Rubes Cartoons by Leigh Rubin are a masterclass in twisted humor, visual puns, and offbeat brilliance. These single-panel gems take everyday situations and flip them into absurdly funny scenarios—often with animals, historical figures, or unexpected punchlines. Leigh Rubin’s signature style blends clever wordplay with surreal setups, making each comic a delightful surprise. In this collection, we’re highlighting 10 of his best cartoons that will leave you laughing, thinking, and coming back for more.
About Leigh Rubin – Creator of Rubes Cartoons
In addition to his cartoon work, Leigh Rubin is a celebrated speaker and author, having published several Rubes comic collections. He often gives humorous presentations on creativity and the cartooning process, bridging the gap between comedy and insight. Rubin’s style is a perfect blend of silly and smart often making readers laugh and think at the same time. His visual wit and unconventional humor have earned him a lasting spot in the pantheon of cartoon greats.
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1. Karaoke Night in Oz
The Tin Man is giving his all on stage, belting out “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” during karaoke night. Unfortunately, the audience is less than thrilled. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion cringe in agony, showcasing the worst “tin ear” in Oz. Leigh Rubin masterfully blends pop culture with punny wordplay to turn a beloved scene into comic gold.
2. A Witchy Rhyme
Two witches are brewing up trouble when they notice Edwina approaching. “She can be such a word that rhymes with us,” one whispers. This clever play on the classic rhyming insult adds a wicked twist to witchy sisterhood. Rubin’s sense of timing and wordplay turns a simple cauldron scene into a cauldron of snark.
3. Trojan Horse Trouble
A guard scrawls a ticket on the infamous Trojan Horse parked outside a castle under a sign reading “No Overnight Parking.” Leigh Rubin rewrites history with absurd brilliance, imagining bureaucratic battles interrupting ancient warfare. The blend of mythology and modern life is hilariously on point.
4. Half-Bob Paint Job
Two men critique a poorly painted fence, calling it “half-***.” Right on cue, a donkey-man hybrid named Bob appears — revealing that it’s not just a saying. Rubin delivers this literal punchline with visual absurdity, proving once again that puns never go out of style.
5. Victor the Reader
Victor sits on a park bench, nose deep in a book titled “How to Attract Women,” oblivious to the woman right beside him trying to chat. His frustrated response shows he’s not exactly picking up on cues — or the point of the book. Rubin captures a perfectly ironic moment in this relationship fail.
6. All-Natural Fright
At the “Super All-Natural Constipation Treatment Clinic,” a nervous man walks in, only to be greeted by a grinning ghost. Leigh Rubin takes holistic healing to the supernatural level, delivering a hilarious visual pun on “scaring the problem out.” It’s spooky, silly, and totally on brand.
7. Veggie Warning
A pair of bunnies crouch in a garden near a sign warning, “May be hazardous to your health.” The irony? They’re being hunted for eating healthy. This twist on scare tactics pokes fun at food fears while reminding us predators don’t always follow the wellness trends.
8. Hide-and-Go-Peep
Sheep scamper across a field while someone counts behind a tree. The title? “Hide-and-go-Peep.” A playful take on classic children’s games, Rubin merges pastoral scenes with wordplay for a delightfully light laugh. It’s innocent, clever, and absurdly adorable.
9. Cheddar to Die Fo
At a tiny rodent funeral, a mouse eulogizes his friend’s last words before the trap snapped shut: “This aged cheddar is to die for.” It’s cheesy, dark, and brilliantly punny — a classic Rubes-style send-off filled with both wit and woe.
10. Bear-ly an Accident
A bear apologizes to a startled camper for scaring him, then hands over a card for a laundromat to deal with the aftermath. The comic is a hilarious mashup of wild nature and awkward customer service — Leigh Rubin’s humor thrives on the unexpected etiquette of the animal kingdom.
Summary & Credit
Leigh Rubin’s Rubes Cartoons are a masterclass in visual puns, absurdity, and imaginative storytelling. From mythical mashups to awkward social moments, his cartoons have entertained generations with their quick wit and quirky charm. What sets Rubin apart is his ability to turn the ordinary into the outrageously funny whether it’s a tin man with a tin ear or a bear with business cards. His work continues to be a favorite among fans who appreciate clever humor and creative art. Love comics that make you laugh and think? Visit TheHumorSide.com for more hilarious highlights, artist spotlights, and daily doses of humor. We’ve got your funny bone covered — one panel at a time! All artwork featured in this article is created by Leigh Rubin and is used for review and commentary purposes. Full credit goes to the original artist.
