Artist Creates Cute Comics With Not-So-Cute Endings (50 New Pics)
Interview With ArtistThe comics you'll see here are utterly adorable, but wait for it... They might seem cute at first until you reach the twisted ending you didn't see coming.
The creative mind behind these comics, Chicago-based Ryan Pagelow, has been drawing comics for most of his life and has built quite a fandom over the years. The contrasting combination of cute and dark might be a goldmine as he has 653k followers on Instagram and over 89k followers on Facebook who always come back for a dose of darker humor to brighten their days. Ironic, isn't it?
What started as a journey of an optimistic Buni with terrible luck who is tested by the cruel world every step he takes has now evolved into a surreal world of many unexpected characters such as animals, ghosts, everyday objects, and foods that come to life in ridiculous, funny, and sometimes sad situations.
You never know if the comic will break your heart, fill it with warmth, or simply make you laugh, so take a chance! And don't miss an opportunity to get to know the artist better by reading an interview below! When you are done, check out the previous post on Bored Panda.
More info: bunicomic.com | Instagram | Facebook | Patreon | webtoons.com | twitter.com
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So the real question is, how do I get my chocolate cake to eat veggies?
Load More Replies...Why is there cake and other junk foods in the fridge, though?
Load More Replies...Ryan Pagelow told Bored Panda how his career in the comics industry took off: "I’ve drawn comics for most of my life and started out by drawing a comic strip which appeared in university newspapers. I then started freelancing for Mad magazine. I created Buni in 2009 and since then, it has been featured on GoComics and Webtoon."
When he's not drawing comics, Pagelow works as a full-time photographer and videographer.
"I enjoy photography and videography because you’re capturing the outside world, while comics are much more about illustrating your internal world."
How is this a not-so-cute ending? It’s like kids that snuck in with a long coat.
Would you rather be naked in the cinema or have to pay for two tickets?
That’s not the point. They should respect the “no” and that you’re not interested.
Load More Replies...Everybody is just looking for mean interpretations on the internet. This makes me so f*****g sick. Makes me HATE people even more! Not the faery tales are ugly, but YOU are f*****g ugly FREAKS with wrong thoughts and sick interpretations, you psychos!
It's a cartoon with bears. The readers were warned ahead of time there were twists. Take a deep breath, get some rest. Go outside. The responders were just playing along.
Load More Replies...Buni comics are a winning combination of cute and dark which is created through the story of the adorable main character, Buni, who is treated harshly by life, yet doesn't give up.
"As a mostly wordless comic, I rely on images to tell the story in my Buni comics, which is often twisted, sad, and funny all at the same time. The main character, Buni, doesn’t understand that the visually cute world he lives in is usually out to get him. Buni inhabits a surreal world populated by teddy bears, cupcakes, unicorns, and zombies."
Remember: a lesbian relationship is nothing to shy away from.
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." ~~ Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa enjoyed watching the poor die in agony. When it was her turn, she had all the pain meds money could buy.
Load More Replies...Come up with me, it won't help either one of us if I go down with you.
The real question is why was his mother in jail, and how did nobody notice and or trample the flowers
I have done this with carrots and "happy birthday" on a friends lawn.
Although the comics mostly follow the main character, Buni, Pagelow spices them up with new weird characters that he introduces to his surreal comic universe. It can be anything you could possibly think of―from pizza to a plant, to a missing sock or planets. The artist thinks out of the box and is not afraid to step out of the usual when it comes to comics to keep himself and others entertained.
"First and foremost, I try to entertain myself. So if I think a comic idea about a cupcake is funny, I’ll draw it. I don’t feel like I have to stick to only drawing a limited set of characters in a limited world. I wanted to create a world that was big enough to keep me entertained for years rather than be boxed in by a narrow set of perimeters.
Also, creating a wordless comic is very difficult, especially in only four small panels. I find that relying on simple emotions and common things like food and animals is a fast way to communicate an idea to the reader. Comics involving anthropomorphic pizza or hot dogs don’t require the reader to have read previous comics and know the Buni character. They instantly understand pizza and hot dogs and what their world might look like. When I create comics with the Buni character, it’s funnier if you understand the character and the history of the character."
I dont understand ppl who say that fruit doesn't belong on pizza... Please tell me what a tomato is
I don't know anyone who says fruit doesn't belong on pizza, I only know people who say pineapple doesn't belong on pizza.
Load More Replies...I assume these discreet little spiders in my apartment already have saved my life from evil mosquitos several times.
