New Close To Home Comics by John McPherson are here with another round of offbeat, laugh-out-loud brilliance. These single-panel gems are rooted in real-life scenarios, only with a strange and satirical twist. From confused shoppers to intergalactic lockouts, this collection of 10 fresh comics is a perfect example of McPherson’s unique ability to turn the ordinary into the hilariously bizarre.John McPherson is the creator of Close to Home, a long-running syndicated panel cartoon that has carved out a niche in the world of dark, observational humor. Launched in 1992, the strip quickly became a favorite for its offbeat take on the mundane, blending everyday settings with absurd and ironic punchlines.
Artist Bio
McPherson’s cartoons appear in over 700 newspapers worldwide and are known for pushing the envelope in both tone and topics. McPherson’s work is celebrated for its no-holds-barred satire. Whether it’s social norms, health trends, or modern frustrations, Close to Home finds a way to spotlight the ridiculousness of daily life — and somehow makes it feel comforting. His comics are the kind you laugh at, then think, “Wait… that’s kind of true.”
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1. Comb Confusion
Mike confidently browses what he thinks is a rack of reading glasses — but it’s actually combs. The humor comes from the brutally honest realization that poor eyesight can trick even the most self-assured shopper. The punchline, delivered by a snarky companion, makes this a spot-on visual jab at aging, shopping, and selective attention. It’s a prime example of how Close to Home blends the ordinary with light absurdity.
2. Catcher Accommodations
When Eddie’s bad knees make catching difficult, the solution? Dig a catcher’s hole. The comic’s deadpan delivery — “we’re doing our best to accommodate him” — makes the visual even funnier. McPherson turns a baseball field into a construction site, and the result is a smart twist on the idea of “reasonable” accommodations. Sometimes the fix is worse than the problem!
3. Hibernation Horror
A teary-eyed bear regrets wearing contacts through an entire hibernation. This strip plays with the idea of anthropomorphic animals having all-too-human problems. The setup is ridiculous, but the delivery is spot-on. The best part? The visual pain in the bear’s eyes sells the joke even before you read the caption. It’s quirky, clever, and weirdly relatable.
4. Space Station Lockout
Two NASA astronauts float outside the space station, locked out — until one spots a “hide-a-key rock.” The blend of sci-fi setting and backyard problem-solving is hilarious. It’s an absurd twist that reflects our real-world overreliance on simple fixes, even in high-tech situations. McPherson’s commentary is subtle but cutting: no matter how advanced we get, we’re still using rock keys.
5. Megapuncture
Forget acupuncture — this spa offers megapuncture with giant spikes. The patient’s expression is pure regret as the doctor claims this intense method will cure everything. The comic mocks extreme wellness fads, taking them to the ridiculous extreme. It’s a reminder that sometimes “ancient techniques” are better left ancient. One of the more visually absurd entries — and it works beautifully.
6. Stranded Pictionary
Stuck on a tiny island with a literal palm tree, one castaway can’t guess the word in a game of Pictionary. The frustration is palpable — the comedy, flawless. McPherson takes a game-night headache and dials it up to desert-island insanity. The concept is simple, but the setting makes it absurdly brilliant. It’s dumb, smart, and absolutely Close to Home.
7. Shyness Cure
A patient dealing with anxiety is told to undress, wear a gown, and head to a faraway exam room to discuss her shyness — with strangers. The irony is razor sharp. McPherson roasts the awkwardness of medical procedures with this spot-on look at how healthcare often ignores emotional comfort. It’s dark humor, but it lands perfectly.
8. Deviled Egg Pun
In “Hell’s Kitchen,” demons serve deviled eggs to disgruntled diners. It’s a hilarious pun made even better by the flames and horns. McPherson takes the phrase literally, giving us an afterlife where culinary torment involves one very specific dish. It’s simple wordplay, but visually rich and delightfully silly.
9. Toilet Tech
A man, guided by a YouTube tutorial, stands on a ladder with a plunger strapped to his helmet. His wife watches in silent horror. It’s DIY culture pushed to the limit. The cartoon captures every home repair fail in one hilarious image, highlighting the gap between internet confidence and actual skill. One of the funniest visual setups in the bunch.
10. Crunch Time
Cap’n Crunch, known for breakfast cereal, is reimagined as a ruthless ab instructor shouting reps. The gag is simple: rebrand a pop culture icon with a painful backstory. The tired gymgoers and the captain’s militant pose make this comic oddly believable. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and absurdity — and that’s the McPherson touch.
Final Thoughts
These New Close To Home Comics are a masterclass in single-panel absurdity. John McPherson continues to find humor in the least expected places — from outer space to the exam room. Each gag offers a sharp reflection of everyday life with a twist, making you laugh and cringe at the same time. For more offbeat comic fun, head over to TheHumorSide.com and discover a world where weird is wonderful.
