The Argyle Sweater Comics by Scott Hilburn are a hilarious blend of wordplay, visual puns and clever absurdity. In this article, we are reviewing 10 of his funniest single-panel cartoons. Each one takes a classic concept, flips it sideways and leaves you grinning or groaning in the best way possible. If you love smart jokes, twisted logic and pop culture parody, this comic review will show you why The Argyle Sweater is a fan-favorite among cartoon lovers.
About Scott Hilburn
Scott Hilburn is the creative mind behind The Argyle Sweater, a wildly popular single-panel comic syndicated by Andrews McMeel. Drawing comparisons to The Far Side, Hilburn has carved out a style that is all his own, blending visual gags with sharp, pun-filled captions.
His work often parodies history, science, pop culture and animals, with a surreal twist that turns the ordinary into the absurd. Whether it’s Dracula at a blood bank or a shark trying on glasses, Hilburn’s humor is smart, strange and satisfyingly silly.
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1. Shark Trouble at the Optometrist
A shark tries on glasses at an eye clinic, only to realize his snout makes it impossible to wear frames properly. The optometrist suggests contacts. The gag works on multiple levels, from the visual of the glasses slipping off the shark’s face to the clever real-world suggestion. It’s classic Hilburn—taking a relatable human situation and giving it a hilarious animal twist. This comic proves that sometimes even predators need better vision.
2. Happy Hour at the Blood Bank
Two vampires decide to hit up a blood bank, reasoning that “it’s 5 a.m. somewhere.” This comic nails the mashup of horror tropes and drinking culture in one brilliant panel. The smirking vampires, the late-night setting and the casual delivery all add to the punchline. Hilburn turns wordplay into visual comedy here, making the absurd look surprisingly normal.
3. The Non-Praying Mantis
A wealthy mantis sits at a luxury desk bragging about his riches, explaining why he doesn’t “need to go to church.” It’s a clever take on the term “praying mantis” reimagined as a morally questionable billionaire insect. From the tiny trophies to the smug expression, every detail sells the joke. Hilburn hits on satire and science in one smooth, funny package.
4. Beach Brawl Over a Towel
Two cowboys argue over beach towel territory, Western style. “This towel ain’t big enough for the both of us,” one growls, parodying classic Western dialogue. The juxtaposition of cowboy boots, hats and beachwear is just ridiculous enough to work. It’s a visual punchline with great timing and a clever recontextualization of a genre cliché.
5. AI and the Turkey Drawing
A teacher accuses a student of using “A.I.” to complete a Thanksgiving art assignment, after noticing a suspiciously digital-looking hand turkey. The setup is perfectly modern, mixing holiday schoolwork with today’s tech anxieties. Hilburn’s take on artificial intelligence is both timely and silly, and the parents’ poker face makes it even better.
6. Alien at the Dentist
An alien patient sits in the dentist’s chair, receiving a long list of dental treatments, then sighs and says, “Sign me up for three more sequels.” It’s a hilarious dig at overdone movie franchises, with the alien clearly referencing the “Alien” films. The absurdity of a xenomorph needing braces is what makes this cartoon so effective. Sci-fi meets suburban boredom in perfect Hilburn fashion.
7. Missing Mayfly Mystery
A team of serious-looking mayflies conduct a press conference about a missing female. The gag hits hard when we remember that mayflies only live 24 hours, and the survival rate “drops to zero,” as the speaker explains. It’s morbid, but darkly hilarious. The uniforms, badges and dramatic delivery contrast beautifully with the bugs’ short lifespans. Brilliant satire.
8. Pinocchio’s Root Problem
Pinocchio asks his woodworker “dad” about his roots. The craftsman breaks down his lineage like tree species, saying he has cedar elm on mom’s side and pine on dad’s. The comic mixes emotional vulnerability with a ridiculous answer. Hilburn’s knack for wordplay and literal interpretation shines through here, turning a heartfelt question into a hilariously wooden moment.
9. Dragon Mom’s Candy Wrappers
A dragon mother scolds her child for eating snacks before dinner, fuming at the 3 Musketeers wrappers scattered around the cave. The punchline lands because it takes a classic candy name and twists it into medieval fantasy logic. Hilburn uses familiar brand names in unexpected contexts, and the scaly mom’s frustration is hilariously relatable.
10. Frankincense, Gold and… Merv?
The Three Wise Men present their gifts, but one looks confused and says, “What are we supposed to do with this guy?” Below, the label reads: “Gold, Frankincense and Merv.” It’s the kind of joke that sneaks up on you and makes you laugh once you get the wordplay. Hilburn nails holiday humor with a random, lovable twist.
Summary
These The Argyle Sweater Comics by Scott Hilburn offer a witty, offbeat take on everything from sharks in glasses to aliens at the dentist. Scott Hilburn’s style is smart and visual, turning familiar tropes into hilariously odd moments. Whether he’s poking fun at holidays, animals or pop culture, Hilburn consistently delivers one-panel perfection. Each comic blends strong writing with expressive characters, making them perfect for daily chuckles and long binge sessions. His ability to keep things clever, not crude, gives the strip wide appeal.
To read more reviews and discover comic artists who bring humor to life, head over to TheHumorSide.com and keep laughing your way through the day.
