Dark humor comics aren’t just funny — they’re a sharp jab at life’s absurdities. In this comic review, we highlight 10 panels that dive headfirst into the twisted, the taboo, and the downright hilarious. With deadpan delivery and outrageous punchlines, these comics serve up satire with a wicked grin.
Artist Bio
Martin Perscheid, the German cartoonist behind Perscheid’s Abyss, was a master of pushing buttons while pulling laughs. With a portfolio of over 4,000 cartoons, his work graced newspapers, books, and exhibitions across Europe. Perscheid won the “Max & Moritz” Prize and the “German Cartoon Prize,” solidifying his place in the pantheon of dark satirists.
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1. The Clueless Appeal
This comic hilariously flips gender dynamics. A woman finds clueless men sexy — and her date totally misses the hint. His response is so sincere, it’s tragically perfect. The joke lands because he becomes the exact example she’s describing. That beautiful irony? Dark humor gold.
2. Revenge by Sewing Machine
Years of driving criticisms come full circle as Else unleashes the ultimate domestic revenge. Watching Horst struggle under her over-the-top instructions is the perfect blend of petty and poetic. This one captures how dark humor thrives on payback — especially with a smug smile.
3. Scooter Buyer’s Remorse
A large man rants about his tiny scooter’s “performance specs” — drawing a wicked parallel between vehicle reviews and human delusion. It’s brutally visual, awkwardly real, and entirely self-inflicted. Classic Perscheid: no one is safe, especially the whiner.
4. Nigerian Prince Logic
Scam culture meets comic genius. Patrick’s plan to scam the scammer — by being even dumber — is so painfully ironic it loops back to brilliance. The punchline subtly mocks greed, gullibility, and every internet “mastermind” out there.
5. Misogyny and Mommy Issues
A man complains about sexist cartoons… because his mom’s a woman. That logic spiral is so ridiculous it becomes disturbing. The extra zing? His partner chimes in casually, undercutting his outrage. It’s layered, cringe-worthy, and painfully funny.
6. A Purely German Internet
At first, the guy cheers for privacy — until he hears it comes without porn. The visual silence afterward is hilariously awkward. This strip nails the human tendency to value ideals — right until they threaten comfort. A gem of relatable hypocrisy.
7. The Integration Officer
Dark humor takes a bold turn as an overly cheerful officer holds up skin bleach to “integrate” someone. It’s a harsh critique on racism, colonization, and tone-deaf outreach. Offensive? Yes. But it aims squarely at institutions, not individuals — a hallmark of good satire.
8. Harry Kant’s Tragic Legacy
Wordplay meets philosophy in this wonderfully dumb joke. Immanuel Kant’s brother Harry gets mocked his whole life — for his name. It’s an intellectual dad joke masquerading as existential satire. You groan, then you laugh, then you groan again.
9. Misplaced Sympathy
One guy’s clutching his chest. Another chimes in with “I know how that feels, I lost my phone too.” It’s callous, tone-deaf, and completely believable. That disconnect between emotion and empathy is what makes this panel sing — in a dark, off-key tone.
10. Comic Error: Missing Panel
Even the missing panel fits the theme — a glitch in the system, like a joke that was too dark to display. Whether intentional or ironic, it adds mystery to the lineup and reminds us that not all dark humor survives the light of day.
11. Costume Catastrophe Waiting to Happen
When a partygoer dresses as a tree and another as a dog, it doesn’t take long for instincts to override etiquette. The deadpan tension in the panel screams “impending doom” in the most absurdly innocent way. It’s a masterclass in visual suspense, relying on animal behavior for comedic chaos. Who knew cosplay could turn into survival mode?
12. Viking Literary Critique
Dark humor meets cultural origin story. One Viking bemoans another’s passion for poetry over pillaging — poking fun at how civilization is often built on contradiction. The comic cleverly mocks the beginnings of national identity and literature with a club-wielding punchline. Fjord poems never stood a chance.
13. The Vegan Virtuoso’s Dilemma
This comic roasts moral purism to perfection. The vegan pianist refuses to perform due to felt-covered hammer heads — a detail so minute it becomes hilariously disproportionate. The situation escalates into theatrical absurdity, showing how overthinking ethics can hit the wrong note in public performance.
14. Snack Attack Defense Tactics
Martial arts meets snack aisle in this comic where an elderly woman unleashes Kali with a bag of chips. It’s absurd, unexpected, and devastatingly effective. The idea that someone could weaponize groceries while casually running errands is both brilliant and bonkers — the kind of punchline you didn’t know you needed.
15. From Tennis to Firearms
A visual timeline of sports trends morphs into full-blown weaponry. From tennis rackets to cycling gear to a machine gun — the escalation is satirical perfection. It parodies national obsessions while hinting at the more ominous endgame of competitive culture. One panel in, and you’re already nervously chuckling.
16. Nadine’s “Can Wear Anything” Moment
What starts like a body-positive statement swerves straight into sexist reality. Nadine’s partner uses her beauty as an excuse to assign chores — cue the dark laughter. This comic exposes how compliments often come with strings attached, wrapped up in an awkward domestic exchange.
17. Dance News — Literally
Tragedy broadcast over thumping bass? Yes, please. The woman grooves to a news report about bombings while the man looks on in horror. It’s satire at its most biting — making a statement about desensitization, media sensationalism, and just how disconnected entertainment can get from empathy.
18. Spam, But Make It Personal
Imagine if spam emails knocked on your door. This comic does — and it’s hilariously horrifying. From the creepy salesman intro to the awkward product pitch, it hits every uncomfortable note. It’s absurdly accurate, proving once again that tech humor and real-life discomfort are a great match.
19. The Grocery Store Mystery
Gerda M. wasn’t kidnapped, just stuck. For years. This comic plays out like a mini true crime parody, turning a mundane scene into a missing persons case with a sticky twist. It’s ridiculous, tragic, and oddly satisfying — as any good dark humor gag should be.
20. Daylight Saving, But Make It a Pick-Up Line
When told the clocks move forward, this guy introduces his watch to a woman like it’s a third wheel. The timing pun is sharp, and the delivery perfectly awkward. It’s a rare blend of clever and cringe, leaving you groaning and grinning at once.
Summary & Credit
These dark humor comics prove that comedy doesn’t have to play nice to be unforgettable. Martin Perscheid’s unfiltered takes cut straight to the bone — and the funny. Whether poking at human flaws or social absurdities, his legacy reminds us that laughter and discomfort often walk hand in hand. For more boundary-pushing brilliance, check out the full archive at TheHumorSide.com — where the punchlines are always sharp.
