Adam@Home comics are a brilliant reflection of suburban chaos, parental misadventures, and the hilarious struggle of working from home. This comic review features 10 handpicked strips by Rob Harrell that perfectly showcase the charm and relatability of Adam and his family.Rob Harrell took over Adam@Home in 2009, inheriting the strip originally launched by Brian Basset. Harrell, also known for his original comic Monster on the Hill and graphic novels like Wink, brought new life into the already beloved strip. His art style is expressive and character-driven, with vibrant facial expressions and pacing that nails the comedic timing. Under Harrell’s pen,
About Rob Harrell – Creator of Adam@Home
Adam@Home continued to highlight the eccentricities of a stay-at-home dad juggling his work-from-home career, family responsibilities, and general geekdom. Harrell blends smart humor with everyday parenting chaos, creating a strip that’s both deeply familiar and laugh-out-loud funny. While he hasn’t taken home major awards yet, his body of work has earned a loyal following and critical praise, particularly in the crossover between comic strip storytelling and graphic novels. His themes often revolve around technology overload, creative burnout, and the comedic moments hidden in daily domestic life.
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1. The Pickle Fencing Duel
This strip opens with Adam and his son donning colanders for helmets, ready to duel with pickles. Katy brings the drama with her rally cry, “Gentlemen, start your pickles!” It’s delightfully absurd, and the “sport of kings” punchline lands perfectly. Rob Harrell’s knack for taking mundane food items and turning them into epic showdowns is on full display. The comic hits that sweet spot between playful parody and pure dad-level nonsense.
2. The April Pool Request
Katy is in desperate need of “a touch of summer,” despite it being a chilly April day. Adam, working at his laptop, isn’t having it — until a teamwork solution involving a garden hose emerges. It’s classic family compromise and witty problem-solving in the Adam@Home universe. Harrell gives us a scene every parent can relate to: the relentless optimism of kids clashing with cold hard reality.
3. Summoning Summer Through Song
Katy’s musical attempt to beckon summer includes lyrics like “make us sweaty!” and “we’re summer fools.” Her brother’s dry response — “You already sacrificed my ears” — makes this one a comedic gem. The exaggerated performance mixed with classic sibling sarcasm is Adam@Home at its finest. Harrell’s musical parody vibe adds another layer of hilarity.
4. Walking Motivation… or Not
Adam’s attempt to inspire a family walk is met with resistance and sarcasm. He champions brisk walking as a revitalizing force, while Katy is just “busy sitting.” When his wife reminds him the motivation lasts 36 hours, it’s a relatable reminder of those short-lived fitness kicks. Harrell subtly skewers wellness trends while showing how family inertia often wins.
5. The Birds and the Bees Panic
When Clayton asks to talk about “the birds and the bees,” Adam immediately panics — only to be relieved that the question is literally about birds pooping and bees stinging. This strip masterfully toys with parental dread versus innocent kid logic. Harrell’s comedic pacing and facial expressions elevate this into a laugh-out-loud moment of parental misfire.
6. Brisk Walk Aftermath
Adam returns from a walk feeling unstoppable, even fantasizing about starting a fitness show. His son’s deadpan response — suggesting “Sweating With an Oldie” — pops the bubble immediately. It’s a classic ego-check gag that captures the self-congratulatory nature of doing the bare minimum in the name of health. Harrell nails the rhythm between delusion and dry wit.
7. Creative Process in Action
We get a quiet moment with Adam staring at his laptop in deep thought. When Katy interrupts, he claims there’s “an idea right behind my eyebrow.” It’s a perfect gag for creative professionals who know the struggle of coaxing inspiration. The comic’s pacing and expressions do all the heavy lifting here, making it feel both personal and hilariously spot-on.
8. Katying as a Verb
This strip is all about sibling banter, with Katy taking a jab at her brother’s face. His final plea to mom — “Katy’s Katying again!” — turns her name into a verb, sealing the comic’s comedic timing. Harrell captures the art of playful teasing between siblings in just a few panels, complete with deadpan expressions and perfect delivery.
9. Dad, Punk Music, and Bunny Slippers
Katy’s confusion over punk music turns into a roast of her dad’s punk credentials. “You? Punk?” she asks, as he concedes that bunny slippers might disqualify him. It’s a clever twist on generational taste and self-awareness. Harrell brilliantly contrasts loud punk tunes with cozy domestic vibes to deliver this low-key punchline.
10. Phone Lost in Snackland
Adam’s missing phone mystery unravels as Clayton casually admits he might’ve left it in the Doritos bag. Adam’s reaction — part irritation, part resignation — rounds out the strip with perfect comedic rhythm. It’s a quintessential Adam@Home moment: chaos, snacking, and misplaced priorities. Harrell captures the “dad life” struggle in all its snack-fueled glory.
Final Thoughts
Rob Harrell continues to bring daily delight through Adam@Home comics, turning everyday moments into laughable life lessons. With a mix of clever writing, expressive artwork, and characters who feel like family, these strips prove why Harrell’s take on modern parenting is such a hit. Be sure to check out more of his work and enjoy the full comic archive at TheHumorSide.com. We’re always showcasing the best in classic and current comic brilliance, so keep an eye out for your favorites — and some new surprises, too!
