off the mark Comics by Mark Parisi kicks off this article with a punch of humor and originality. Mark Parisi’s long-running comic strip has earned a loyal fanbase thanks to its absurd, pun-filled takes on everyday life. With a unique visual style and sharp comedic timing, Parisi captures the silly side of animals, technology, relationships, and pop culture. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, these ten gems from “off The mark” will have you laughing out loud.
About Mark Parisi
Mark Parisi is the creative genius behind “off The mark,” a syndicated comic strip that’s been tickling funny bones since 1987. Inspired by classic cartoons and his own quirky observations, Parisi blends everyday situations with unexpected punchlines and visual gags. His work has appeared in hundreds of newspapers worldwide, and he’s also published a successful book series, “Marty Pants,” aimed at younger readers. Mark’s distinctive drawing style—featuring expressive characters and clean, colorful panels—adds to the charm of his cartoons. A recipient of the National Cartoonists Society’s Best Newspaper Panel award, Parisi continues to entertain readers with his clever wit and offbeat humor.
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1. Compliments at the Bar
A group of praying mantises lounges at a bar, enjoying their night, when the waiter dramatically delivers a severed head. One mantis smiles and says, “Aww, you shouldn’t have!” Mark Parisi flips the world of insect behavior into one of the darkest but funniest visual gags. It’s clever, absurd, and a little twisted—classic Parisi humor at its finest. This cartoon blends the natural order with a punchline so unexpected it takes a moment to register—and that’s what makes it brilliant.
2. Doorbell Fitness App
A dog proudly explains his workout routine to a friend, saying he uses a fitness app that rings the doorbell every 20 minutes, keeping him active and alert. The idea of a dog gamifying his exercise with doorbell dashes is hilariously unexpected. Parisi once again anthropomorphizes animals to poke fun at human habits—in this case, fitness tracking apps. The blend of canine instincts and high-tech laziness makes the gag effective, silly, and oddly relatable for dog lovers and tech addicts alike.
3. Car Therapy
Two anthropomorphic cars sit in a therapist’s office, looking glum. One says, “We just feel so… depreciated.” It’s a textbook example of Parisi’s talent for pun-based humor. Taking a financial term and applying it literally to sentient vehicles adds a layer of comedy that’s both clever and surprisingly deep. The drawing style emphasizes the emotional weight of their problems while the punchline lands with perfect precision. Parisi’s use of common phrases in literal, absurd contexts continues to shine in this panel.
4. Imitation Crab
At a seafood restaurant, a fish stands up in protest, yelling, “I’m not grumpy! I’m an imitation crab!” The other sea creatures look confused as he waves his claws wildly. This gag plays with identity, food labels, and emotional instability in one swift, silly moment. Parisi’s blend of visual energy and perfectly timed wordplay makes the panel pop. It’s ridiculous but thoughtful—a commentary on misunderstood personalities, cleverly disguised as a seafood joke that delivers both a pun and a punch.
5. Debbie Does Dahlias
A group of bees are glued to the screen, eyes wide, watching a floral soap opera titled “Debbie Does Dahlias.” It’s a perfect parody that combines bee behavior with our obsession with trashy TV. The unexpected mix of pollination and prime-time drama is absurdly funny. Mark Parisi takes the natural world and filters it through a pop culture lens, crafting a joke that’s visually simple but rich with layered humor. It’s a cartoon that keeps buzzing in your head long after you read it.
6. The Walking Dead-Beats
The living room is a post-apocalyptic mess, and a couple stares in horror as zombie-like relatives lounge on their couch. “The Walking Dead-beats,” the caption reads. This one hits hard for anyone who’s ever had houseguests that overstayed their welcome. Parisi blends horror, family, and cultural satire in one hilarious panel. The cartoon taps into every host’s worst nightmare and gives it an undead twist. A perfect comic for horror fans and introverts alike.
7. Treat Support
A snarky cat dons a headset behind a desk labeled “Treat Support,” answering calls from other cats about their snack problems. The feline tells one caller, “Have you tried knocking things off the counter yet?” This comic nails cat behavior while cleverly parodying tech support culture. The drawing is rich in detail, from the attitude on the cat’s face to the desk clutter. Parisi’s ability to cross animal instincts with human roles results in a delightfully accurate depiction of both.
8. Whale Gas
Two whales float in the ocean, one looking embarrassed. “Those relaxing ocean soundtracks? Yeah… those started because I had gas.” Parisi leans into bathroom humor but elevates it with an imaginative twist on ambient music origins. The cartoon is silly, unexpected, and taps into the weirdness of animal lore. With his trademark facial expressions and sea-blue backgrounds, Parisi transforms an immature joke into a uniquely funny piece of underwater comedy that works on multiple levels.
9. Play Button
A small robot approaches his father and holds up a sign with a play icon. “This is how you get Dad to play,” says the caption. It’s a heartwarming and subtly sarcastic jab at how screen-based our lives have become. Parisi uses minimal dialogue but layers the image with meaning. The robot child’s innocence contrasts beautifully with the father’s tech-distracted demeanor. It’s a social commentary delivered through machines, and it lands with the charm and punch of Parisi’s finest work.
10. April Fool Cat
A mischievous cat stands over a precarious bottle on the edge of a table, declaring “April Fool!” before knocking it down anyway. The owner stares, unamused. This cartoon is pure Mark Parisi: silly, timely, and rooted in real pet behavior. The concept of cats as pranksters is nothing new, but Parisi breathes new life into it with this perfectly executed gag. It’s equal parts relatable and ridiculous, making it the ideal closer for a list of all-time favorites.
If you enjoyed this roundup of off The mark Comics by Mark Parisi, be sure to explore more of his work at thehumorside.com for your daily dose of cartoon comedy.
