40 Funny Observational One-Panel Comics By Vaughan Tomlinson That Might Crack You Up (New Pics)

This artist’s series is packed with sharp observational humor and a touch of the absurd. Tomlinson’s work has appeared in popular magazines like The Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Reader’s Digest. Without further ado, keep scrolling to explore his latest strips and learn more about the series straight from the artist himself!

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Two figures in red cloaks discuss egg prices, an observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson.

We reached out to Vaughan to learn more about his work. We were curious about the strangest or most unexpected source of inspiration he’s ever used for his strips. Here’s what we found out: “I try to find humor in everything. There’s always something funny about even the darkest, saddest moments. Probably one of the most unexpected sources of inspiration was a eulogy at a funeral. The person speaking kept mentioning the fact they had attended an elite university, which had nothing to do with anything, certainly not the person whose funeral it was. And I just thought, this would make a great cartoon.”

Santa sitting by a Christmas tree looking puzzled as an Elvis impersonator performs for a crowd, featuring observational comics.

Observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson of a therapy session joke about dairy intolerance and trusting your gut.

When asked about specific comic ideas that he personally loved but ultimately scrapped because they felt too weird or risky, Tomlinson responded: “I’m a big fan of slapstick, physical comedy. Especially ’80s films starring Leslie Nielsen. Think Airplane! and the Naked Gun films. I always end up drawing really silly cartoons along the same vein. They make me laugh but I end up scrapping them because I’m pretty certain that no one would ever publish them.”

Observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson showing two men at a bar, one speaking to a radiant figure, with a woman watching.

Two men in an office, one sitting with notes, the other with head in hand, illustrating observational comics by Vaughan Tomlinson.

Observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson: Grim Reaper visits man’s 40th birthday, saying “I’m here for the hair."

Clever observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson with “Censored” written; labeled as controversial.

Finally, Vaughan told us that there isn’t a single strip he’s created that holds special meaning to him. However, he added: “ I really love drawing bugs and animals. All the insect ones are my favorites.”

Santa holding a fly swatter, standing by a child’s bed in an observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson.

Observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson showing a father reassuring a child about monsters in the closet.

Observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson showing a figure on a chair with others whispering, captioned humorously.

Penguin sitting at bar next to bartender, captioned “Plenty of ice,” in clever observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson.

Man holding wine talks to a mole in an art gallery. Image by Vaughan Tomlinson, creator of clever observational comics.

Family with devices and luggage in observational comics scene by Vaughan Tomlinson.

Observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson depicting two women talking on a city street about going out.

Observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson featuring two cowboys at a table, one holding a gun, with a pie between them.

Man with a mug observes accountants flying south in an observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson.

Observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson showing a parrot repeating “How’s the project going?” between two office workers.

A clever observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson depicting two people having a humorous conversation on a stoop.

Santa on a chair feeling dazed near a Christmas tree, showcasing observational comics by Vaughan Tomlinson.

Observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson showing a family praying at dinner with a humorous tweet reference.

Person on a couch talking, with a bird nearby and a bong on the table; clever observational comic by Vaughan Tomlinson.

Two dogs at a table, with one complimenting the other’s skunk scent. Observational comedy by Vaughan Tomlinson.