Dark Humor Cartoons by Martin Perscheid A Comic Review of Wicked Wit and Twisted Genius When it comes to sharp, no-limits comedy, Dark Humor Cartoons by Martin Perscheid are in a league of their own. This review takes you through ten of his most outrageous, biting, and hilariously dark panels that showcase his fearless wit and fearless commentary.
Martin Perscheid (1966–2021) was a German cartoonist best known for his long-running series “Perscheids Abgründe” (“Perscheid’s Abyss”), which brought his darkly comic vision to life in over 4,000 cartoons. His work focused on themes of everyday absurdity, human stupidity, death, sex, and social critique—delivered with a signature style that married minimalism with a punchy comedic twist.
Though his art style was deceptively simple bold lines, bug-eyed characters, and static backgrounds—it was the writing that made each panel explode with meaning. Perscheid won acclaim for daring to go where few cartoonists would: taboos, politics, religion, and relationships. His cartoons were published in countless German newspapers, and his legacy remains a gold standard for dark humor done right. Irreverent, unapologetic, and strangely insightful, his work continues to spark laughter and shock in equal measure.
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1. Kinky Requests and Questionable Desires
This comic wastes no time pushing boundaries. A dominatrix-style scene veers into absurd territory as Julia asks her partner to scream like a castrated piglet. He, exasperated, wonders if she can be turned on by anything else. It’s equal parts disturbing and hilarious, a perfect snapshot of Perscheid’s flair for blending sexual satire with uncomfortable truths. If awkward fetishes and deadpan humor are your thing, this one’s gold.
2. The Brutal Truth of Free Content
A cartoonist slumps face-first on his desk as a cheerful fan gleefully thanks him for posting free comics—through a brick he’s just thrown through the window. The gag nails the twisted relationship between creators and “fans” who love the work but forget there’s a human (and rent) behind it. Perscheid brilliantly captures the painful reality of underappreciated artists, all in one brick-heavy punchline.
3. A Brick for Every Occasion
Here we see Perscheid poke fun at the idea of blind fan support. A cheerful man strolls past with a wagon full of bricks, presumably ready to express appreciation through airborne masonry. The absurdity lies in the cheerful expression of violence—thank you, but make it painful. It’s satire at its most unexpected, ridiculing modern support culture with a literal twist.
4. Presidential Playlist Problems
A White House staffer informs the President that every artist has banned their songs from his farewell party… except Beck. The expression on the President’s face is pure clueless joy. It’s a quiet political jab wrapped in a pop culture reference—subtle enough to chuckle at, bold enough to ruffle feathers. Perscheid walks the line between political commentary and cartoon silliness effortlessly.
5. Bedroom Implosions and Strange Excuses
A woman lounges on a bed, arms crossed, as her partner—who appears to have folded in on himself—receives yet another scolding: “You and your imploding nonsense again.” This surreal visual gag hits hard with its absurd simplicity. Perscheid plays with physical impossibility as a metaphor for emotional (or sexual) dysfunction. Weird? Absolutely. But somehow deeply relatable.
6. Fragile Bikers and Shattering Egos
In a savage twist, a biker decked out in leather and toughness literally shatters when laughed at. The man pointing and laughing delivers the fatal blow—not with fists, but with mockery. It’s a hilarious takedown of macho posturing and fragile egos. Only Perscheid could reduce a trike-riding tough guy to shards with such simplicity.
7. Ore You Serious? A Miner Problem
A woman vents about her French ex-boyfriend who keeps singing “Give me back my ore” in voicemails. Her friend calmly asks, “Is he a miner?”—and the timing lands with perfection. This joke is a brilliant mix of pun, international dating woes, and unexpected wordplay. Perscheid’s humor thrives on the unexpected twist, and this one’s a perfect little gem (pun intended).
8. Tattoo Talk Gone Wrong
When a woman offers to show her “ass tattoo,” the viewer expects a cheeky reveal. Instead, she proudly displays the word “TRUMP” across her arm. The man’s blank stare says it all. This comic is deceptively simple but brilliant in its delivery—commenting on identity, politics, and assumptions in just two panels. Classic Perscheid: minimal art, maximum message.
9. Unicorn Logic and Anti-Science Nonsense
In a three-panel strip, a man denies the existence of COVID-19, claiming there’s “no proof,” and supports it by citing his unicorn group. It’s a razor-sharp commentary on conspiracy thinking and echo chambers. Perscheid nails how belief, when removed from logic, becomes laughable—and frightening. The unicorn reference adds just the right dose of ridiculous.
10. Ghosted at the Table
This one’s a slow-burn. A woman excitedly shares with her date that she has two kids and wants more. With each panel, the man becomes increasingly transparent—until he vanishes entirely. The ghosting pun is visual, hilarious, and tragically relatable in today’s dating world. No words are needed—just perfectly paced panels and a brutally honest joke.
Closing Thoughts: The Genius of Martin Perscheid’s Dark Humor
Martin Perscheid’s comics are an unfiltered look into the absurdity of modern life. Whether poking fun at politics, relationships, or death, he delivers with a signature smirk and a touch of chaos. These ten comics showcase his fearless brilliance—each panel a mix of hilarity and hard truths. Credit to the late Martin Perscheid for creating these timeless gems. To discover even more of his darkly funny work, be sure to check out Boredcomics.com for your daily dose of absurd brilliance.
