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Ever needed a comic that gets you and your existential dread? Well, today’s your lucky day — we’ve got just the thing!

Kristian Nygård’s ‘Optipess' comics feel like a warm hug from someone who understands that life is weird, messy, and often hilarious in a dark way. His drawings are simple, and the punchlines? Brutal — in the best possible way. You might remember this series from our previous posts, but if you missed them, don’t worry — you still have a chance to check them out.

Now scroll down and explore the newest comics created by this talented Norwegian cartoonist.

More info: Instagram | optipess.com | x.com | Facebook | patreon.com

#1

Comic showing rescue dog adoption with unexpected ending where the dog talks on the phone after saving the human.

optipesscomic Report

Blackmoon The Dragon
Community Member
6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You aren't just rescuing the dog/cat/lizard/reptile/etc... you're rescuing your mental health as well most of the time :)

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Bored Panda reached out to the artist behind the series to learn more about his work. When asked how he would sum up his comics, Kristian responded: “If I were to describe Optipess in three words, it would probably be optimistic, pessimistic, and... hmm, unrealistic.”

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    #3

    Comic strip by artist creating comics with unexpected endings featuring a pillow stand changing from sweat to tears absorbent pillows.

    optipesscomic Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The emotional support pillows are more expensive.

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    We were curious about how Nygård’s art style has evolved over time and what factors influenced these changes. Here’s what he shared with us: “My style has mostly evolved organically over the years I've been making the comics, and I haven't really deliberately focused on changing things up. But going from traditional media to digital was definitely a huge factor. Also, using different digital tools, like a new drawing tablet or new brushes, has made it easier to try new approaches occasionally.”

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    #4

    Comic panels by artist showing unexpected endings featuring a superhero and a butler with a trampoline twist.

    optipesscomic Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bounceman!! Ready to jump into action.

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    When speaking about the most rewarding aspects of being a comics artist, Kristian explained how important it is for him to have a creative outlet to express whatever is on his mind. He elaborated: “I am often pondering about a theme or idea I would want to get across, and when it sometimes really clicks into place it feels really great. Even more so when readers seem to resonate with the end product.”

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    Lastly, the cartoonist shared which comics from his series hold a special place in his heart: “A personal favorite of mine is still the 'Dressing Up' comic I made years ago, but I also quickly discovered just how fun it is to draw the H. P. Lovecraft monster Cthulhu. I've lost count of how many Cthulhu comics I've made, but the comic ‘Rude Awakening’ is maybe still my favorite. It also holds a special place in my heart because it was originally released in print over a two page spread in Le Monde Diplomatique, Norwegian edition.”

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    #8

    Comic panels showing a man in a red cap with unexpected ending as he gets sick and hospitalized in a humorous comic.

    optipesscomic Report

    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly, few sufferers recover.

    #9

    Comic artist creates unexpected endings showing a dating match with funny and surprising results in three-panel story.

    optipesscomic Report

    Rinso The Red
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thought he had the lady, ended up with the crone

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    #10

    Comic panels of an alien declaring peace, then arrested, followed by alien spaceship attacking the city, comics with unexpected endings.

    optipesscomic Report

    #11

    Comic by artist shows unexpected endings with a man working out, getting stronger, hotter, and a surprising final thought.

    optipesscomic Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reason 3 is the most compelling.

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    #13

    Comic strip with unexpected endings showing a masked figure revealing a hidden person and a cheerful outdoor scene.

    optipesscomic Report

    Cosmos in your eyes
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    some days be like that. if that is you right now, you are not alone!

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    #14

    Comic panels from artist creating comics with unexpected endings showing children at an Easter egg hunt and a giant spider with bunny ears.

    optipesscomic Report

    #15

    Comic by artist with unexpected endings showing a man asking Satan for true love and a surprising twist.

    optipesscomic Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    With him, ya gotta be REAL specific in makin' them tricky wish deals.

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    #16

    Comic by artist showing gamers, developers, and executives with unexpected endings in gaming industry scenarios.

    optipesscomic Report

    #17

    Comic panels showing a sick man playing video games in hospital, illustrating artist’s comics with unexpected endings.

    optipesscomic Report

    ElfVibratorGlitter
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🤔 not sure I understand this. I don't think video games caused his death, so what's wrong with playing them? Or what did I miss. 🤣

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    #18

    Comic panels show characters interacting with a chicken and painting its feathers in unexpected endings comics by artist.

    optipesscomic Report

    The Abe
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't choke the chicken in front of the kids!!

    #19

    Comic panels show artist’s unexpected endings with Darth Vader, holiday-themed AT-ATs, and a surprising gift reveal.

    optipesscomic Report

    ElfVibratorGlitter
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guess I need to watch some Star Trek /s.

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    #21

    Comic panels show a man discovering money is worthless and Kleenex tissue paper is the new currency, a comic with unexpected endings.

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    #22

    Comic artist creates unexpected endings showing a man opening a voodoo advent calendar with Santa in distress.

    optipesscomic Report

    MyQueenGirl_72
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if I had one of those Santa Clause calendars I would do the same thing

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    #24

    Comic artist creates comics with unexpected endings featuring a Halloween scene with a surprising trick-or-treat visitor.

    optipesscomic Report

    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mike Meyers dressed up as Mike Meyers.

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    #25

    Robotic dog-like characters play soccer in a comic with unexpected endings by the artist Kristian Nygård.

    optipesscomic Report

    #26

    Comic artist creates unexpected ending Star Wars comic strip with fan posting negative comment online.

    optipesscomic Report

    ElfVibratorGlitter
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's May the Force (on May 4) and now a Revenge of the Sith (on May 6), or Revenge of the Fifth ( on May 5)?

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    #27

    Comic panels by artist showing an employee dodging HR complaints and performance reviews with unexpected endings.

    optipesscomic Report

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    #28

    Comic panels featuring an artist's unexpected ending with a sad creature transforming into a heart shape in the water.

    optipesscomic Report

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    #29

    Comic panels show a masked character on December 13th interacting with a Friday the 13th advent calendar in an unexpected twist.

    optipesscomic Report

    #31

    Cartoon scientist uses time machine in comic with unexpected endings exploring the chicken and egg paradox.

    optipesscomic Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The rooster.

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    #32

    Comic panels show children finding an Easter egg that reveals an alien creature in an unexpected comic ending.

    optipesscomic Report

    Harriss Warman
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice spin off comming up on unreal engine I hope.

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    #34

    Comic panels show a character discovering a colorful egg in a forest, resulting in a surprising and unexpected ending.

    optipesscomic Report

    #35

    Comic panels by artist showing characters shouting woke with an unexpected colorful rainbow ending.

    optipesscomic Report

    Kyra Noelle
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand why people have an issue. Woke is really just being alert to and concerned about social injustice and discrimination. I hate how women and people of color are being erased as if we contributed nothing. Stupid ignorant people!

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    #36

    Comic panels showing a man visiting Silent Hill on a sunny forecast day, creating unexpected endings in artist's newest comics.

    optipesscomic Report

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    #37

    Comic panels showing an Easter egg hunt with a twist, featuring unexpected endings in the artist's newest comics.

    optipesscomic Report

    #38

    Comic panels showing an Easter egg crucifixion, egg c*****d by an Easter bunny, and a museum exhibit with unexpected endings.

    optipesscomic Report

    Helen Rohrlach
    Community Member
    6 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, now I want to see the political display.

    #39

    Comic panels by artist with unexpected endings showing a ghost, two characters, and a colorful magical cloak reveal.

    optipesscomic Report

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