Family Cartoons by Arlo and Janis: A Comic Review Full of Everyday Laughter
Family cartoons don’t get more charming, funny, and painfully relatable than Arlo and Janis. This comic review dives into 10 of the best strips by Jimmy Johnson, the creator of this iconic comic duo. Whether it’s about parenting, procrastination, aging, or misunderstood grocery lists, Arlo and Janis perfectly capture the humor and heart in daily family life.
About the Artist
Jimmy Johnson launched Arlo and Janis in 1985, and the comic strip has remained a staple of family humor ever since. The series centers around a long-married couple—Arlo and Janis—who love each other deeply but don’t shy away from teasing, sarcasm, and the hilarious absurdities of life. Johnson’s signature style is laid-back and clean, with dialogue-driven humor and slice-of-life storytelling that’s charmingly low-key but razor-sharp in wit. The strip has received critical acclaim for its modern, realistic portrayal of relationships and middle-aged life, all with a healthy dose of irony and affection.
A funny and relatable take on family life with Arlo and Janis.
#1 Midseason Baseball Wisdom
Janis asks if baseball is still happening, and Arlo—deep in bed and baseball fandom—responds with season updates. It started in March, but only now is it getting interesting. Janis’s silent stare says it all. It’s a comic that hits perfectly for anyone who’s not on board with season-long sports enthusiasm.
#2 A Deep Dive into Groundhog Day
This strip hilariously traces the history of Groundhog Day from religious origins to modern rodent forecasts. As Arlo listens patiently, the final punchline—”And you thought you were through with all this!”—delivers the classic mix of educational weirdness and comic exasperation. Family conversations don’t get much nerdier (or funnier).
#3 Father’s Day Done Right
Janis goes all out for Arlo’s Father’s Day—chips, golf, and a tool he clearly picked himself. He’s overjoyed, and Janis thinks, “He’s so easy, I almost feel guilty.” This is family celebration minimalism at its peak—funny, sweet, and oh-so-familiar to anyone who’s ever gifted socks and been called a hero.
#4 Meditation for Beginners… Or Not
When Arlo tries meditation, Janis attempts to read the guidebook calmly—until Arlo interrupts with, “Where?” mid-lesson. The “Shhh, grasshopper” moment is ruined, proving family mindfulness is easier said than done. Classic Arlo and Janis: good intentions tangled in lovable domestic chaos.
#5 Winter Blues Meet Beads and Hats
Feeling dreary after the holidays, Janis reflects on winter’s gloom—until she finds herself randomly decorated in party beads and hats. “Sometimes I forget where I am,” she says, confused but hilarious. It’s visual comedy that captures the daze we all feel post-holiday binge.
#6 The Presidents’ Day Problem
A casual conversation about George Washington’s birthday spirals into a full-blown calendar reform history lesson. Arlo’s “WHAT?!” says what we’re all thinking. The punchline—“You just thought Presidents’ Day was confusing”—wraps this one in clever historical chaos that’s perfect for family banter.
#7 You Know You’re Getting Older When…
This strip cleverly highlights the aging process with subtle brilliance. Arlo’s morning routine is interrupted by… absolutely nothing. Yet somehow, he ends up confused. The punchline—“Did the alarm clock go off?”—is pure middle-age humor. Subtle, smart, and sneakily funny.
#8 The Grocery List Gambi
Arlo sets a trap—forgetting the grocery list so Janis assumes he’s messed up again. The twist? He wants her to think that. It’s marriage mind games in comic strip form and absolutely hilarious for anyone who’s ever faked forgetfulness to dodge a chore.
#9 Baby on the Brain
When Janis and Arlo talk about seeing Mary Lou, Arlo casually assumes “she’ll be the same.” Janis cuts him off with a firm “No!”—she’s having a baby. Arlo’s sheepish “glowing or something?” comeback is every clueless but lovable dad moment rolled into one perfect comic.
#10 Technology Meltdown (Again)
Arlo loses it over a software update: “Everything’s different!” he yells. The best part? Janis’s deadpan response: “Who’s going to upgrade me?” It’s a hilarious look at how adults handle tech—and how kids probably see us as the outdated ones.
A Warm, Witty Look at Real Life
The Arlo and Janis comics are more than just funny—they’re refreshingly human. Whether it’s navigating parenthood, marriage, modern life, or simply trying to wake up in the morning, these family cartoons manage to say what we’re all thinking—with charm and chuckles.
All comics featured in this article are the creation of cartoonist Jimmy Johnson, the brilliant mind behind Arlo and Janis. His clean artwork and heartfelt humor have earned him a devoted fanbase that spans generations. To see more of his work:
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