Dark Humor Comics by Tot aber lustig are hilariously twisted, balancing between macabre wit and charming absurdity. In this review, we’ve rounded up ten of the most clever, uncomfortable, and downright brilliant comics by Michael Holtschulte — the mind behind one of Germany’s most iconic humor brands.
About the Artist – Michael Holtschulte of Tot aber lustig
Michael Holtschulte is a German cartoonist and the creator of the darkly delightful comic series Tot aber lustig (“Dead but Funny”). His work revolves heavily around death — often personified as the Grim Reaper — and the awkward, ironic, or simply bizarre interactions it has with the living. Michael studied art history and philosophy, which clearly informs the cerebral, existential edge behind his humor.
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1. The Fast Reader Question
In this clever cartoon, Death moonlights as a librarian — and the tension is immediate. When the man checks out a thick book, Death coolly asks, “Are you a fast reader?” It’s a single line, but it delivers an avalanche of existential dread wrapped in deadpan delivery. Holtschulte uses clean visual storytelling and grim humor to turn an everyday moment into a subtle memento mori. You’ll never look at library late fees — or librarians — the same way again.
2. The Book Order Timing
A hopeful author asks a grumpy bookseller if his book is in stock. Her response — “When exactly did you order it?” — slices through his self-importance like a hot knife through paperbacks. It’s a quiet takedown of creative ego, served dry and bitter. Holtschulte’s strength here is in restraint: the setting is minimal, but the sarcasm is maximum. It’s a reminder that the world doesn’t wait with bated breath for your big break — especially not your local bookstore.
3. Golfing with the Reaper
A man enjoying a round of golf brags about his passion for the game. Next to him? The Grim Reaper, casually holding a scythe in place of a putter. The comic is loaded with visual irony — lush green grass, blue skies, and impending doom. Holtschulte’s comedic timing shines here, turning peaceful leisure into hilarious anxiety. There’s something perfectly unsettling about trying to relax while Death plays through. Suddenly, that swing matters a whole lot more than your handicap.
4. Hypochondriac Logic
A doctor calmly diagnoses his patient as a hypochondriac. But the man, unfazed, asks, “So how much time do I have left?” The punchline is absurdly relatable — we’ve all known (or been) someone who turns every cough into a catastrophe. Holtschulte captures this with expressive faces and a painfully believable setting. It’s a cartoon that tickles your funny bone and then gives it a slight anxiety twist. Perfect for anyone who’s ever WebMD’ed their way into a panic.
5. Easter in America
At first glance, it’s just the Easter Bunny doing its thing — basket in hand, hopping through grass. But look closer: the “eggs” are orange pill bottles scattered across the field. The caption reads, “Easter in the USA,” and suddenly the satire hits hard. Holtschulte turns a festive tradition into biting commentary on over-medication and pharmaceutical dependency. It’s cheeky, pointed, and visually effective. This one makes you laugh, then think — and then maybe rethink what’s in your basket.
6. Good Friday Confusion
A man mowing his lawn is scolded from a window above — “It’s Good Friday!” His deadpan reply? “Do I look like I’m dancing?” The humor lies in the absurd miscommunication, with one man focused on religious observance and the other just trying to cut grass. Holtschulte nails the tone with minimal illustration and maximum snark. It’s neighborly banter gone awkward, steeped in cultural tension. A simple moment becomes a clever roast of misread cues and misunderstood holidays
7. Stocks vs… Stocks
Sitting on a cold stone floor, one man sighs, “We should’ve invested in stocks.” His companion replies, “I did.” A pan reveals he meant literal wooden stockades — not Wall Street. The brilliance of this comic is how it flips expectation with one perfect pun. It’s a tragicomic reminder of how badly good advice can go when taken too literally. Holtschulte uses a muted color palette to match the mood, letting the humor — and the irony — do all the talking.
8. Romantic Budgeting
A man proudly presents a gift, proclaiming, “Nothing’s too expensive for you!” The gift? A single chocolate bunny. His partner’s response is a unimpressed, “A chocolate bunny.” This comic nails that awkward space where sweet intentions meet cheap execution. Holtschulte captures it perfectly — the soft lighting, the empty table, the knowing glance. It’s a painfully funny reminder that romance requires more than sugar and speeches. If love were measured in chocolate, this guy’s just barely scraping by.
9. Pill Hunt with Death
In one of Holtschulte’s funniest visual gags, Death wears bunny ears and a basket like it’s Easter morning. A confused old man asks, “What did you hide?” and Death cheerfully replies, “Your pills!” The juxtaposition is equal parts adorable and diabolical. It’s not just a joke — it’s a brilliant subversion of innocence, aging, and inevitability. The cartoon’s charm lies in its color, cheer, and the underlying truth: death doesn’t always knock. Sometimes, it skips and sings on the way.
10. Scythe Trouble
Two Reapers sit with broken scythes. “Defective materials?” one asks. The other mutters, “I had a run-in with Chuck Norris.” It’s a comic mashup made in absurdist heaven. Holtschulte blends pop culture and classic death iconography with effortless ease. The visual is sparse but effective — broken blades, cloaked figures, and resigned expressions. The punchline is timeless internet lore, but the delivery feels fresh. When even Death is scared of a roundhouse kick, you know you’re in meme-legend territory.
Final Thoughts
If you like your comics clever, morbid, and sneakily philosophical, Dark Humor Comics by Tot aber lustig deliver every time. Michael Holtschulte transforms grim reapers and grave topics into punchlines that stick. His work is proof that death can be funny — when it’s done with heart, sharpness, and killer timing. Want more of this wicked brilliance? Visit TheHumorSide.com for fresh comic reviews and curated cartoon gems
