Dark and witty comics aren’t just quick laughs — they’re tiny slices of satire, clever observations, and sarcastic commentary on everyday life. In this review, we’re diving into 20 hilarious panels that prove humor doesn’t have to be light and fluffy. Sometimes, the darker the humor, the bigger the laugh. From cows with existential branding issues to ghosts mistaking plastic bags for friends, these comics pack wit, irony, and just the right touch of absurdity.
Artist Bio: John Deering
John Deering is the brilliant mind behind Strange Brew, a syndicated cartoon that thrives on oddball humor and left-field punchlines. Known for his sharp wit, pop-culture riffs, and absurdist takes on daily life, Deering has carved a niche as a master of quirky, offbeat comedy. His work often leans into surrealism — twisting the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Over the years, Deering’s comics have been featured across major newspapers and syndications, gaining recognition for their clever balance of silliness and satire. His art style combines bold lines with expressive exaggeration, making each joke hit harder. Whether poking fun at philosophy, consumerism, or pop culture, Deering’s cartoons always deliver a sly grin.
The Comics Review
#1 Climbing the Wrong Mountain
Sometimes life is all about choices — do you seek wisdom, or do you rely on luck? This panel perfectly skewers how most of us would rather take the shortcut with a little luck instead of the long climb to wisdom. Relatable, isn’t it?
#2 Amazon Regrets, Delivere
We’ve all had that one impulse purchase from Amazon that made zero sense. This comic takes it up a notch by delivering a giant barcode. It’s dark consumerist humor at its best.
#3 Pinocchio’s All-Wood Furniture
Pinocchio’s entrepreneurial spirit is both brilliant and disturbing — zero cost for materials, endless supply of lies. Deering nails the absurdity of honesty and business in one clever jab.
#4 Grade A Problems
A cow branded “Grade A” gets roasted by his peers. It’s a witty play on labeling, self-worth, and how society slaps marks on us we never asked for.
#5 Petroleum Meets Irony
A massive oil tanker drifting toward fragile reefs and coastlines sums up corporate carelessness in one brutal punchline. “Hold my beer” takes the satire into overdrive.
#6 Maxwell House Drama
Coffee cups with parental instincts? A mug scolding a coffee pot for “leaving dressed like THAT”? It’s caffeinated family drama turned into a steaming roast.
#7 Ants and Bad Posture
Ever heard of workplace safety for ants? “Lift with your knees, not your thorax” is the kind of advice Jerry wishes he’d skipped. Tiny insect humor with a human punch.
#8 Monsters on Strike
The monsters under the bed are sick of unsafe working conditions. Honestly, fair point. Even imaginary creatures need labor rights.
#9 Coffee Shop Guilt Trip
This café scene calls out the unspoken rule of coffeehouses: you must write a novel or thesis while sipping lattes. Just drinking coffee? Suspicious behavior.
#10 Rocker vs. Sound Chex
A punk rocker sporting a “Twisted Master World Tour” vest eats cereal branded “Sound Chex.” Pure absurdity, pure gold.
#11 Mothra Construction Crew
Turns out Godzilla and Mothra are secretly in construction. The chaos outside? Just another home repair gone wrong. Dark disaster humor at its clever peak.
#12 Penguin Icebreaker
A penguin speaker forced to open with an “icebreaker.” The groans are universal. Comedy so cold it’s perfect.
#13 Under the Couch Surprise
Guests popping up under the sofa mid-cleaning? Equal parts dark and ridiculous. Vacuuming never revealed such horrors.
#14 Desert Island Deception
The classic desert island cartoon flipped: they could’ve walked away years ago. Sometimes clichés need to be roasted, and this one’s medium-rare.
#15 Pawn Shop for Middle-Earth
Gollum’s “precious” gets valued at thirty bucks. Brutal, hilarious, and exactly how pawn shops would treat fantasy relics.
#16 Starfleet Accidents Happen
Spock’s expression says it all — even the most advanced ships aren’t immune to workplace accidents. Star Trek meets bureaucratic comedy.
#17 Ghost Misunderstandings
A ghost chasing a plastic bag he thought was Barbara? Hauntingly funny and tragically relatable. Poor Jeff.
#18 The Future of Phones
It’s 2267, and Kirk just wants a communicator that takes selfies. Deering skewers our obsession with gadgets by fast-forwarding tech anxiety.
#19 Philosophers vs. “I’m Just Sayin’”
An ancient philosopher warns students: stop finishing arguments with “I’m just sayin’.” Honestly, Socrates would’ve been the sassiest professor alive.
#20 Political Resignation Goals
A politician resigns so he can “spend quality time in prison.” It’s dark, biting, and painfully realistic satire.
Closing Thoughts
This collection of dark and witty comics proves that humor doesn’t have to be lighthearted to be hilarious. From everyday life to pop culture parodies, John Deering’s Strange Brew masterfully blends absurdity with biting commentary. Each panel is a reminder that sometimes the funniest truths come with a sting.
Credit All comics reviewed are by John Deering, creator of Strange Brew. You can find more of his work on GoComics. His style — sharp, surreal, and unapologetically witty — makes him a standout voice in modern cartooning.
👉 For more hilarious panels and reviews, be sure to check out Boredcomics.com.
