Brevity Comics by Dan Thompson are the perfect blend of clever wordplay, visual puns, and one-panel punchlines that land every time. In this list, we’ve gathered 10 of Dan Thompson’s funniest Brevity comics packed with witty twists and surprising humor. Whether you’re a pun lover or just need a daily chuckle, these strips prove why Thompson’s comic is must-read.
Artist Bio
Dan Thompson is the creative mind behind Brevity, a popular single-panel comic strip known for its clever wordplay and zany humor. Launched in 2005 and syndicated by Andrews McMeel, Brevity has since appeared in hundreds of newspapers and online platforms. Thompson’s signature style combines absurd scenarios with razor-sharp wit, often revolving around puns, cultural references, and visual surprises.
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1. Polled Pork
In a satirical twist on food industry ethics, a man surveys a group of pigs about their barbecue sauce preferences completely missing the irony of asking them how they want to be cooked. With wide-eyed pigs and a straight-faced interviewer, the humor lies in the absurd professionalism applied to such a dark concept. This comic perfectly showcases Dan Thompson’s knack for taking a clever pun and turning it into a laugh-out-loud visual gag with layers of wit and irony.
2. The Marquis De Sod
Thompson brings literature to life—literally as a patch of grass masquerades as the flamboyant “Marquis De Sod,” complete with a costume and whip. It’s a genius twist on the infamous Marquis de Sade, reimagined as an overly dramatic patch of lawn. The comic’s strength lies in its surreal setup, unexpected reference, and the commitment to a ridiculous pun that only Brevity could make work so flawlessly. It’s highbrow and goofy in equal measure—a perfect pairing for pun lovers.
3. Dublin Down
A poker player ups the ante by placing a duck in full Irish attire on the table, triggering a groan-worthy but brilliant pun: “Dublin Down.” This comic balances clever wordplay with wonderfully absurd imagery. The dealer’s confused expression and the duck’s confident pose add layers to the joke. Thompson uses the visual absurdity to amplify the wordplay, creating a scene that’s not only funny but weirdly charming. It’s a masterclass in making a pun land visually and verbally.
4. Just a Prairie Tale
Inside a cozy log cabin, a dad shares a wild bedtime story about buffalo kings and prairie legends. His child immediately calls it out as “just a prairie tale,” a pun that flips the emotional warmth of the scene into comedic gold. Even the family pet bear joins in, listening with curiosity. It’s a gentle, heartwarming moment twisted into a clever joke, capturing Thompson’s ability to take something wholesome and add just the right amount of playful satire.
5. Buffett the Vampire Slayer
A vampire’s worst nightmare unfolds inside Margaritaville as he accidentally bites into garlic-heavy jambalaya. Just outside, Jimmy Buffett casually strums a guitar. The combination of pop culture, food, and horror blends into a pun so delightful it almost feels like a sketch from SNL. The comic’s clever title—“Buffett the Vampire Slayer” ties everything together with a nod to both the musician and the cult TV series. It’s absurd, unexpected, and hilariously executed from start to finish.
6. Seize Your Salad!
Dinner is interrupted when a health enforcement agent bursts through the door, yelling about romaine lettuce and croutons. The punchline? He’s here to “seize your salad.” The mix of dramatic police raid tropes with something as innocent as a Caesar salad makes the scene ridiculous in the best way. Dan Thompson’s love of culinary wordplay shines here, with detailed expressions and timing making the joke land perfectly. It’s a reminder that no topic is too mundane for a smart pun.
7. You’re So Vein
A vampire approaches Carly Simon at her book signing to declare his love for her iconic song “You’re So Vein.” The comic hinges on the double meaning of “vein” versus “vain,” delivering a perfect intersection of music and monster lore. Thompson uses the vampire’s goofy enthusiasm and Carly’s smile to sell the absurdity of the situation. It’s one of those jokes that make you laugh, then groan, then laugh again—classic Brevity at its punniest and most playful.
8. Carry-On, My Wayward So
A kid can’t decide which luggage to take on a flight to Kansas, so his dad drops the ultimate dad joke—quoting the iconic Kansas song. The humor here is layered: it’s a clever pun, a musical reference, and a classic “dad joke” all rolled into one. The dad’s proud smirk and the kid’s confusion make it extra relatable. Fans of rock and wordplay will appreciate this crossover of music and parenting delivered in one perfect panel.
9. Rebranding Villainy
Four comic-style supervillains sit behind bars, reflecting on their branding mistake. If they’d called themselves “investment bankers,” they joke, they could’ve avoided jail altogether. This comic is a sharp piece of satire that skewers corporate corruption and real-world injustice—all while keeping the setup light with exaggerated villain designs. Dan Thompson sneaks in a clever critique of modern finance under the guise of comic-book humor. It’s a smart, bold joke that lands with both wit and bite.
10. Marriage to the Sea
A sea-worn pirate bursts into a room with good news: he’s annulled his “marriage to the sea” and is ready to return to romance on land. It’s nautical nonsense at its finest, blending relationship tropes with sailor slang in a way only Brevity can pull off. The pirate’s expression and the woman’s disbelief create an instant story with layers of weirdness and humor. It’s quirky, clever, and everything fans love about Thompson’s visual storytelling.
Final Thoughts on Dan Thompson’s Genius
Brevity Comics By Dan Thompson are proof that big laughs can come in small packages. With just one panel, Thompson delivers more cleverness and joy than many full-length strips manage in a week. His humor is sharp, his timing flawless, and his visual puns unforgettable. Every comic reflects his gift for turning the ordinary into something hilariously unexpected.
Credit: All Brevity comics featured in this article are created by Dan Thompson and syndicated by Andrews McMeel Syndication. For more of his brilliant work, visit the official Brevity comic archive at GoComics.com/Brevity. And of course, don’t forget to check out even more gems on TheHumorSide.com — your daily destination for the funniest comics on the web!
