Herman cartoons are a masterclass in single-panel absurdity, and this review dives straight into the best of them. If you’ve ever chuckled at a painfully awkward moment, dry one-liner, or wildly offbeat scenario, Jim Unger has probably drawn it better than you imagined it. Let’s celebrate Unger’s wit with 20 of his most hilariously brilliant cartoons that showcase just how sharp and timeless his humor really is.
About Jim Unger The Mind Behind the Mayhem
Jim Unger, a British-born Canadian cartoonist, carved his legacy with “Herman,” a syndicated that exploded in popularity across the globe. Launched in 1974, the strip became a staple in newspapers worldwide, reaching over 600 publications. Unger’s work is known for its exaggerated characters, surreal scenarios, and biting social commentary—all packed neatly into a single panel.
With a style that’s as recognizable as it is relatable, Unger brought attention to the mundane and made it laughable. His work earned him the National Newspaper Award twice and cemented his status as one of the greats in history. Even years after his passing, Herman lives on through reruns and syndication, continuing to amuse and bewilder new generations of fans.
#1 They Won’t Breed Like That.
A couple’s attempt at fish breeding hilariously derails when logic takes a nap. The suggestion to push two fishbowls together is so innocent, it’s genius—until you realize how utterly nonsensical it is. This cartoon is peak Unger: ordinary folks, offbeat logic, and a deadpan expression that says, “Yes, we’re serious about this.”
#2 Fast or Slow—Just Rip It.
The classic bandage dilemma gets a Herman . A doctor casually holding a scalpel asks a patient if they want the wound treated “fast or slow.” The tension between implied pain and cartoon absurdity makes this panel unforgettable. You’ll laugh, cringe, and suddenly be grateful for anesthetics.
#3 My Wife Took the Car.
Standing next to a lonesome tire, a man informs the insurance adjuster that only the tire came home after his wife borrowed the car. It’s a masterstroke of comedic exaggeration—marital drama meets vehicular mystery. Unger’s ability to say so much with so little is unmatched.
#4 The Superman Incident.
In a hospital room, a woman holds up a Superman shirt and gently roasts her injured husband: “They said you were wearing this when you fell off the roof.” It’s heroic delusion meets comic karma. Unger reminds us all that sometimes confidence really is the enemy.
#5 Michelangelo’s Modern Orders.
A medieval painter is scolded by a bishop for using the wrong shade of white on the Sistine Chapel. The sheer anachronism here is delightful. Who knew Michelangelo had a supervisor in a red robe yelling about paint swatches?
#6 Caveman Career Advice.
In a prehistoric setting, a caveman rants about the dangers of his “career” chasing bloodthirsty beasts. It’s satire on modern work complaints dialed back to the Stone Age. HR would be useless here—but the laughs? Timeless.
#7 Family Genes on Display.
“He takes after his great-great-great… great-grandfather.” This cartoon pokes fun at the infinite loop of family pride—or excuses. The visual of a man with an exaggeratedly thick physique says it all, while the dialogue seals the joke. Evolution, meet tradition.
#8 I Saw It on the News.
#9 Spin Cycle Surprise.
#10 Illiterate Logic.
#11 Cake with a File.
#12 Giraffe Heads and Work Stress.
#13 DIY Disaster.
#14 Long Trip for Fuses.
#15 Mermaid vs. Baseball.
#16 Bruno’s Breakdown.
#17 Mummy Real Estate Review.
#18 Fork Fee Fiasco
#19 Nurses Deserve Better.
#20 Side Effects May Include…
