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Single-panel comics may look simple, but fitting an entire joke into one illustration isn’t always easy. Mat Barton keeps his drawings minimalist, using short dialogue and unexpected ideas to create comics about everything from everyday frustrations to disability and cowboys.

The cartoonist has been creating comics since he was a kid, when he was obsessed with Calvin and Hobbes and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He is also a paraplegic, and disability has become a recurring subject in his work. As he explained to Bored Panda in a previous interview, he uses humor to cope with his frustrations and point out the little things he's noticed as a disabled person. Cowboys, meanwhile, appear simply because he really likes them.

We’ve collected some of Barton’s recent comics below. Scroll down to see his takes on everyday life, and whatever else he finds funny.

More info: Instagram | matbarton.com | newmobility.com

Many of Mat's ideas come from conversations with his best friend Adam Cooper, who is credited as a co-writer on much of his work. They talk on the phone several times a week, mostly trying to make each other laugh, and those conversations often turn into new comic ideas.

Barton’s influences include cartoonists William Steig, George Booth, and Jack Ziegler, as well as writer Charles Portis. His own advice to other cartoonists is straightforward: draw what you think is funny rather than trying to create something you think will sell.

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    #3

    Cartoon of two men with world's greatest dad shirts sword fighting in a mountain setting

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

    So sayeth the Highlander, so let it be done.

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    #11

    Cartoon of a man in a wheelchair being pushed off a cliff in a political absurd everyday situation cartoon.

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    panther
    Community Member
    41 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well don't complain when you find you can't swim.

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    #12

    Medieval castle moat turned lazy river filled with relaxing people cartoon

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    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    20 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like people who have picnics in cemeteries.

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    #32

    Cartoon of a couple sitting on a couch smoking, commenting on being outlaws humorously.

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    Der Kommissar
    Community Member
    55 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure, except for the incarceration for small quantities.

    #42

    Woman surprised by pope-like visitor at her door cartoon

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    Apatheist
    Community Member
    1 hour ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisit1on!

    #50

    Cartoon titled The Emperors New Massage Chair with a naked emperor on a vibrating throne.

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    panther
    Community Member
    43 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Needs more gold decorations on the walls.

    More from this series:
    Previous · Part 2 If You Like An Absurd Sense Of Humor, You Might Like These 21 Cartoons By Mat Barton (New Pics) Previous
    All 3 parts All 3 parts in this series
    1If You Like An Absurd Sense Of Humor, You Might Like These 30 Cartoons By Mat Barton 2If You Like An Absurd Sense Of Humor, You Might Like These 21 Cartoons By Mat Barton (New Pics)
    3 You’re hereThis Paraplegic Artist Delivers More Hilariously Absurd Comics (72 New Pics)