Speed Bump comics are some of the smartest and most entertaining one-panel cartoons you’ll find today. In this comic review, we highlight ten of the best Speed Bump comics that showcase Dave Coverly’s brilliant wit and unmatched ability to find humor in everyday life. These comics deliver big laughs with subtle setups, sharp observations, and surreal twists that are guaranteed to brighten your day.
About Dave Coverly
Dave Coverly is the creator behind the award-winning Speed Bump comics, a widely syndicated series celebrated for its clever, single-panel humor. His cartoons appear in hundreds of newspapers worldwide, and he’s been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Reuben Award from the National Cartoonists Society. Coverly’s work blends dry wit with absurd, observational comedy, often poking fun at human behavior, technology, animals, and cultural quirks.
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1. Socially Drained Whale
In this hilarious underwater moment, a whale surfaces and confesses, “I didn’t really need air — I was just tired of socializing.” It’s the perfect cartoon for introverts, capturing that deeply relatable feeling of needing a break from the crowd, even if you live in the ocean. Dave Coverly turns marine biology into social commentary with a single punchline. It’s dry, subtle, and smart — everything we love about Speed Bump in one breath of fresh air.
2. Ukulele Anxiety
A nervous man, stark naked except for his guitar, announces his next song is about “facing your fears.” Oh, and he’ll be playing it on the ukulele. The absurdity of the moment, the vulnerability, and the deadpan humor make this comic pure Speed Bump brilliance. It’s a painfully funny take on performance anxiety that anyone who’s stood on stage can relate to — but not quite like this. Only Coverly could make it so awkwardly perfect.
3. Ant Suburb Chaos
Two ants share news: Dad’s running late after being blasted into the next suburb by a leaf blower. This delightfully absurd premise is classic Coverly — taking tiny creatures and dropping them into ridiculously large-scale human problems. The humor hits hard because it’s so unexpected, and the visual of a flying ant dad in suburbia is cartoon gold. It’s smart, silly, and exactly why Speed Bump stands out from every other comic strip on the page.
4. Chef of the Stone
A medieval twist with a culinary punch — a row of kitchen knives sit in a rock, with one man saying, “Whoever can pull them from the stone will be King Arthur’s chef.” It’s a playful mashup of legend and modern-day kitchen reality. The image is ridiculous and wonderful, flipping the noble sword-in-the-stone concept into something utterly mundane. You’ll never look at your knife set the same way again. Another prime example of Coverly’s sly genius.
5. Dog Ashes Disaster
A dog begins to share a heartfelt final wish: to have his ashes spread at his favorite park. But before he finishes, the other dogs start rolling in them. It’s morbid, hilarious, and so dog-like it hurts. This panel balances emotional absurdity with literal interpretation in a way only Dave Coverly could pull off. If you’ve ever owned a dog, you know this chaotic scene is painfully accurate — and painfully funny.
6. Texting the Yap
A guy sits on the couch while his dog barks nonstop — only to sarcastically ask, “Why can’t we use the microphone to text your girlfriend?” The anthropomorphic sass is top-tier here. The comic nails both the frustrations of pet ownership and the quirks of modern texting culture. It’s short, snappy, and laugh-out-loud funny for anyone who’s tried to multitask while their dog’s going full-volume over nothing. Genius in one panel.
7. Blubber-Free Zone
A fisherman in full rain gear asks a grocery worker about blubber content. The deadpan response: “Pretty sure everything’s blubber-free.” It’s the clash of two wildly different worlds — nautical absurdity meets retail logic. The dripping boots, the soaked floor, the cigarette — it all screams over-the-top visual humor. It’s classic Speed Bump: dry, literal, and somehow still completely unexpected. Coverly’s attention to ridiculous detail makes this moment unforgettable.
8. Dog’s Door Dilemma
A man holding wine and his dog stop at a door. The dog stares directly at the peephole. There are no words, and none are needed. It’s a beautifully simple gag built entirely on body language and context. You immediately know the dog knows something the human doesn’t — probably the wrong door. It’s subtle, slow-burn humor that makes you grin after a beat. A textbook example of how Coverly’s art says as much as his words.
9. Robot’s Excuse
A robot behind the wheel explains to a cop that it’s not his fault — he “can’t see squares with a traffic light in them.” It’s a sharp, funny dig at AI quirks and tech’s limitations, packaged inside a familiar human scene. The robot’s sincerity and the cop’s unimpressed expression say it all. Coverly pokes fun at modern over-reliance on machines with wit and a perfectly absurd twist that feels a little too close to reality.
10. Tennis Ball Sommelier
A posh dog in a velvet robe eyes a tray of tennis balls like they’re aged cabernets. “I think I’m in the mood for a Dunlop tonight,” he says. The comic hilariously elevates a dog’s obsession with tennis balls into a full-blown fine dining scenario. It’s snobby, silly, and brilliant all at once. Every detail from the butler to the fireplace adds to the absurd sophistication. A luxurious laugh for anyone who’s ever thrown a slobbery ball.
Final Summary
In this article, we reviewed 10 hilarious Speed Bump Comics by the incredibly talented Dave Coverly. Each single-panel cartoon showcases his unique ability to turn everyday moments into laugh-out-loud humor with a clever, surreal twist. From socially exhausted whales to gourmet tennis ball–tasting dogs, these comics highlight why Coverly’s work remains a fan favorite across generations. All comics © Dave Coverly. All rights reserved. For more comic reviews, artist highlights, and a daily dose of illustrated wit, visit TheHumorSide.com where humor always comes with a clever twist.
