Wizard of Id comics by Parker and Hart are a brilliant blend of medieval absurdity and modern wit. This comic review highlights ten unforgettable strips that prove the kingdom of Id is still delivering royal laughs after all these years.Set in a pseudo-feudal world that feels suspiciously modern, the strip tackles political satire, social commentary, and timeless gags with a light touch. It has received several National Cartoonists Society awards and remains a cultural touchstone.
About the Creators Parker, Hart, and the Legacy of Laughs
Wizard of Id was launched in 1964 by the dynamic cartooning duo Brant Parker and Johnny Hart. Combining Parker’s sharp visual storytelling and Hart’s punchy humor (also known from B.C.), they brought to life the quirky medieval kingdom of Id—ruled by a tiny, tyrannical king, inhabited by misfits, magicians, and morons.
Following the original creators’ passing, Parker’s son Jeff and Hart’s grandson Mason Mastroianni took over, keeping the tone sharp and visuals fresh. Wizard of Id endures through syndication and digital platforms like GoComics, where its classic-meets-current style continues to entertain fans old and new.
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1. Royal Egg Prices
The king steps out with his usual smug greeting, only to be bombarded with a barrage of eggs from disgruntled citizens. His defeated response—“Egg prices must be coming back down”—is a witty jab at both inflation and popularity. The humor hits from the visual mess to the economic sarcasm. This strip blends political commentary and slapstick in classic Wizard of Id style.
2. Fishing Cast-Off Showdown
A casual fishing trip turns competitive as the wizard and his rival escalate a casting contest. What begins as playful bragging becomes a full-on duel, with lines whipping across the water and egos ballooning. The punchline comes when one fisherman ends up with a literal face piercing. It’s a hilarious take on fragile masculinity and how quickly small things spiral.
3. Half-Full or Half-Drunk?
When posed with the age-old question about whether the glass is half-full or half-empty, the jester does what any logic-defying comic relief would do—he downs it and calls himself “half-drunk.” The strip is short, sharp, and clever, using minimal dialogue for maximum effect. It’s a classic bar joke reframed with Wizard of Id’s signature snark.
4. Goose Diplomacy Gone Wrong
A flock of geese fly overhead as a castle lookout delivers what seems like a diplomatic update. Suddenly, a goose dive-bombs the king with an unwanted package. The line—“They’ve responded to our latest trade deal”—wraps the gag in political humor. It’s absurd, visual, and perfectly medieval-meets-modern, showing how Wizard of Id can make even birds funny
5. Mirror, Mirror… With Ads
A royal lady asks the magic mirror who’s the fairest—but the mirror gets interrupted by a sponsored ad. Instead of vanity validation, she’s told to try NordVPN with a discount code. This comic brilliantly mocks online advertising, showing that even fairy-tale tech isn’t immune to pop-ups. A modern twist on a timeless trope, it’s smart satire wrapped in a scroll-stopping panel.
6. Explosive Situation
The wizard proudly reveals the most unstable, dangerous substance ever created. There’s just one problem—he can’t move without blowing everything sky-high. Trapped in his own genius, he dryly mutters, “Welp. This sucks.” It’s a darkly funny moment of scientific irony. With classic pacing and a deadpan punchline, this strip is an instant favorite for fans of dry, situational comedy.
7. Prison Retirement Plan
A prisoner reflects on retirement and insists he couldn’t handle doing “nothing all day.” The twist? He’s literally doing nothing—sleeping in his cell as usual. It’s the kind of dry irony Wizard of Id excels at, poking fun at self-awareness, work culture, and prison life all in one go. The pacing, expressions, and final panel land the joke perfectly.
8. Goth Kids Save the Day
The wizard hosts a bizarre tour featuring mutated spiders and demonic laundry chutes, all for twenty bucks. Afterward, he declares, “Goth kids are going to save our industry.” This strip is laugh-out-loud funny, blending absurd fantasy with real-life subculture love. It’s a nod to niche tourism and Gen Z weirdness that works surprisingly well in the medieval setting.
9. Armor Lockdown
The king chastises a knight for failing to bow, but the knight explains he got soaked in the rain and is now rust-locked in his armor. The concept is hilarious and relatable—especially to anyone who’s had wardrobe malfunctions. It’s a visual gag supported by a perfectly straight delivery. A reminder that even gallantry has its limits when metal meets moisture.
10. The Hallucinogenic Frog Prince
A frog begs for a kiss, promising to turn into a prince. When he seemingly does, the wizard reveals it’s a hallucinogenic frog—and Blanche keeps smooching it. This comic is an uproarious parody of fairy tale tropes with a magical twist only Wizard of Id could pull off. Equal parts surreal and silly, it’s one of those comics that sticks with you.
Final Thoughts and Credits
Wizard of Id comics by Parker and Hart remain a crown jewel of cartoon comedy. With razor-sharp satire and lovable absurdity, this medieval world nails modern humor like a joust to the funny bone. Thanks to John Hart Studios and Go Comics for keeping this classic alive. For more cartoon gems, explore TheHumorSide.com and dive into the fun!
