Rubes Comics by Leigh Rubin are a masterclass in offbeat, absurd humor — and in this article, we’re reviewing 10 of his funniest, cleverest cartoon panels. Whether it’s sarcastic sharks, dramatic hens, or confused cavemen, Rubes delivers a fresh twist in every scene. This isn’t just a showcase — it’s a full comic review, highlighting what makes each cartoon brilliant. If you’re into smart, surreal, single-panel humor, you’re in for a laugh-packed treat.
About Leigh Rubin
Leigh Rubin is the creator of the long-running single-panel comic series Rubes, first syndicated in 1984. Over the decades, Rubin has become a staple of quirky, intelligent cartoon humor, delighting readers with his unique take on the world. His cartoons often feature talking animals, twisted fairy tales, and visual puns that hit just the right note of weird. Rubin’s work has been featured in books, calendars, and even museum exhibits. He’s earned praise for his imaginative and timeless style — mixing classic comic elements with surreal, unexpected punchlines. Whether poking fun at prehistoric art or turning farm life into existential comedy, Rubin’s genius lies in making the ridiculous feel oddly relatable. His comics appeal to readers of all ages, proving that clever humor truly is universal.
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1. Cat vs. Fish: The Seafood Debate
A beachside standoff between a hungry cat and a suspicious fish quickly turns into a hilarious existential debate. The cat insists it’s not hungry, but the fish isn’t buying it — and neither are we. The tension between predator and prey is turned on its head in classic Rube’s fashion, filled with dry humor and a wonderfully blank stare from the fish. It’s subtle, awkward, and perfectly absurd — everything a Rubes cartoon should be.
2. Bearbnb: The Goldilocks Conundrum
In a hilarious modern twist, the classic Goldilocks story collides with today’s obsession with five-star ratings. Papa Bear’s biggest concern isn’t the broken chair — it’s the online review. Leigh Rubin nails the absurdity of modern hospitality culture with just a few words and perfect bear expressions. The cartoon’s charm lies in blending fairy tale nostalgia with 21st-century anxiety. A true example of how Rubes cartoons keep old stories feeling fresh and funny.
3. Too Many Complaints, Not Enough Porridge
The bears are done. Goldilocks has already complained about the porridge, the chair, and the bed — and now she’s filing a bathroom complaint? This comic nails escalation comedy with a great visual and a brilliantly simple caption. The frustration on Papa Bear’s face and the weary response from Mama Bear give it an extra dose of personality. It’s a perfect blend of story continuity and classic Rubes-style exaggeration.
4. Keyboard Justice: Goldilocks Gets Her Revenge
Here, Goldilocks isn’t just leaving — she’s typing a scathing review as the confused bears try to figure out what went wrong. The image of her furiously typing while the bears scratch their heads is priceless. It’s a spot-on parody of passive-aggressive online culture wrapped in a timeless fairy tale setting. The panel’s brilliance lies in how little it says — and how much it implies. Pure comic gold with a modern twist.
5. Genie Logic: A Massage Mishap
When someone wishes for a massage, the genie takes it very literally — delivering a bottle labeled “Massage.” It’s classic Rubes: take a phrase, turn it sideways, and make it literal. The humor lies in the facial expression of the disappointed wisher, who clearly expected a spa day. This comic is a perfect example of Leigh Rubin’s love for visual puns and wordplay, and how he turns the obvious into something wildly unexpected.
6. Caveman Art Critique
One caveman admires his prehistoric art while the other clearly isn’t impressed. The humor here is subtle but sharp — even before civilization, we apparently had art snobs. This cartoon pokes fun at the idea that critics have always existed, and that someone is always unimpressed. The club-wielding artist looks offended, and it’s that little emotion that sells the gag. A brilliantly minimal setup with maximum comedic effect.
7. Shark Coffee Brea
Two sharks sit by the ocean, sipping coffee before heading to “work” — which in their case, means terrifying aquarium-goers. It’s a workplace gag wrapped in fishy humor, and it absolutely works. The cartoon’s brilliance lies in making these sea predators feel like bored office workers, complete with deadpan expressions and steaming mugs. It’s an understated yet sharply funny take on how routine can creep into even the most dangerous lives.
8. Empty Nest Chicken Syndrome
A frantic hen bemoans the absence of her eggs, diving into full-on empty-nest syndrome while the rooster looks on in alarm. The exaggerated melodrama is hilarious — made even funnier by the fact that she’s just laying eggs. Leigh Rubin’s genius shows in how he humanizes animals without stripping away their barnyard charm. It’s over-the-top poultry parenting at its best, delivering laughs with a cluck of relatable emotion.
9. Mutiny Over Board Games
A pirate captain is shocked as his crew mutinies — not over treasure or rations, but because he insists on playing “Guess Who” again. The absurdity here is top-notch: grizzled sailors rebelling over board game burnout. The idea that a ship of thieves could be so dramatically annoyed by a children’s game is exactly what makes Rubes cartoons brilliant. It’s an unexpected punchline delivered with the straightest of faces.
10. Cow Cuisine: Regurgitated Seconds
In a hilariously gross moment, a cow reassures her calf that more food is coming — just give her a second to chew it twice. It’s funny, factual, and wonderfully disgusting in that special Rubes way. What makes it extra funny is the mom’s casual tone and the calf’s wide-eyed horror. Leigh Rubin never shies away from real animal behavior, and here he turns it into comedy gold with just a hint of “ew.”
Summary
From fairy tale parodies to cow cuisine and pirate board games, these 10 Rubes Cartoons by Leigh Rubin show why his work has remained hilarious and relevant for decades. Leigh Rubin’s genius lies in creating punchlines that make you laugh, then think — and sometimes wince. His unique blend of absurdism, clever wordplay, and visual comedy proves that a single panel can deliver endless laughs. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Rubes for the first time, this collection is a perfect place to start. For more cartoon reviews and daily doses of comedy, visit TheHumorSide.com — your home for laugh-out-loud comic features and reviews.
