Speed Bump Comics by Dave Coverly deliver humor that’s clever, quirky, and consistently unexpected. With just a single panel, Coverly transforms everyday situations into hilariously bizarre moments. This hand-picked list features ten of the funniest and smartest Speed Bump comics, showcasing his unmatched ability to blend irony, satire, and sharp observational humor.
Artist Bio
Dave Coverly is the award-winning cartoonist behind the beloved single-panel comic strip Speed Bump. Syndicated since 1994, the comic appears in hundreds of newspapers and online outlets across the globe. Known for his surreal humor and creative spins on real life, Coverly’s cartoons often reflect quirky takes on relationships, work, animals, and modern culture.
Credit Dave Coverly
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1. Back Surgery Shortcut
In a hospital operating room, two surgeons try to simplify their job by skipping proper prep and just rolling the patient over. The absurdity of their casual suggestion is both hilarious and horrifying. Coverly takes a darkly funny approach to medical logic, poking fun at how people sometimes choose the path of least resistance—even when human lives are at stake.
2. Reincarnated as a Bird
At a cemetery, two women reflect on the late husband’s wish to come back as a bird. The perfectly timed reveal of a bird perched nearby gives this comic a supernatural twist that’s as touching as it is funny. It’s classic Coverly—mixing sentimentality with comic irony in one beautifully simple scene.
3. Grammar in the Afterlife
A devil critiques an English teacher’s obituary for having typos, implying that even in hell, grammar matters. This comic is a goldmine for word nerds, poking fun at how editors and teachers never turn off their red pens—even in the afterlife. Coverly nails a niche audience joke with brilliant ease.
4. Skunk Wrangler
In a Wild West twist, a cowboy offers up a feral skunk as a prize, suggesting someone “break him.” The scene reimagines taming wild animals through a hilarious lens of cowboy culture. The idea of breaking a skunk like a bronco is ridiculous, but Coverly’s delivery makes it feel perfectly plausible—at least for a second.
5. Prehistoric Checkbook Problems
Two dinosaurs chat about struggling to adjust to the “Mesozoic era,” with one still writing “Paleozoic” on checks. This comic lands with fans of science, history, and dad jokes alike. It’s a perfect blend of evolutionary humor and the classic joke about living in the past literally.
6. Emotional Cicada Reveal
Insect drama unfolds as one cicada accuses another of emotional neglect, referencing its molt. Coverly hilariously anthropomorphizes bugs with domestic conflict, turning a biological process into a soap opera. It’s an example of his signature style—taking the natural world and turning it into a painfully human moment.
7. Pizza vs. Patient Wait Times
A hospital scene takes an unexpected turn when a pizza delivery guy arrives before the patient is seen by a doctor. The comic jabs at healthcare delays by contrasting them with the speedy reliability of pizza chains. It’s a funny and biting comment on modern priorities—with mozzarella.
8. Polite Etiquette in Hell
In the depths of hell, a demon corrects someone’s sneezing etiquette by insisting on “Gesundheit.” This comic’s contrast between eternal damnation and good manners is what makes it work so well. Coverly thrives in these kinds of clever contradictions that flip expectations and spark laughs.
9. Bear Hibernation Anxiety
A bear worries that if he naps too long, he won’t fall asleep again later. It’s a comic twist on sleep cycles and overthinking, brilliantly humanizing an animal known for epic naps. The pacing and setup make this one a cozy and quietly clever gem.
10. Medieval Misinformation
A king advises against fighting a mob, instead suggesting sowing discord between pitchfork holders and torchbearers. It’s a sharp commentary on modern misinformation, disguised in medieval attire. Coverly packs political satire and crowd psychology into a single smart panel that’s just as relevant as it is funny.
Final Thoughts
Speed Bump Comics By Dave Coverly offers the kind of humor that stays with you—smart, sharp, and just the right amount of strange. Each cartoon delivers its own mini moment of brilliance. If you’re a fan of comics that make you think, chuckle, and shake your head all at once, Speed Bump is your go-to.
Credit: All Speed Bump comics featured in this article are created by Dave Coverly and distributed by Creators Syndicate. For more of his work, visit the official archive at SpeedBump.com. And for more clever comic gems, head to TheHumorSide.com your daily fix of funny!
