New Dark Humor is having a major moment—and we’re here for every twisted, jaw-dropping panel. In this comic/cartoon review, we take a wild ride through 20 fresh examples that prove dark comedy is alive, well, and more relevant than ever. If you’re the type who laughs at life’s weirdest ironies and awkward taboos, you’ll love the bold, clever wit on display. From brutal honesty about society to those “did they just go there?” punchlines, these comics aren’t afraid to cross lines—and that’s exactly why they’re so addictive. Ready to step into the shadows of modern cartoon satire? Let’s dive into the world of New Dark Humor.
Artist Martin Perscheid Bio
The creative mind behind these New Dark Humor gems is the acclaimed cartoonist Martin Perscheid. Over his career, Perscheid has published thousands of single-panel comics, earning a reputation for fearless social commentary and razor-sharp gags. Winner of the Max & Moritz Prize for Best Comic Strip, his work is instantly recognizable for its clean, understated art style and dry, deadpan delivery. Perscheid’s signature themes—human folly, everyday absurdity, and taboo-busting punchlines—have made his “Perscheids Abgründe” strip a staple across European newspapers and online comic platforms. Whether lampooning politics, poking fun at social issues, or highlighting awkward truths, his comics always spark thought (and laughter).
#1 “Indoctrination or Interior Decoration?”
Dark humor loves a good misunderstanding, and this one nails it! When paranoia meets home decor, the punchline flips a political buzzword into a cheeky gag about furniture shopping. It’s a classic case of reading way too much into everyday life—something Perscheid’s comics always do best.
#2 “Happiness, Swings, and Body Positivity”
Tackling sensitive subjects with a wink, this panel leans into the realities of body image and happiness—right on a playground swing set. The best New Dark Humor doesn’t preach, it pokes fun at how we talk about serious stuff, turning a cringey moment into an oddly sweet reminder to live and let live.
#3 “Every Brick Has a Purpose
Only Perscheid could make hauling bricks behind a rainbow so delightfully absurd. This comic lampoons influencer culture and the odd ways fans support their idols. A perfect blend of surreal and satirical—plus, who knew bricks could feel so… momentous?
#4 “Freezing for a Cause”
Dark, edgy, and timely, this gag about “waiting for a better vaccine” takes the pandemic discourse to its icy conclusion. It’s shocking, irreverent, and sure to make some readers gasp. That’s the New Dark Humor promise—taking real fears and giving them an audacious twist.
#5 “Trust Me, I’m a Homeopath”
Healthcare skepticism hits a hilarious (and slightly painful) peak as a desperate character clings to homeopathy. The grim look on the patient’s face? Pure comic gold. If you like your medical satire bold, this one delivers.
#6 “National Socialist… Underground”
Wordplay doesn’t get much darker. Here, the phrase “National Socialist underground” takes a literal turn—straight into toilet humor. It’s edgy, it’s risky, it’s classic Perscheid. You’ll either laugh out loud or wince—and probably both.
#7 “The Engine that Couldn’t”
Who knew guests overstaying their welcome could turn into a gag about engines, liters, and speed? The mess left behind after a party gets a hilarious double meaning. Pro tip: never let Perscheid explain how his houseguests “run.”
#8 “A Taste of the Ocean”
Satirizing foodie trends, this panel roasts chefs who brag about fancy sea salt—complete with unsavory flavors like crude oil and fish pee. You’ll never look at a gourmet meal the same way again. Bon appétit!
#9 “Money Can’t Buy You Gold”
It’s love, it’s materialism, it’s dark humor at its most tongue-in-cheek. This comic pokes fun at romance and the things we value, with a punchline that’s both sweet and (literally) priceless.
#10 “Hot Between the Poles”
Wordplay gets flirty in this panel. The setup is romantic, but the punchline steers us into geek territory—Poles, plus/minus, and some classic deadpan confusion. It’s a perfect sendup of nerdy romance.
#11 “Tintin and Copyright Law”
Pop culture references collide with legal anxiety as a familiar character gets shamed for copyright infringement. Only Perscheid could make intellectual property so funny (and slightly scandalous).
#12 “99.9% of Parents…”
Twisting a classic statistic, this panel lampoons the never-ending debate about nature vs. nurture—with a dark, clever jab at parental “perversion.” It’s one of those comics you have to re-read just to appreciate the subversive wordplay.
#13 “Jean-Michel: The After-Sex Stylist”
Sometimes, the best dark comedy is simply silly. Here, the world’s most honest hairstylist recreates a wild “after-sex” look—with a flourish. No dialogue needed; just hilarious facial expressions and perfect visual timing.
#14 “Eat, Drink, and Be… Nun?”
Religious symbolism meets literal interpretation as a nun is confronted with the… well, cannibalistic undertones of her faith. This comic is sacrilegious, sharp, and exactly what New Dark Humor is all about.
#15 “Blonde Moments and Inconvenient Truths”
Celebrity commentary gets mashed up with classic blonde jokes and a nod to Al Gore’s climate crusade. It’s so layered, you almost need a decoder ring to catch every reference. The punchline? Being blonde alone just isn’t enough.
#16 “You Forgot Something…”
Visual gags don’t get much better than this: a man frantically returning forgotten prosthetic legs. It’s slapstick with a sinister edge—and a side of awkward social interaction.
#17 “Walls, Borders, and Absurd Logic”
Political satire reigns as Perscheid draws a direct (and hilarious) line between Trump’s wall and Cold War Germany. Absurd history lessons, now with extra caffeine.
#18 “DIY Chicks”
A farming practice gets the dark humor treatment. When the “chicks” in question are literal baby chickens, the joke’s on our comfort zones. This one is pure Perscheid—cheerful visuals, cheerfully twisted premise.
#19 “Court-Ordered Comedy”
Political extremism and legal drama are both skewered in this sendup of talk show culture. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at who gets invited on TV, this panel’s for you.
#20 “Indiana Jones: Whip It Good”
The legendary adventurer has retired—and, apparently, become an anti-smoking zealot. With one whip crack, he’s now policing the local café. Adventure isn’t dead, just repurposed.
Final Summery
New Dark Humor comics are not for the faint of heart—but that’s why we can’t stop reading (and laughing). Martin Perscheid’s talent for mixing biting social commentary, taboo topics, and everyday absurdity is unrivaled. If you love your comedy edgy and your punchlines unpredictable, this collection delivers.
Credit:
All comics featured in this review are the brilliant work of Martin Perscheid, creator of “Perscheids Abgründe.” For more of his daring dark humor, visit the official site at perscheid.de or the verified Facebook page: facebook.com/perscheids.abgruende. We deeply appreciate Perscheid’s fearless style and unique comic vision.
