New Dark Humor comics are a special breed of funny—smart, twisted, and a little bit unsettling in all the best ways. In this review, we’re diving headfirst into 20 hilariously warped cartoons by Scott Hilburn, the mastermind behind The Argyle Sweater. Expect visual gags, historical jabs, pun-packed panels, and some truly unexpected laughs.
About the Artist: Scott Hilburn
Scott Hilburn is the genius cartoonist behind the beloved single-panel comic strip The Argyle Sweater. With a degree in psychology and a deep love for The Far Side, Hilburn fuses intellectual wit with absurd scenarios to create cartoons that are equal parts smart and silly. His comics frequently appear in newspapers and online syndication through Andrews McMeel.
Hilburn’s signature style involves twisting pop culture, history, and everyday absurdities into short-form humor that resonates with readers of all ages. Whether it’s anthropomorphic animals or cavemen reviewing Amazon products, his work keeps surprising and delighting fans around the world.
#1 What Kind of Store Is This?
A woman surrounded by racks of identical muumuus slowly descends into confusion, channeling full Dr. Seuss energy. It’s Muumuu Madness—an unexpected fashion horror show disguised as retail. Bonus points for poetic panic.
#2 Michelangelo’s Artistic Setback
The Sistine Chapel gets a cartoony makeover as Michelangelo paints Garfield and superheroes overhead. A Vatican official isn’t amused. Honestly, we would hang this version in our living room.
#3 Brain or Bran?
Frankenstein’s lab takes a culinary turn as Igor mistakes “brain” for “bran.” The result? Muffin chaos and undead constipation. A deliciously weird twist on classic horror.
#4 Giant Roach Apocalypse
Nothing screams “New Dark Humor” like a city under siege by a cockroach the size of a building. The soldiers’ resigned expressions really sell the existential dread.
#5 Aliens and the Bug Zapper
At Trader Joe’s Grand Opening, two aliens casually sip drinks while zapping humans like mosquitoes. Space invasion has never looked this chill or this darkly funny.
#6 Solokeet vs. Parakeets
Two birds chatting on a branch, followed by one playing solitaire alone—it’s the introvert/extrovert gag we didn’t know we needed. The perfect pun-powered isolation comic.
#7 Acupuncture, Voodoo-Style
At “Madam Vera’s Voodoo Acupuncture,” your pain is magically someone else’s problem. A voodoo doll, a client on the table, and the unsettling sound of “OOOH, I feel better already!”
#8 Tarzan the Mycologist
Tarzan educates a gorilla about mushroom types. The punchline? He’s not King of the Jungle—he’s King of Fungi. This one’s for the botanical nerds with a twisted edge.
#9 The Big Bad Wolf’s Retirement Woes
A frail Big Bad Wolf stares at three elderly pigs—with dentures and walkers in tow. Let’s just say time is the only predator left in this hilarious role reversal.
#10 Concealed Carry Rhinos
A tense bar scene where rhinos eye each other warily—because who knows who’s packin’? The tension, the tusks, the tip jar—pure dark absurdity.
#11 The Amazon Fire Letdown
A caveman leaves a 2-star review for “Amazon Fire.” Why? It’s not hot. This prehistoric customer review parody is a brilliant modern twist.
#12 Fly Kid at the Grocery Ride
At “Whole Poos,” a little fly begs for a coin-operated ride. The result? “Wheeee!” This one is gross, goofy, and wildly charming in the strangest way.
#13 Mr. Potato Head’s Spa Disaster
At a day spa, a Potato Head flees in terror—clearly someone asked for the peel. The sheer visual chaos of this spud panic makes it comic gold.
#14 Crash Test Dummy Driver
A crash test dummy proudly drives a red convertible with a bumper sticker that reads: “I brake for nothing!” It’s minimal but packed with poetic irony.
#15 Tapeworms on the Go
Arnie walks away from a diner with tape trailing out of his suit. Why? Tapeworms, obviously. Visual gross-out meets hilariously subtle body horror.
#16 Sherlock Stockholmes Syndrome
Hostages dressed like Sherlock Holmes are escorted out by confused police. It’s not a fashion trend—it’s a psychiatric punchline with style.
#17 Godiva, the Parental Years
Lady Godiva’s daughter is headed out in a bikini. Her mom screams, “Get upstairs and change into nothing!” And just like that, parental hypocrisy is roasted to perfection.
#18 Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Dad coos at a baby: “He’s got your eyes… but not sure about the hair yet.” The joke? The baby’s bald, and so is Dad. Dark humor in diapers.
#19 Balloon Payment, Literally
At a shady bank, a clown pays his loan with a balloon. The fine print wins. This absurd interpretation of “balloon payment” is the financial joke we all needed.
#20 Barbie’s Engagement Woes
Ken tries to propose but can’t get the ring on Barbie’s molded hand. Their breakup? Pure plastic tragedy. A brutally funny take on unrealistic relationship standards.
Final Thoughts
These New Dark Humor comics from The Argyle Sweater perfectly blend pun-heavy wit, twisted logic, and imaginative art into laugh-out-loud panels. Scott Hilburn proves once again that a single panel is all it takes to spin comedy gold—especially when that gold is laced with snark, satire, and just a pinch of the bizarre.
Credit:
All comics featured are by Scott Hilburn, the talented creator behind The Argyle Sweater. His unique mix of wordplay and warped humor has earned him a devoted following worldwide.
📌 Official Website: GoComics – The Argyle Sweater
📘 Facebook: Scott Hilburn Comics
📸 Instagram: [Not officially listed]
🔗 Explore more twisted brilliance at Boredcomics.com
