Classic Comics Humor: A Review of “Close to Home” Cartoons

Classic comics humor is front and center in this cartoon review, where we dive into the brilliant absurdities and sly wit of John McPherson’s Close to Home series. If you love cartoons that poke fun at everyday life—while giving you a hearty laugh—these comics are absolute gold. Whether it’s poking fun at dad bods, man caves, or gym fails, this collection proves why classic comics humor still rules the funny pages.

About the Artist: John McPherson

John McPherson is the creative genius behind “Close to Home,” a syndicated cartoon panel that has delighted newspaper readers since 1992. Known for his offbeat take on suburban life, McPherson’s work blends sharp wit with instantly recognizable, quirky art. He’s received accolades for pushing the boundaries of everyday comedy and has earned a loyal fanbase across generations.

#1 The Dad Bod’s Secret Weapon

A dad so devoted to comfort that he wheels around his beer belly on a walker—McPherson delivers classic comics humor with a sight gag that’s both ridiculous and totally relatable. The family’s nonchalant reaction just makes it funnier.

#2 Man Cave Goals—Caveman Edition

Forget home theaters—this husband’s “man cave” is straight out of the Stone Age. The prehistoric literalism is hilarious, especially as his wife and her friend try to process it. Proof that sometimes, guys take hobbies just a little too far.

#3 Cat’s Out of the Bag—And the House

Territorial cats, meet pillow fortresses. When your pet rules the roost, nothing (not even the family dog) stands a chance. McPherson’s classic comics humor nails the pet-owner experience in one perfectly ridiculous panel.

#4 Gym Fails—Tased and Confused

Modern gym culture meets old-school discipline in this strip—if you’re caught texting during a workout, prepare to get zapped! The wild overreaction is exactly the kind of absurd scenario that makes “Close to Home” a classic comics humor staple.

#5 Security Overkill—Home Missile Edition

Ever wish your home security was a little more… intense? McPherson’s answer: a full-blown missile in the living room. Absurd, over-the-top, and laugh-out-loud funny.

#6 Airline Upgrade—Hood Included

Don’t want to pay for the in-flight movie? Here’s a hood for your trouble. Only in classic comics humor can airline penny-pinching reach this level of ridiculousness.

#7 Multitasking Madness—Octopus in the Office

Why settle for two hands when you could have eight? The executive “excelling at multitasking” is an office worker’s fever dream brought to life, with McPherson’s signature flair for physical comedy.

#8 The Ultimate Heartburn Hack—Tums Lasagna

When heartburn strikes, just bake the medicine right in! This strip takes the dinner table cliché to new (and hilarious) heights. Classic comics humor at its most outlandish.

#9 Parenting in the Digital Age—Texting Toddlers

Baby’s first word… as a text message? Welcome to parenting in the 21st century. The generational gap has never been funnier.

#10 Shopping Woes—Comb Confusion

Mistaking combs for reading glasses is exactly the kind of everyday fail that “Close to Home” transforms into a comedic highlight. Relatable and perfectly timed.

#11 Prehistoric Man Cave Enthusiasm

When your husband’s idea of a “man cave” is literal—he starts living in one. This stone-age gag puts a new spin on modern masculinity and the lengths men go to find their space.

#12 Territorial Living—Pillow Fortresses

Your cat doesn’t just claim the couch, he fortifies it. McPherson’s take on pet territory wars will have every cat owner nodding (and laughing) in agreement.

#13 Itch Powder Extortion

Sometimes kids take “negotiating skills” too far. A classic comics humor setup: a bandaged dad, a mischievous kid, and a jar of itch powder.

#14 Death on the Golf Course

Golf is supposed to be relaxing—unless you take too long lining up your putt. McPherson turns a day on the links into a laugh-out-loud punchline, complete with dramatic irony.

#15 Postmaster General Dress-Up

A school project gets weird when the class dresses as their favorite postmaster generals. Only McPherson could find the comedy in postal history!

#16 Cat Posters in the Afterlife

Even the afterlife isn’t safe from motivational cat posters. Dark, absurd, and pure classic comics humor.

#17 Gym Zappers—Workout Motivation

For gym members glued to their phones, the solution is a little… electric encouragement. A wild exaggeration of gym etiquette, and all the funnier for it.

#18 In-Flight Entertainment—Or Else

Airlines get creative with upselling, giving non-paying passengers a hood instead of a movie. Relatable, silly, and perfect for fans of classic comics humor.

#19 Surgical Honesty

Sometimes doctors really do give up. The medical team throws in the towel on a gross surgery—a little dark, very funny, and classic McPherson.

#20 Holiday Shopping—Mobs-No-More™ Body Suit

Holiday crowds are no match for Rebecca’s spiky new outfit. If you’ve ever dreamed of armor for the mall, this gag is for you.

Closing Thoughts: Why Classic Comics Humor Stays Evergreen

Classic comics humor endures because it finds hilarity in everyday moments, and John McPherson’s “Close to Home” is a masterclass in comic absurdity. With relatable characters, unexpected scenarios, and always a fresh twist, McPherson proves that laughter really is all around us—if we know where to look.

Artist Credit:
All featured comics are the work of John McPherson, the brilliant mind behind “Close to Home.” For more of his offbeat, hilarious art, visit the official GoComics Close to Home page. We salute McPherson’s talent for transforming daily life into comedic gold.

For more comic reviews and endless fun, check out Boredcomics.com!