Funny cartoons don’t get much quirkier—or sharper—than those created by Leigh Rubin. In this cartoon review, we’re diving into 10 of his funniest panels, each packed with a punchline so sly, you might need a second look to catch the brilliance. If you love smart visual gags, anthropomorphic animals, and absurdist humor delivered in a single frame, you’re in for a treat.
Leigh Rubin is the mastermind behind Rubes Cartoons, a long-running syndicated comic strip featured in newspapers and books across the globe. Since launching Rubes in the mid-1980s, Rubin has carved out a niche for cartoons that blend oddball scenarios with dry, intelligent humor. Known for talking cows, confused cavemen, sarcastic vultures, and the occasional vengeful apple vendor, Rubin’s work appeals to readers who enjoy clever surprises without the fluff. His cartooning style is crisp and clean, focusing all the attention on the humor. With a career spanning decades, Rubin has become one of the most recognized names in single-panel humor.
A witty collection of Leigh Rubin’s funniest cartoons.
#1 Wool Problems Go Public
Poor Walt—he’s experiencing a wardrobe malfunction of epic proportions in front of some unimpressed lady sheep. The joke lands perfectly with the contrast between his breezy, overly confident greeting and his very uncovered rear. Classic Rubin: take a relatable human embarrassment and project it onto sheep. It’s visual comedy that nudges you right in the funny bone.
#2 Cro-Magnon Mansplaining Strikes Again
There’s nothing quite like prehistoric sexism. This cartoon hilariously imagines the origins of mansplaining, where a caveman tells his wife how to grind grain “the right way.” The humor is biting and timely, and the expressions on both characters say everything. Leigh Rubin’s ability to mix historical themes with modern commentary is what makes his cartoons stand out.
#3 A Vulture’s Final Wish
“He would have wanted it this way,” says one vulture to another, as they respectfully dine on a fallen comrade. This cartoon hits the sweet spot between dark humor and absurd politeness. The anthropomorphic logic—vultures giving emotional closure—is both ridiculous and oddly heartwarming. It’s a perfectly off-kilter gag with a weirdly elegant touch.
#4 Dungeon Goals: Life Planning in Chains
Two unlucky prisoners hang from shackles in a dungeon, but one is thinking long-term—”Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” It’s grim, it’s silly, and it’s so very Leigh Rubin. This cartoon is a reminder that even in the darkest dungeons (literally), someone’s always ready for small talk and big dreams.
#5 Forest Confusion 101
This comic plays on the classic police trope: “You can run, but you can’t hide.” Except here, the criminal blends perfectly into the trees—and vanishes. The execution is so visually smart, it’ll make you grin just from the reveal. Leigh Rubin loves poking holes in logic, and this one’s a visual mic drop.
#6 Eagle’s Last Laugh (Sort Of)
A fish gets snatched from the water by an eagle and complains, “THIS is the view I get in my last moments?” It’s the kind of unexpected punchline that makes you laugh out loud. Rubin has a knack for flipping the script—what should be a predator’s triumph becomes a fish’s petty grievance. Genius.
#7 Apple Vendor vs. The Hippocratic Oath
An angry doctor chases a sidewalk apple vendor, furious that “an apple a day” is ruining his practice. It’s such a ridiculous but smart twist on the old proverb that you can’t help but admire the creativity. This one-panel gag turns a cliché on its head with perfect comic delivery.
#8 The Confidence-Busting Seminar
A speaker offers a refund to anyone too shy to raise their hand—and in doing so, completely traps them in a hilarious logic loop. The setup, timing, and payoff are spot-on. Rubin cleverly captures the quiet struggles of introverts everywhere, then delivers the punchline with dry, devastating flair.
#9 Doctor vs. The Fruit Stand Menace
An apple a day keeps the doctor away—unless the doctor’s had enough. In this cartoon, an irate physician charges a poor apple vendor with a bat, yelling about ruined practice. It’s a delightfully literal take on a common saying and shows how Leigh Rubin makes old proverbs feel brand new and hilarious.
#10 Raise Your Hand… If You Dare
Public speaking seminars are awkward enough. But this cartoon takes it to another level when the instructor asks nervous attendees to raise their hands to get their money back—defeating the whole purpose. The sheer irony here is laugh-out-loud brilliant. Rubin wraps social anxiety in a tidy, twisted loop of logic.
Final Thoughts: Quirky Brilliance in Every Frame
Leigh Rubin’s funny cartoons are more than just jokes—they’re clever commentaries wrapped in visual simplicity. Whether it’s a caveman redefining mansplaining or vultures practicing funeral etiquette, Rubin turns ordinary ideas into hilarious absurdities. His cartoons don’t yell for attention—they whisper brilliant nonsense that makes you pause, think, and chuckle.
All comics featured in this article are the original work of cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of Rubes Cartoons. His unique, surreal style and sharp wit have made him a beloved name in the world of single-panel humor. To explore more of his work, visit:
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