Close to Home Comics is one of the most beloved single-panel series in the world of newspaper cartoons. Created by the talented John McPherson, these comics have gained a loyal following thanks to their sharp wit, absurd humor, and relatable yet ridiculous scenarios. Whether he’s poking fun at suburban life, medical mishaps, or family dysfunction, McPherson’s ability to twist the mundane into the outrageous is pure comedic gold. Each cartoon delivers a punchline with maximum impact—usually in the form of a groan-worthy gag or hilariously awkward situation.
About the Artist: John McPherson
John McPherson is the creator behind the long-running, widely syndicated cartoon series Close to Home, which debuted in 1992. Known for his quirky art style and offbeat sense of humor, McPherson draws inspiration from everyday experiences and exaggerates them to outrageous levels. In this collection, we’ve selected 10 of the most side-splitting Close to Home Comics that showcase McPherson’s distinctive style and fearless sense of humor. Get ready to laugh!
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1. Hotel California… on Dental Cavities
A dentist proudly demonstrates a bizarre talent—blowing air over a patient’s five cavities to play “Hotel California.” His assistant watches in amazement while the patient sits wide-eyed in the chair, likely wondering how her oral hygiene got her here. This comic is a perfect example of McPherson’s absurdist dental humor, turning a routine checkup into an impromptu musical performance. Only in Close to Home can poor flossing habits lead to classic rock.
2. Quarter-Turn Constipation Fix
When constipation calls, this doctor’s answer is equal parts medical and mechanical. He instructs Mrs. Dimler to simply “give the clamp a quarter turn” if her issues return. The image of a literal valve protruding from her side is both hilarious and disturbing. It’s McPherson’s signature exaggeration of everyday problems taken to the extreme—an approach that transforms common discomfort into slapstick madness. This cartoon flushes away subtlety in favor of laugh-out-loud absurdity.
3. Introducing The Plaque-inator
Dental cleanings get a terrifying twist with the introduction of “The Plaque-inator”—a hulking hygienist who handles patients that haven’t flossed in six months. Her bodybuilder stance, complete with flexed arms, sends the patient into visible panic. This comic is a brilliant take on dental guilt and exaggerated consequences. McPherson plays on the familiar shame of skipped flossing, turning a routine cleaning into a showdown that looks more like pro wrestling than oral hygiene.
4. Root Canal Radiation Suits
A nervous patient sits in the chair as two dentists approach, clad in full protective gear straight out of a nuclear disaster movie. Their reassurance? It’s just in case anything “whizzes around the room” during her root canal. The juxtaposition of calm delivery and ridiculous attire is classic Close to Home. This comic hilariously highlights our irrational fears of dental procedures by pushing them to such ridiculous extremes that you can’t help but laugh.
5. Free Root Canal, One Catch
Imagine being offered a free root canal—sounds great, right? Until the catch is revealed: the procedure will be performed by a trainee. The comic captures the internal panic that sets in as the patient realizes he may be sacrificing his mouth for someone else’s learning experience. McPherson expertly blends dry humor with silent horror, capturing that precise moment of dread when something “free” might cost more than you bargained for.
6. Campfire Crisis Counseling
Two adults are tied together with rope and logs in their living room, while a child stands over them with a lit torch. The caption reveals this is all for “attention.” McPherson skewers modern parenting and therapy culture by exaggerating a child’s need for emotional recognition into an actual hostage scenario. The comic is equal parts creepy and hilarious, showing how far a kid might go to feel seen—especially in the exaggerated world of Close to Home.
7. iPacemaker: The Charging Feature You Didn’t Ask For
A man lies in bed post-surgery, puzzled as the doctor explains a surprising feature of his new pacemaker—it doubles as an iPhone charger. This Close to Home gem pokes fun at the increasingly ridiculous ways modern technology invades our lives. McPherson combines medical advances with consumer culture to absurd effect. It’s a wacky but clever take on how health and tech are becoming strangely intertwined, and it raises questions no one thought to ask—like USB compatibility.
8. The Onion Escape Plan
In a moment of sheer lunacy—or brilliance—Marie avoids speeding tickets by crying on command, thanks to a hidden bag of onions in her car. As the cop approaches, she’s already mid-tears, Oscar-worthy performance in full swing. This comic is a genius exaggeration of manipulative behavior and creative problem-solving. McPherson makes you wonder: is it dishonest, or just resourceful? Either way, it’s a laugh-out-loud reminder that some people really do plan ahead in weird ways.
9. Amnesia Cure by Classic Rock
A patient with amnesia sits in a hospital bed while doctors try a very unconventional therapy—playing The Who’s “Who Are You?” in hopes of joggling her memory. It’s a perfect blend of musical pun and absurd medicine. McPherson’s genius lies in how he marries pop culture with mental health tropes, creating a comic that’s both smart and completely ridiculous. In the Close to Home universe, even serious ailments come with a punchline—and sometimes a soundtrack.
10. Squirrel Skull Defense Tactic
Desperate to avoid jury duty, Dave walks into the courtroom wearing a necklace made of squirrel skulls. The judge takes one look and immediately sends him home. The comic is a masterclass in visual gags and anti-establishment humor. McPherson taps into the lengths people will go to escape obligations, combining creepy accessorizing with dry judicial commentary. It’s dark, silly, and totally effective—exactly what makes Close to Home one of the most offbeat comic strips around.
Summary:
From twisted dental visits to hilariously awkward courtroom tactics, Close to Home Comics never disappoints. John McPherson’s unique humor blends the absurd with the everyday, delivering punchlines that stick with you long after the laugh. His knack for turning ordinary moments into bizarre, unforgettable gags is what keeps fans coming back for more. All comics featured are created by John McPherson, the brilliant mind behind Close to Home. For more like this, be sure to visit TheHumorSide.com and get your daily dose of funny.
