35 Quirky And Clever One-Panel Comics By New Yorker Cartoonist Tom Toro (New Pics)

Tom Toro is one of those artists whose work feels like a breath of fresh air. Best known for his sharp, single-panel cartoons inThe New Yorkerand the heartfelt charm of his comic stripHome Free, Tom uses humor to explore both everyday moments and pressing global issues with wit and insight.For this post, we’ve collected some of Tom’s latest creations, highlighting his clever take on life’s quirks and his thoughtful approach to environmental issues. Whether he’s poking fun at our habits or imagining a better world, Tom’s comics make us laugh while sparking conversations that matter.More info:Instagram|tomtoro.com|Facebook|patreon.com|EtsyThis post may includeaffiliate links.

For this post, we’ve collected some of Tom’s latest creations, highlighting his clever take on life’s quirks and his thoughtful approach to environmental issues. Whether he’s poking fun at our habits or imagining a better world, Tom’s comics make us laugh while sparking conversations that matter.

More info:Instagram|tomtoro.com|Facebook|patreon.com|Etsy

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Pumpkin-headed couple in a humorous one-panel comic by Tom Toro, choosing facial expressions before going out.

Bored Pandahad the chance to interview Tom Toro again to learn more about his creative journey. The artist shared that he has been drawn to cartoons since a very early age. “I was a huge fan ofCalvin & Hobbes,The Far Side,Garfield, and the Disney movies of the 1980s and ’90s. I can remember pausing my VHS tape ofThe Little Mermaidto copy my favorite moments on a sketchpad. In school, I was a very good student and I would always finish my classwork early, which left plenty of time for doodling in the margins of my books.”

A funny Tom Toro one-panel comic of a man and a dog with contrasting thought bubbles about simple joys and burdens.

Tom Toro comic titled “Bad Hair” features an exaggerated hairstyle in a simple one-panel drawing.

When discussing the creative process for crafting a one-panel comic, Tom shared that his work begins like any other piece of art: “with a blank page and an even blanker brain.““I never know where my ideas will come from. Sometimes it’s an experience I’ve had; sometimes it’s a random image that pops into my mind; but sometimes it’s literally nothing, nothing at all, and I’ll sit there like a bump on a log with zero thoughts in my head. This might sound strange, but nothingness is actually a vital element in the creative process. Boredom is an artist’s best friend. When you allow yourself to get bored, don’t reach for your phone, don’t scroll the New York Times headlines, and don’t get up to make that tenth cup of tea. Your brain will begin to entertain itself. And that’s when the fun stuff happens. I cherish my boredom and I guard it vigilantly.”

When discussing the creative process for crafting a one-panel comic, Tom shared that his work begins like any other piece of art: “with a blank page and an even blanker brain.”

“I never know where my ideas will come from. Sometimes it’s an experience I’ve had; sometimes it’s a random image that pops into my mind; but sometimes it’s literally nothing, nothing at all, and I’ll sit there like a bump on a log with zero thoughts in my head. This might sound strange, but nothingness is actually a vital element in the creative process. Boredom is an artist’s best friend. When you allow yourself to get bored, don’t reach for your phone, don’t scroll the New York Times headlines, and don’t get up to make that tenth cup of tea. Your brain will begin to entertain itself. And that’s when the fun stuff happens. I cherish my boredom and I guard it vigilantly.”

One-panel comic by Tom Toro: child sleeps in a boat-shaped bed, parents watch from doorway, humor on climate change.

Comic by Tom Toro: Frankenstein and doctor in a restroom, quirky exchange at urinals.

Funny one-panel comic by Tom Toro featuring a mayor of Atlantis ignoring scientists near the sea.

Comic by Tom Toro: Woman stands near a man on the floor, saying, “All I did was remove his flag pin!"

Like any career, creating art comes with its challenges. For Tom, “other than the mortal limits of time and energy,” the biggest challenge is staying curious – avoiding complacency, continuing to grow as an artist, and always pushing himself to try new techniques, explore new subjects, and embrace new influences. “It can be hard, once you’re established in the field, to find a balance between consistency – delivering the content that your audience and clients have come to expect – and change – keeping things fresh and fun. I probably haven’t succeeded at it. In fact, I know I haven’t. But that’s all the more reason to keep trying.”

Two men in suits walk through an office engulfed in flames with a humorous caption, illustrating Tom Toro’s comic style.

Man measures child’s height compared to rising sea level in a funny Tom Toro comic.

One-panel comic by Tom Toro: A student offers a scarf to a smaller child at the “School of Soft Knocks."

One-panel comic by Tom Toro shows a voter in booth thinking, “Eenie Meenie Miney Mo,” with an official at a table marked “Vote Here."

Astronauts explore a vibrant alien planet filled with unusual plants; a humorous one-panel comic by Tom Toro.

Funny and thought-provoking comic by Tom Toro showing a humorous hospital scene with unconventional replacements.

Cats in a humorous one-panel comic by Tom Toro, featuring cats at a nightclub enjoying a performance with tassels.

Store worker demonstrating a noisy leaf blower to amused customers in a one-panel comic by Tom Toro.

Funny one-panel comic by Tom Toro depicting a Nativity scene with a humorous dreidel gift.

Pirate captain with an eye patch scrutinizing a chaotic ship crew in Tom Toro’s funny one-panel comic.

One-panel comic by Tom Toro shows a character outside Doctor Jekyll’s office in a humorous street scene.

Two squirrels in bed in a tree-hole, with a caption about changes in their relationship dynamics after marriage.

Penguins gathered, one exclaims about another’s beauty in a funny Tom Toro one-panel comic.

Two people analyzing an electoral map that looks like a Magic Eye poster in a funny Tom Toro one-panel comic.