Yes, but at the beginning we are supposed to think the dad doesn't care because of the cig and unshaven look implies lack of caring about anything, starting with himself.
Load More Replies...Wait how many children does this bunny have? Oh waitt........ haha...bunnies......
Looks like he keeps the Valentine that Buni gives him every year. That’s why some are covered in spider webs. And some are smaller. It’s meant to be that Buni has been giving him these for a long time, and he doesn’t act like he cares, but he privately does.
Load More Replies..."I get my ideas from just sitting down and thinking for about 30 minutes every day. I try to imagine if everyday objects had feelings, what would motivate them. What would make them happy, sad, jealous, angry, love..." the artist told Bored Panda about his creative process.
We asked Pagelow what's the most challenging and the most rewarding part of creating comics.
"Creating comics is a daily meditation and I would probably do it whether anybody looked at them or not. I like that webcomics are quick little mini stories. Once I make one, I’m already working on the next one. I’m not dwelling on the past. It’s not like a novel where you’re thinking about the novel for months or years before it’s finally done. The most challenging aspect is drawing comics week after week and sticking to it and looking for ways to push the boundaries."
Beans, beans, the magical fruit. The more you eat em, the more you toot. The more you toot, the better you feel. So, eat yer beans with every meal. ;)
I never knew the full version (or was aware there was more after "toot"), so thank you for this.
Load More Replies...hahahahhahahahahahahahaahahahhaha ...... i almost died ran out of air
May as well have another beer... wife's gonna chew my head off anyway!
A female mantis is supposed to eat the head of their partner because it’s apart of the mating process
girl praying mantis eat males and actually grow bigger than males. However, males are the only ones who can fly (I'm pretty sure)
This is true, except they don't usually eat the males. More often than not the males fly away unscathed. Most females are too heavy to fly.
Load More Replies...TRUMP! It's so fresh and tasty because he never used it! 😂🧠
Load More Replies...Pagelow thinks that Buni comics stand out on the internet because of the lack of dialogue that makes them easy to understand beyond borders and languages, but the unique sense of humor plays a big part here, too.
"Humor comes from the unexpected, twisted ending. If a normal, happy ending is expected, you can create humor with a dark or sad ending. Although many people describe my comics as dark, I think of them as optimistic, because Buni wakes up happy every day with good expectations despite everything that has happened in the past."
But with more recognition and fame, comes even more feedback of all sorts. Over the years, the artist has learned to stay away from the negativity in comments.
"I learned a couple of years ago not to read the comments on the internet, apart from a glance to make sure in general people understand it and there wasn’t an unforeseen controversy. But I do try to always respond to people who email me or direct message me. I appreciate that people enjoy my comic. Sometimes I make a comic and think, am I insane for thinking this is funny? And then 40,000 people like it, so I can’t be too insane if that many people find it funny too."
before i enter 2021 though i like to see the user terms and aggrements
It is still happy. That is all that matters. Not looks
Load More Replies...What is perfect anyway? A Greek term for perfect is teleios. It is defined as complete in all its parts, or lacking nothing to the intended function. As an example, the perfect chair does not have to be beautiful to hold you up, a well loved teddy bear does not need to be in new condition to provide comfort, and a flower does not need to look a certain way to clean the air air, feed the bees and to produce seeds. Using this definition this flower is perfect.
You are beautiful, no matter what they say, words can't bring you down. *Christina Aguilera
It's not the outside beauty that counts, it's the beauty on the inside.
The artist's ultimate goal is to spread happiness and positivity.
"Mostly I just want to give people a couple of seconds of happiness. If it brightens their day, I’m happy. I also hope that they learn to stay optimistic despite this dark world."
Especially in light of current events in the world, when we all need a big hug we can't get because of social distancing, Pagelow comes in to save the day with his comforting comics that are far from our absurd reality.
"When the pandemic started, I did some coronavirus-themed comics, but found I was tired of everything being about the pandemic, so I kind of stayed away from it and just tried to entertain people looking for an escape from the pandemic and right-wing American politics. My comic is a sanctuary from this crazy world."
The frenchest way to start a war. Well, that, and protecting the country which protects the guy who murdered the crown prince of Austria.
how does it feel you very expensive monsters?? HOW. DOES. IT. FEEEEEL?!
and the time between them is how long the hairdresser takes to do it
Load More Replies..."I’m motivated by the desire to make an even funnier comic next time. It’s like an endless chase to find the perfect comic which probably doesn’t exist. Also, I have enjoyed comics since before I could read. And I’ll probably continue to enjoy visual storytelling until I die. In that sense, comics will be a part of my life forever."
