Argyle Sweater comics by Scott Hilburn are some of the most brilliantly absurd one-panel cartoons in modern humor. From mythology mashups to pun-filled punchlines, each comic twists everyday moments into hilariously weird situations that only Hilburn could dream up. puns, pop culture twists, and talking animals. It’s a spiritual cousin to classics like The Far Side, but with its own distinctly bizarre flavor. Hilburn’s humor is equal parts wordplay and visual gags, often pulling inspiration from mythology, history, science, and day-to-day life then flipping it all upside down. From cows that hate small talk to Medusa’s bad hair day, no subject is too strange for the world of The Argyle Sweater.
The strip is syndicated by Andrews McMeel and appears in hundreds of newspapers and websites across the globe. Scott’s absurdist view of life never fails to get a chuckle or at least a “Wait, what did I just see?” reaction. In just one panel, he consistently delivers the kind of comedy that sticks with you.
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#1 Deadline 48 Hours (Literally)
In a police department full of mayflies, an officer explains that they only have 48 hours to find a missing one otherwise, her survival rate drops to zero… just like theirs. It’s a play on how mayflies only live for a day or two, making this a race against time in the most literal and ridiculous way.
#2 Medusa’s Morning Mirror Struggle
Medusa stares into her bathroom mirror, visibly frustrated as her snake-hair writhes in chaos. It’s another “bad hair day,” but in her case, it’s dangerously alive. This comic nails mythical mashup humor with relatable vibes because even monsters hate unruly curls.
#3 An Oldie but a Goody Two-Shoes
An elderly woman walks through a rowdy retirement home filled with gambling, drinking, and swearing. She comments, “I don’t think this place is for me.” The caption plays on the phrase “oldie but goodie,” giving it a sarcastic and judgmental twist on retirement community life
#4 Small Moo Talk
A cow in a floral dress begs her husband to go to the Holsteins’ party. He refuses, saying he hates “sitting around making small moo.” Yes — moo. This wonderfully dumb pun turns animal chatter into social satire.
#5 Remote Work or Remotely Working?
A cartoonist sits at a desk in boxers and a T-shirt while his wife walks by with laundry. She teases him: “Working remotely? Or remotely working?” A perfect snapshot of post-2020 home life — with classic Hilburn sarcasm.
#6 Double Chin Dilemma
A man wrapped in a towel asks his wife if his double chin is noticeable while staring into a mirror — where two chins are literally looking back. A clever pun that turns body insecurity into visual comedy.
#7 Three Dishes, Not Wishes
A genie floats out of a lamp and tells a boy, “I shall grant you three dishes,” not wishes. In front of the boy are mashed potatoes, chicken, and broccoli. It’s a perfect parody of Aladdin, if Aladdin had been born in the land of fast food.
#8 Tater Trouble at the Sleepover
A group of potato characters giggle as one lies asleep on the couch. The caption reveals Bobby learned the hard way not to be the first one to doze off at a sleepover. A perfectly “starchy” spin on childhood mischief
#9 I Can’t Spell Anything… Literally
A patient tells his doctor, “I can’t spell anything.” The doctor calmly replies, “Easy — A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G.” It’s a hilarious misunderstanding that shows how sometimes literal thinking can be painfully accurate… and confusing.
#10 Inside, Inside, Inside Job
A police officer stands next to a Russian nesting doll and says detectives believe it was an “inside, inside, inside, inside job.” Wordplay lovers, this one’s for you — with layers of literal and figurative humor.
