New Comics Panels are here to resuscitate your funny bone. This review dives into the wildly imaginative and side-splitting world of Close to Home by John McPherson—a cartoon series that proves one-panel humor still reigns supreme. From turk-a-pigs to surgical sarcasm, these single-frame masterpieces take everyday situations and turn them into absurd gold.
About the Artist John McPherson
John McPherson is the warped genius behind Close to Home, a long-running syndicated cartoon that blends observational humor with off-the-wall absurdity. Since launching in 1992, McPherson’s work has appeared in hundreds of newspapers and major sites like GoComics. His signature style? Slightly awkward characters, bold line work, and punchlines that slap you sideways.
He’s been nominated for the National Cartoonists Society’s prestigious awards and is best known for finding hilarity in hospital wards, awkward family dinners, and basically anywhere humans are being ridiculous (so… everywhere).
#1 Flat Tire, Flatline
“Thanks for putting on the spare, Mr. Tidwell.”
You know you’re having a bad day when the EMTs hand you a wrench instead of a morphine drip. This panel perfectly skewers the American “do-it-yourself” culture—even mid-emergency.
#2 Octopus at the Blackjack Table
Eight hands, one confused dealer. It’s clear this cartoon is hitting on casino chaos. The Flamingo should probably update their invertebrate policy.
#3 Iron Age Misinterpretation
Hans and Otto stumble upon an “ancient artifact”—an ironing board. A classic jab at historical misreads and proof that not all great discoveries belong in museums.
#4 Squiggly Science
One surgeon suggests pulling out “that purple squiggly thing.” McPherson’s medical humor is back—and as medically inaccurate as ever.
#5 Dental Floss Daredevil
Dr. Vorg’s dental floss tightrope act isn’t just dramatic—it’s bizarrely inspirational. Floss like your dentist is watching… on a unicycle.
#6 Above-Ground Fuel Foolery
When gas prices soar, why not just pump directly into your above-ground pool? A perfectly absurd visual for inflation fatigue.
#7 Dolphin Scam Dive
When your “swim with the dolphins” tour ends up being humans in flippers, you know you’ve been duped. Tourist traps, McPherson style.
#8 Chainsaw Juggling Legend
A man covered in bandages wins a Guinness World Record—for juggling chainsaws. Hey, it’s all fun and games until you need a full body cast.
#9 Bike Seat: Hell’s Invention
According to the devils of McPherson’s cartoon underworld, bike seats were forged in the fiery pits to ensure maximum discomfort. Accurate.
#10 Back-of-the-Head Surveillance
Brenda wears a fake eye on the back of her head to control unruly students. Honestly? Kinda brilliant.
#11 Turk-a-Pigs Are Real Now
You thought turkey ham was weird? Say hello to actual turk-a-pigs. Science has officially gone rogue.
#12 Visible Thought Bubbles
Carol’s inner monologue isn’t so inner anymore. Bonus points for roasting someone and their husband simultaneously.
#13 Dog-Powered Energy Grid
An eco-breakthrough: generating electricity using a dog’s wagging tail. Move over, solar panels—here comes Duke.
#14 Airport Appendix Alert
Scan-Tru now diagnoses internal issues. TSA agents giving unsolicited medical opinions? Peak dystopian comedy.
#15 MRI + Crisco™ = Freedom
When you need cooking lard to remove someone from an MRI machine, maybe it’s time for salad. This panel’s physical comedy is pure butter—er, Crisco.
#16 Surgery Style Over Substance
“We quit when he got too gross.” A brutally honest surgeon delivers a line only McPherson could get away with. Dark, funny, and oh-so blunt.
#17 Battle of the Blood Donors
The Morrison brothers compete at a blood drive. Because nothing says “sibling rivalry” like a race to see who faints first.
#18 Doctor Gets Revenge
Ever ghost your cable guy? Be careful—he might be your anesthesiologist next. Sweet, sweet cartoon vengeance.
#19 Hell is Petless
The worst part about Hell? No dogs. McPherson adds emotional damage to eternal damnation. Ouch.
#20 Singing Scalpel Squad
When med students perform a sing-along mid-surgery, you know you’re in a John McPherson comic. Catchy and a little terrifying.
🎬 Wrap-Up: New Comics Panels Bring the Funny—Hard
If absurdity had a fan club, Close to Home would be its president. These New Comics Panels show off John McPherson’s ability to spotlight the weirdest corners of everyday life with a perfectly timed punchline. Whether he’s roasting hospitals, schools, or bike seats, McPherson’s humor hits close to—well—home.
🎨 Credit to the Cartoonist
All comic panels featured in this article are the work of John McPherson, the creator of Close to Home. You can enjoy more of his cartoons via his official page on GoComics. His twisted take on the everyday is unmatched—and deserves your full eyeball attention.
👉 Want more laughs like these? Head over to Boredcomics.com for your daily dose of cartoon chaos.
