this off so udderly brilliantly.
15. Johnny Cash Cow Belts Out a Fire-Roasted Hit
Yes, you read that right — it’s a Johnny Cash Cow, singing a meaty version of “Ring of Fire.” This comic takes the phrase “cash cow” and turns it into a hoof-stomping parody. The crowd’s confusion vs. the investor’s excitement creates a comic tension that’s peak Hilburn: dark, silly, and brilliant all at once.
16. Pollination Talk Gets a Floral Twist
In one of his funniest nature-themed strips, Hilburn sends flowers to a “Plant Parenthood” meeting, where a bee delivers an abstinence lecture. The anthropomorphized tulips and roses, sitting attentively like schoolgirls, take this joke over the top. Equal parts clever and cringy, this cartoon nails sex-ed satire with botanical brilliance.
17. Aurora Boring Alice: A Tea Party No One Asked For
What do you get when you mix Sleeping Beauty with Alice in Wonderland? Apparently, a conversation so dull it puts Wonderland itself to sleep. This mash-up of fairy tale icons crashes hard as Aurora drones on and Alice’s expression screams “send help.” A masterclass in crossover comedy, this one hits all the right awkward notes.
18. Restaurant Regrets: Who Ordered the Regurgitated Goulash?
Hilburn turns a fine-dining scene into a revolting guessing game with a waiter casually describing a horrifying order. It’s gross-out humor delivered with impeccable timing, and the reactions around the table are golden. This is one of those comics that makes you laugh and gag at the same time — in the best way.
19. Kiss My Asp: A Reptilian Breakup Drama
If you ever wondered what a snake soap opera might look like, here it is. Between the dad announcing the “boafriend” and the daughter’s venomous retort, the wordplay coils tightly around this clever breakup cartoon. Plus, the diamondback twist adds the final satisfying bite. Classic Hilburn — twisting snakes and linguistics into comedy gold.
20. We Will Flock You: Chicken A La Queen Rocks the Stage
It’s Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” but it’s feathered, farm-fresh, and sung by a barnyard diva. “Chicken A La Queen” brings the house down with lyrics that are both ridiculous and expertly crafted. The beaked Freddie Mercury tribute is not only laugh-out-loud funny but visually striking too. You’ll never hear that anthem the same way again.
Final Thoughts on The Argyle Sweater Comics by Scott Hilburn
If you love your laughs smart, snappy, and slightly surreal, The Argyle Sweater comics by Scott Hilburn are an absolute must. Each panel is a self-contained world of wordplay and visual gags that rewards a second—and third—look. From salad bar battles to undead energy drinks, Hilburn proves that humor truly has no bounds.
All comics featured are by Scott Hilburn. Check out more at Boredcomics.com and keep the laughs coming!
