Best humor cartoons always deliver laughs when we need them most, and John McPherson’s legendary Close to Home series has mastered that art. Today, we’re diving into 20 of the funniest and most creative panels that prove why this strip is still one of the best humor cartoons ever published. From awkward social situations to absurd takes on everyday life, each comic shows McPherson’s unmatched gift for finding comedy in the ordinary.
About the Artist: John McPherson
John McPherson is the brilliant mind behind Close to Home, a syndicated comic strip launched in 1992. Over the decades, his work has appeared in more than 700 newspapers worldwide, cementing his place among the best humor cartoonists of our time. McPherson’s style is instantly recognizable: quirky characters, exaggerated expressions, and witty one-liners that twist normal situations into absurd comedy gold. His cartoons have been published in books, calendars, and even educational materials, earning him both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
#1 Marty the Peacock: Dating in Full Display
When Marty literally “fans out” with peacock feathers to impress a lady, it’s a spot-on jab at the extremes people go through in social settings.
#2 The Real Steal Sign
A third-base coach dressed like a burglar? Baseball comedy at its finest. McPherson nails sports humor with ridiculous accuracy.
#3 Dr. Seuss Pops the Question
A proposal in rhyme? This comic hilariously reimagines how the legendary children’s author might have handled romance.
#4 Stuck on You: Super Glue Chaos
Disaster at the glue factory turns into slapstick mayhem. This is workplace humor with a sticky twist.
#5 Shoplifting Therapy Gone Wrong
When the therapist admits he could use a “relapse” for a new laptop, it’s the ultimate ironic twist on trust.
#6 Spell-Checker Syndrome
“Irritable Vowel Syndrome” — a clever tech pun that every frustrated typist can relate to.
#7 The Cologne Ranger Rides Again
A Lone Ranger parody with a scent-sational punchline. Silly, sharp, and unforgettable.
#8 Gym Crush Fail
Snapped weights, embarrassment, and a ruined pickup attempt — it’s every gym-goer’s nightmare, turned comic gold.
#9 Starbucks in Space
Even astronauts can’t escape the coffee addiction. The gag hits close to home for caffeine lovers.
#10 Clarinet Torture Chamber
A clarinet recital used as interrogation? Brilliantly absurd. This one had me laughing out loud.
#11 Kiddie Pool Gondolier
Rickie’s Venetian gondola dreams come true — in a plastic kiddie pool. Utterly ridiculous and so on-brand for McPherson.
#12 Bob Dylan: Math Class Days
A hilarious twist imagining young Dylan turning homework into lyrics. Fans of both math and music will chuckle.
#13 Sleepless Diner
“We’re out of decaf, so here’s a sleeping pill substitute.” Dark diner humor at its best.
#14 Claustrophobic to the End
Even his funeral reflects his lifelong fear. Morbid, witty, and classic McPherson.
#15 Alien in the Lineup
Police lineup takes a sci-fi turn with one very suspicious extraterrestrial suspect. Perfect blend of absurdity and crime parody.
#16 Purrfect Realty
A cat realtor pitches a house full of scratching posts and mice. For feline fans, this one is puurrrfection.
#17 Office Doppelgänger Under a Microscope
That awkward moment when a paramecium looks like your coworker. Science humor with a human twist.
#18 Extreme Medicine: Bungee Therapy
A hospital suggests bungee jumping for kidney stones. Terrifying, yet laughably absurd.
#19 The Doctor’s Script
Medical marijuana prescriptions taken to the extreme — paranoia and appetite included. Razor-sharp social commentary.
#20 Moo-ving Ringtones
A phone mooing every time Mom calls? Comedy gold for the digital age.
Closing Thoughts
That wraps up our look at the best humor cartoons from John McPherson’s Close to Home. These 20 panels prove why his wit continues to resonate with readers decades later — he captures everyday frustrations and turns them into laugh-out-loud moments.
Artist Credit
Close to Home is the work of cartoonist John McPherson, syndicated by Andrews McMeel Syndication. You can explore more of his comics on the official GoComics page. McPherson’s ability to mix sharp wit with relatable scenarios is what makes his style timeless.
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