Argyle Sweater Comics by Scott Hilburn are a delightful blend of wit, absurdity, and clever wordplay that take everyday scenarios and twist them into laugh-out-loud moments. Each panel packs a punch with sharp humor and cultural references that make you do a double take. Whether he’s poking fun at historical figures, classic stories, or common expressions, Hilburn’s unique cartooning style and sense of timing shine through in every comic. If you’re a fan of one-panel cartoons that surprise and entertain, this collection will hit the sweet spot.
About the Artist: Scott Hilburn
Scott Hilburn is the mastermind behind The Argyle Sweater, a syndicated cartoon series known for its sharp, surreal humor and wild imagination. A Texas native, Hilburn originally pursued a degree in clinical psychology before pivoting to the world of cartooning, where his real passion lay. Since debuting his comic in 2008, he’s gained widespread acclaim for his ability to blend offbeat ideas with cultural, literary, and scientific references. His work has appeared in newspapers and online platforms across the globe, earning comparisons to legendary cartoonists like Gary Larson. With its quirky characters and absurd yet insightful commentary, The Argyle Sweater continues to tickle funny bones while offering a unique lens on the everyday.
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1. Kangaroo Pockets Comic
This comic hilariously imagines the invention of pockets by a caveman who’s unknowingly borrowed the concept from kangaroos. While he proudly flaunts his “new idea,” a couple of kangaroos fume in the background, cursing under their breath. It’s a clever twist on originality and ancient innovation, executed with perfect comedic timing. Scott Hilburn blends prehistoric absurdity with modern humor, creating a scenario that pokes fun at how “new” inventions often aren’t new at all.
2. Monet’s Eye Trouble
Claude Monet exits an optometrist’s office thrilled with his improved vision—only to spell doom for his career. The punchline lands brilliantly as it humorously implies that his famously blurry impressionist style was due to poor eyesight. This comic is a masterstroke of art-meets-irony, turning highbrow artistic history into lowbrow laughs. Hilburn shows his genius for fusing culture and comedy, leaving both art lovers and casual readers chuckling at Monet’s misfortune.
3. Lincoln’s Wife Gets Real
In this comic, Abraham Lincoln’s wife throws shade at his iconic Gettysburg-style intro, telling him to drop the “four score and seven years” routine while she finishes getting ready. The gag imagines Honest Abe’s dramatic flair getting old at home. Hilburn captures the tension between greatness and everyday annoyance, flipping a historical icon into a nagged husband. It’s a smart and unexpected joke that makes historical figures feel hilariously human—and hilariously married.
4. Wizard of Oz Organ Donor
In a twisted and hilarious reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, the scarecrow, tin man, and cowardly lion receive their heart, brain, and courage via organ donation—sort of. The doctor’s awkward delivery and the bottle of Jim Beam in hand make for a laugh-out-loud moment. Hilburn masterfully blends pop culture with dark comedy, injecting absurdity into a classic children’s tale. This one lands hard for fans of edgy, witty humor with a nostalgic twist.
5. Pinocchio’s Family Tree
Pinocchio is given a literal look at his family tree in this clever visual pun. Seated beside an elderly carpenter, the wooden puppet gazes at photos of relatives—all wooden planks and tree limbs. The concept is a delightful mix of wordplay and absurdity. Scott Hilburn turns a simple phrase into a chuckle-worthy comic, reminding readers how he excels at taking idioms literally. It’s a cartoon that tickles the brain with its smart simplicity.
6. Wonder Woman’s Jet Diagnosis
A mechanic stares blankly at Wonder Woman, trying to diagnose her invisible jet, only to admit he can’t see anything. The gag perfectly captures the absurdity of fixing something that’s… invisible. It’s a geeky, superhero-themed comic with everyday logic applied to comic book nonsense. Hilburn’s dry delivery and straight-faced mechanic make it even funnier. This one will hit home for superhero fans and anyone who’s ever dealt with unexplainable car trouble.
7. Wizard of Oz Surgeries
Following their “respective surgeries,” the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion thank the wizard for new organs. The comic updates the Oz tale with medical realism, featuring organ transplants and a bottle of Jim Beam as “courage.” It’s a repeat of the earlier comic, but shown from a different angle—highlighting Hilburn’s knack for recycling themes with fresh humor. This version adds more visual detail and plays further on the modern medical absurdity.
8. Tin Man’s Rude Order
The Tin Woodsman, lacking a heart, brutally insults a waitress while ordering a feast of junk food. It’s a hilarious reminder of how lacking emotions makes you an inconsiderate jerk. Hilburn delivers this with deadpan wit and a punch of irony. The comic plays with expectations, turning a lovable character into a fast-food villain. It’s an effective commentary on empathy—or lack thereof—and it gets funnier the more you think about it.
9. Cave Art Cleaned
A janitor unknowingly ruins a priceless archaeological find by scrubbing cave paintings off a rock, thinking it’s dirty graffiti. The gag is visual gold, as the “experts” celebrate the slab’s arrival while its history is erased in real time. It’s a classic Hilburn moment where the punchline lies in contradiction—what should be preserved is accidentally destroyed. The humor is both tragic and funny, capturing how cluelessness can clash with significance.
10. Composer’s Violent Melody
A composer “kills softly” with his song—literally—after an argument with his wife. The dark humor is pitch-perfect, mixing musical wordplay with crime scene chaos. Hilburn turns the classic phrase into a visual pun, complete with cops reporting on the surreal scene. It’s a prime example of The Argyle Sweater’s love for morbid humor wrapped in silly scenarios. For fans of twisted wordplay, this one delivers on all fronts.
