Herman cartoons by Jim Unger are a masterclass in dry wit, relatable grumpiness, and absurdly honest humor. In this comic review, we dive into 10 of his most laugh-out-loud strips that reflect the best of married life, family drama, and brutally blunt logic. Jim Unger’s knack for capturing awkward silences and deadpan expressions makes each panel a comedic gem.
About Jim Unger
Jim Unger, the legendary cartoonist behind Herman, built his reputation with a style that’s instantly recognizable—long faces, world-weary eyes, and lines that pack a punch. Born in London and later based in Canada, Unger launched Herman in 1975, which quickly became internationally syndicated in over 600 newspapers. His biting humor earned him two National Newspaper Awards and millions of fans who appreciate sarcasm mixed with everyday absurdity. Unger retired in the 1990s, only to revive Herman in the 2000s with timeless classics and new material. His themes often revolve around relationships, aging, bureaucracy, and life’s little struggles. With minimal backgrounds and expressive characters, his clean art style keeps the focus on the punchlines that still hit decades later.
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1. Truth and Tough Questions
In a courtroom, a man reacts to a simple question with a hilariously complex response. When asked to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” he turns it into a logical paradox. Unger uses a simple setup with visual focus on the accused’s smug expression. It’s a sharp critique of over-complicated legal language, and the dry delivery is classic Herman. This strip proves how even formal settings can be flipped into absurd hilarity with just one line.
2. Take Your Mother-In-Law Too
A husband lounging with a book deals a brutal comeback when his partner mentions missing her mom. “Then take her with you,” he says, weaponizing sarcasm with expert precision. Unger nails the dynamics of long-term relationships in just one scene. The wife’s shocked expression and the husband’s casual tone combine for an iconic comic moment. This strip is a perfect example of how Unger turns everyday domestic tension into a laugh-out-loud roast with just the right punch.
3. Tell Her Age and Suffer
In this sharp-witted comic, a man threatens to expose his wife’s real age to all her friends unless she stays quiet. The wife, hair in curlers and coffee in hand, looks horrified, while he hides behind his newspaper with a smirk. Unger’s take on spousal banter is brilliant—sharp, realistic, and wildly funny. This strip blends passive-aggressiveness and playful threat in the way only Herman comics can, capturing the battles of married life with just the right amount of sass.
4. The Mysterious Garden Thief
A puzzled man questions why his vegetables never grow along the fence—only to discover his neighbor holding a fresh bundle of stolen carrots. The silent confession in the artwork is hysterical. No words are exchanged between the characters, yet the humor hits instantly. Unger’s strength lies in visual cues and subtle reactions, and this comic is a prime example. It’s a simple suburban moment turned into comedic brilliance, with body language doing all the heavy lifting for the punchline.
5. Ex-Boyfriend Picnic Surprise
Two characters enjoy a quiet picnic until an explosion in the distance leads the woman to remark, “That was my ex-boyfriend’s car.” The man’s stunned silence is pure gold. With minimal background and exaggerated expressions, Unger focuses all the tension and comedy into a single beat. It’s awkward, unexpected, and flawlessly timed. This strip captures how sudden revelations can derail even the most peaceful settings—and how Herman excels at twisting everyday scenarios into laugh-out-loud moments.
6. DIY Beach Chair Disaster
A man sits tangled and half-collapsed in a broken beach chair while his unimpressed partner looks on. “Mind your own business, this is how I like it,” he snaps. The absurdity of his posture combined with his misplaced pride makes this an instant classic. Unger masterfully contrasts body language and stubborn attitude. It’s a hilarious take on ego and discomfort, showing how Herman characters are always a little too proud—even when they look completely ridiculous.
7. Dinner Glued to the Stove
A woman calmly tells her husband that dinner is stuck to the stove, so they’ll eat in the kitchen. The man slouches in exhausted acceptance, painting a vivid picture of domestic resignation. Unger transforms kitchen chaos into understated comedy with just one sentence. The exaggerated body language and dry delivery are signature Herman traits. This strip highlights how Unger turns daily inconveniences into perfectly timed jokes—and how humor lives in the mundane moments we’ve all experienced.
8. Grandpa in the Stroller
A baby sits on the grass while Grandpa naps comfortably in a stroller, feet up, newspaper in hand. “Five more minutes,” the caption reads, “Grandpa’s been on his feet all day.” This brilliant role reversal flips expectations with visual irony and clever writing. The joke doesn’t just land—it rolls over laughing. Unger’s ability to use visual gags to twist traditional roles makes this one of the most iconic comics in the Herman collection. It’s weird, whimsical, and totally lovable.
9. Marriage Advice with a Tattooed Twist
A muscular man with a heart tattoo gives awkward marriage advice to a woman across the table, suggesting she “look around like your mother did.” The comic’s hilarity lies in the contradiction—rough exterior meets twisted wisdom. Unger leans into generational sarcasm with a punchline that’s both cynical and true to life. The mismatched pairing and blunt delivery give this strip extra punch. It’s an oddball interaction that feels real, which is what makes it work so well.
10. A Bad-Taste Anniversary
At a fancy restaurant, a wife asks what the menu has that leaves a bad taste. Her husband replies, “It’s our anniversary,” deadpan and emotionless. The punchline hits like a slap—dark, direct, and perfectly Herman. Unger balances tension and humor beautifully, capturing how not every romantic occasion turns out the way it’s supposed to. The setting, expressions, and brutal honesty all combine for a truly biting gag. It’s the type of humor that lingers—and that’s what makes it brilliant.
Final Thought
Jim Unger’s Herman cartoons continue to crack us up with their timeless, no-nonsense humor. Whether it’s marriage woes, stolen veggies, or brutal honesty at dinner, each panel holds a mirror to everyday absurdities. His style is simple, expressive, and incredibly effective. If you love dry wit and classic cartoon humor, Unger’s work is a must-see. For more hilarious cartoon reviews like this, visit TheHumorSide.com and discover the lighter side of life—one punchline at a time.
