Cornered comics by Mike Baldwin are a masterclass in dry, observational humor. Each single-panel strip delivers a quirky, sometimes brutally honest take on everyday situations from awkward social moments to workplace absurdity. In this comic review, we’re spotlighting 10 of the funniest and sharpest Cornered panels that perfectly capture the bizarre logic of modern life. If you’ve ever laughed at life’s most ridiculous moments, these comics are guaranteed to hit home.
Artist Bio
Mike Baldwin is the sharp mind behind Cornered, a single-panel comic strip known for its delightfully twisted take on everyday life. Debuting in 1996, Cornered quickly carved out a space in the world of editorial cartoons with its minimalist art style and dry, punchline-driven humor. Baldwin’s background in graphic design and advertising shines through in his visual economy every line serves a purpose, and every panel delivers a laugh.
Profile info Website | Cornered on Go Comics
1. “Your call is important…”
This comic nails the absurdity of customer service scripts. As chaos unfolds around a man on the phone, the automated message’s indifference hits hilariously hard. Mike Baldwin’s genius lies in pairing corporate clichés with ridiculous real-world moments. The visual irony is perfectly timed — proving that sometimes, your call really isn’t that important. This panel gives us a laugh and a not-so-gentle reminder of how disconnected technology can be from reality.
2. “Blackmail Charges Dropped”
Mike Baldwin blends courtroom drama and dark humor with this one-liner gem. A prisoner smugly tells his lawyer how blackmail charges were dropped — thanks to blackmail itself. The cartoon brilliantly captures a twisted loop of logic that’s both satirical and surprisingly clever. The contrast between the prisoner’s expression and the lawyer’s deadpan demeanor adds to the punch. Baldwin’s style thrives on dry wit and ironic twists, and this one’s a standout example.
3. “Do You Do Funerals?”
This comic throws a dark twist into a wedding ceremony. As the bride and groom stand before the minister, the groom casually asks if the church also handles funerals — a bold statement that says it all. Baldwin’s humor taps into marital hesitation with just enough edge to make it funny without going grim. It’s a perfect blend of sarcasm and subtle social commentary, and the characters’ stiff postures make the joke land beautifully.
4. “Double-Blind Test”
Satirical and socially sharp, this comic skewers the ethics of pharmaceutical testing. One scientist proposes giving real drugs to the rich and placebos to the poor — with a logic that’s shockingly realistic. Baldwin’s clean art style frames the ridiculous suggestion with chilling believability. It’s one of those comics that makes you laugh first and think later. The subtle nod to socioeconomic disparity is what makes this panel both funny and uncomfortably true
5. “ATM vs. Loans”
In a simple yet powerful contrast, Baldwin shows one man casually withdrawing money while another kneels at a “Loans” ATM, practically begging. The absurdity is as visual as it is conceptual. It’s a sharp commentary on financial inequality delivered with signature Cornered humor. The setup is so relatable, it hurts — and that’s exactly what makes it so funny. You’ll chuckle first, then nod in recognition at the painful truth beneath the punchline.
6. “Serious Health Risks”
Few comics tackle modern etiquette like this one. A man’s cell phone addiction becomes so obnoxious at dinner that it provokes cartoon-level violence — literally. As his head explodes from the irritation he causes, the caption deadpans the health risks of inconsiderate phone use. Baldwin exaggerates reality to hilarious effect, shining a light on everyday annoyances with surgical precision. It’s social commentary wrapped in absurdity, and it lands perfectly.
7. “Time-Machine Cake”
Time travel has never been so delicious. This comic features a man in full sci-fi gear marveling at a slice of cake in the fridge — the same piece he ate yesterday, thanks to his “working” time machine. Baldwin’s joke plays on the paradox of time travel with a ridiculously low-stakes twist. The absurd commitment to the gag, from outfit to setting, makes it a visual and conceptual treat for comic lovers.
8. “Lost & Found”
This one’s a classic Cornered slow burn. A man stands at the Lost and Found counter, where the employee shares that she’s lost 14 years of her life working there — and can therefore relate to someone losing their umbrella. It’s dry, bleak, and brilliant. Baldwin masters this kind of existential humor, where the real punchline isn’t even the object in question but the human condition. Equal parts hilarious and darkly profound.
9. “Climate Change Promises”
Satirizing political doublespeak, this comic captures a politician pledging climate change reforms — “weather permitting.” It’s an absurd yet believable jab at the hollow promises we often hear. Baldwin’s composition puts the politician front and center, surrounded by press, all eagerly jotting down a line that makes zero actual commitment. It’s a reminder that sometimes the funniest comics are the ones that mirror real life just a little too closely.
10. “Comfort Zone Klutz”
Set in a hospital room, this panel features a regretful visitor blaming themselves for encouraging a klutzy friend to “step out of their comfort zone.” Now laid up in bed, the patient is the butt of the joke. Baldwin hits home with a witty punchline about well-meaning advice gone wrong. It’s silly but grounded — one of those classic Cornered setups where something so simple snowballs into hilarious consequences.