Pagelow's motivation to better himself has resulted in worldwide success. Besides having an army of followers across different social media platforms, he lists some of the most significant moments of his artistic journey so far.
"One of my proudest moments was when a New Zealand crematorium asked me to use one of my comics on a billboard to advertise their crematorium services. Getting syndicated, publishing a book of Buni comics, and being named Best Online Comic by the National Cartoonists Society in 2013 was also nice. Also meeting some of the cartoonists I grew up reading was great."
As Pagelow has mentioned, in 2018, the artist put his favorite comics into something you can actually hold in your hands―a book called "Buni: Happiness Is a State of Mind" that you can order here.
I mean, we cut down birdhouses to make birdhouses....... Tell me how that makes sense
My dad asked where all the lids went...I told him the same place for missing socks
is this "the shawshank redemption" - sock edition?
I think they’re main moons rather than the outer space golfballs that get counted.
Load More Replies...I got the first 2 steps done, now.. um anybody got I rocket ship I could borrow?
Lol The phone had you but now you know what its been up to
Load More Replies...When your phone dies right when you need it... God that's a nightmare
Load More Replies...Technically it was a good choice of her. He made her so he's her parent...
Please don't tell me she left him for a RAISIN cookie! If she did, you baked her standards LOW man.
The scariest part is that she's going to be split in half in order to give birth
Ok but I can't with the absurdity that is the baby peas. Poor mum tho
Well, actua- *gets into scientific explanation including how plants reproduce asexually, with only one parent*
Load More Replies...@MiraiJack not everything needs to be gay, and you saying that is proof that you are a 15yo white girl that thinks she's so quirky and special cause shes gay
Load More Replies...Now I know what to do with all the nee deep snow I have in my backyard!!
You got me, I do miss the tanning salon, friendly people and and skin lotions but yes I'm a little embarrased that you hit my nail on the head.
I canno't believe I'm laughing out loud. I am so grateful for these shinning some sunlight on every situation instead of having a mob attitude. What a wonderful relief. Thank you for your faboulous attitude.
so if water is sprinkles, then when he gets out of the shower he will have sprinkles on him, but then he dries and the sprinkles are gone
as long as it's not a demon, we good. I would love to communicate with the other worlds. But you never know what you're gonna get, which is why it's dangerous.
Load More Replies...lmfao (Just pointing it out, it's pronounced WE-JA, not WE-GI get it right, it's German and French :) )
these are not actually real just to let people know and not get terrified
IT WAS A BAD IDEA!!!!!!( comment if u know where this is from)
Load More Replies...I have coffee flavored bacon and bacon flavored coffee..... not a bad mix
I meeeeean... at least they're *nice* creepy scary aliens that bring *presents*... riiiiight?
No wilder than the story they tell the children about flying reindeer and a cookie eating , gift bearing, overweight , elderly gentlemen welcome in their home at night while they sleep.
i laughed way harder on the comment then i should have
Load More Replies...Can't the rabbit just get a seedless watermelon?
Load More Replies...It’s just a joke!😀you don’t need to overthink it. But I agree
Load More Replies...I thought this was about thanksgiving but looking at the other comments I guess not.😗
It could have been written in 2020. Buni is a dark humour comic based mostly on tragic irony. 2020 looked rather lovely at the very START of the year......
Load More Replies...If only they knew how terrible 2020 was... not like 2021 got any better
I have drank from the fountain of youth. We went there on a field trip it's only a little while up
I remember when they gave us ''the talk'' in school...God...it was embarrassing...
Load More Replies...You can have so many choices, house, funiture, fences and eventually fire wood, ashes and compost.
:( But I feel bad for the poor ostrich- I mean, did he volunteer.. or...?
This is like the best mystery magazine I've ever read and yet it's a true story.
𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕘𝕦𝕪𝕤 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕦𝕡 𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥𝕪 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖
Load More Replies...I find it more effective to dump the coffee in so my brain can marinate in it.
its his brain not your purple guys look i know you remove alot of brains but you were innocent
So that's why my coffee isn't working for me, I've just been pouring into my mouth and swallowing it 🤦♀️ I'll have to try it this way tomorrow morning & see if it works better at waking me up
No... you're supposed to open and just pour the coffee in... that way it can soak it up like a thirsty plant....
At our place, it's ANY trick or treaters! They think the big mansiony houses a few miles away are better, but honey, we got Snickers waiting for you here!
I have finally found you. My arch nemesis: that kid who pushed 7 year old me out of the way after I gave them candy and shoveled their fat hands into our cauldron, pouring handful after handful into their bag. Them and their siblings. Rotten lot of them.
Load More Replies...The alarm clock didn't ring on time because it was out partying all night.
Load More Replies...The ghost was ironing itself. That would hurt tho wouldn't it....... forgot they can't feel pain, okay.
I think it was just ironing its own sheet, i.e. they're invisible without it.
Load More Replies...Sooo........ pizza acne just gets bigger and bigger? Please don't let human acne be the same!!!!
Here I was thinking, "These aren't uncute ending." But he's drinking something with pumpkin spice, isn't he? Sick. Just sick.
Some of the prettiest flowers are so called weeds. Thistle plants , beautiful. Dandalions not only pretty but edable if you learn the proper way to cook them.
“Noooo! I’m just a tulip! See? I’m a tulip, let me staaaaayyyy!!!!”
Whenever I see my crush ( I don't have a crush anymore)
Load More Replies...Okay, but he's going to vomit on your sandwich and slurp it up with his probiscus.
Load More Replies..."Love is all fun and games until someone loses an eye or gets pregnant." ~~ Jim Cole
"Hello! Let's kiss!" "Sure!" (has peppermint kid later) "We shouldn't have kissed..."
Well turning of social media and not watching the news helps a lot. Go read a book in your garden.
Why does this look like a combination of sunflower and chomper from plants vs zombies?
These are mostly all pretty good, but that's the first one that made me actually LOL
It was a skin graft. They took part of the lemons peel and put it on the banana
Load More Replies..."Love...it surrounds every being and extends slowly to embrace all that shall be." ~~ Khalil Gibran
dad= me///// the heart rain= That Hetero Nonsense///// the others= my classmates
I kinda want to write a story about the under where they just act like normal people lol
What?? Yours live? I’m sorry, but only witches can have live plants.
Load More Replies...I'm never eating a nacho ever again after seeing this...
Load More Replies...Jerked me around like a yoyo. I deserved it if I'm gullable enough to worry about the passing of a nacho.Then laughing about the cheeze knowing full well somebody will probably double dip!
Not so weird, it makes sense when you consider that listening to sad music when you're sad validates the way you're feeling, and makes you feel better about yourself. Listen to whatever brings you happiness :)
Load More Replies...well your inlove with pans, you dont know what pots are like
Load More Replies...Gotta what out for those mafia noodles man.. they don't f*ck around.. give em their money or their gonna bring the heat
CDC: "Wash your hands thoroughly to help prevent the spread of COVID-19."
human walks in "every one get down! he has a bat!" "wrong mata truckers, its a gun!" "oh, no big deal, the candy cant fallout of the small bullet holes, right class?"
I watched that show when I was a kid! Oh the good old days...
Load More Replies...Just as a rule, NEVER ask a women if they are pregnant. Especially if you don't know them.
Yeah, it doesn't even necessarily have to be because someone is overweight. Some women get extremely bloated during or before that time of the month (Like me XD) and could look three months pregnant.
Load More Replies...The only time I think it is *ever* okay to ask a woman if she's expecting is if it's a confirmation. Like if she said "I'm pregnant" and you asked back "You're pregnant?!". Otherwise, it's best to assume she had a really good burrito
The old lady in me is giggling too.
Load More Replies...Wait so how are they walking? do they each control one leg or do they both have a leg in each one?
That's not good. If he can't eat he won't survive for long. *WHOOSH just waiting to happen.*
the ghost can't eat the cake because he would phase right through it
Load More Replies...I don’t know why, but I want to imagine that in this universe toppings are either piercings or tattoos
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." ~~ Helen Keller
Why cant we bury our dead like this? great idea
Load More Replies...I had two annurisms in one day and was brought back with hospital equipment one time and later on I was allowed to stay for my child.
Load More Replies...They are not vaccinate, they are infected, but hey Trump is gone! There is some little hope in the end!
THIS IS THE SADDEST THING i'VE EVER SEEN AND IT'S HAPPENING ALL AROUND US.
Load More Replies...Take this as appreciation... red-heart_...badff9.png
this operation happened to a family two years ago. This year 2020's 0 got a surgery and turned into 1
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