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Mark Parisi is the creator of the long-running comic panel Off The Mark, known for its sharp, playful take on everyday life—especially our complicated relationship with technology. A professional cartoonist for decades, Parisi has built a reputation for transforming modern frustrations into clever, accessible humor that resonates with a wide audience.

From internet searches gone wrong to the quirks of smart devices and digital overload, his comics reflect both appreciation and exasperation toward the tech-driven world we live in. While he acknowledges that technology has streamlined his creative process and expanded his reach, he also isn’t shy about poking fun at its absurdities, striking a balance that keeps his work timely, relatable, and consistently funny.

More info: Instagram | Facebook | patreon.com | offthemark.com

Speaking about his creative focus, Mark Parisi, the creator of the long-running comic panel Off The Mark, explained to Bored Panda that technology is simply impossible to ignore. Known for his sharp, playful take on everyday life—especially our complicated relationship with technology—Parisi sees the digital world as both a daily companion and a constant source of irritation.

“Tech is an everyday frustration and buddy,” he said. “It would be glaring for me to ignore it.” Because technology evolves so quickly, it continually creates new opportunities for humor. “Since it changes so fast, it always opens up new avenues for humor.”

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    #3

    Green Medusa character using laptop, viewing a retro version on screen, comic about technology and internet life.

    mark_parisi_otm Report

    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    21 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read the myth a long time ago, but shouldn't she turn into stone by looking at pictures of herself?

    When asked whether he personally finds technology more helpful or more absurd in everyday life, Parisi admitted that while it’s mostly beneficial, it comes with its drawbacks. “Tech is mostly helpful, but I’m frustrated by AI,” he shared. “I can no longer trust my internet searches, among other things.”

    That tension between usefulness and absurdity often fuels his work.

    #4

    Comic showing smartphones in low power mode waiting in line at a coffee shop, illustrating technology and internet life humor.

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    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    19 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But who makes coffee for the barista to switch them on?

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    Parisi believes readers connect strongly with jokes about digital habits and online behavior because these experiences are so widely shared. “I think readers connect with humor about our digital habits because it’s such a big part of our world,” he explained. “A lot of us are discovering the same things at the same time, and that can keep the humor fresh.” The collective nature of navigating new apps, trends, and technological shifts makes the punchlines feel immediate and relatable.

    Over the years, Parisi’s own relationship with technology has evolved significantly, and that evolution has shaped his creative process. “Tech has sped up my process, made me less afraid to make errors, and broadened my audience,” he said. At the same time, he acknowledges its double-edged nature. “It both wastes my time and saves me time.”

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    #8

    Pinocchio looking surprised at a laptop screen showing an ancestry website in a humorous technology comic.

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    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    25 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'Ancestree' was sitting right there.

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    #9

    Bee looking at a phone with a dating app showing two flowers and text about technology and internet life.

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    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    22 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bumbler - the dating sight for bumble bees.

    Reflecting on how far things have come, he added, “I remember snail mailing cartoons, and now it’s a click. Research is easier, too. If I want to see what a giraffe’s head looks like, I can punch a few keys.”

    Despite its frustrations, the artist has no desire to return to the pre-digital days. “Tech can be a beast, but I wouldn’t want to go back.”

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    #12

    Headless Horseman rejected by Facebook on computer screen in a humorous comic about technology and internet life by Mark Parisi.

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    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    9 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now wonder he's working in a bodyshop now.

    #13

    Green Frankenstein character looking at ancestry results on a laptop, humorously labeled with various nationalities.

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    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    15 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Lowe's, you build it, we keep it together no matter what."

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    #19

    Cartoon of a surprised sausage looking at ancestry results on a laptop in a comic about technology and internet life.

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    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    4 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    .. and the worst is: partially human. It's not a joke, 2% of hot dogs and sausages contains human DNA. And there are people who never finished their shift in the sausage factory. Seriously.

    #22

    Comic by Mark Parisi showing humorous internet life with a cat watching birds and learning a second language on computer.

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    Bear Hall
    Community Member
    12 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read the joke a very long time ago but the cat was learning to bark to signal the mice they can come out of hiding. IMHO it makes more sense than telling birds plain view to come inside.

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