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Life is incredibly complex, and sometimes, the best way to see the light in the tunnel of challenges is through wit.

Adriana Manhattan illustrates various relatable inner thoughts with a dash of self-deprecating humor. As the artist shared herself, her work "is all about baring my soul and embracing honesty. I draw inspiration from everyday life, finding humor in the overlap of those struggling, awkward, and truthful moments of life. Where vulnerability and reality meet, there’s always something relatable, and often hilarious, to uncover."

Scroll down below to see if any of these illustrations resonate with you too!

More info: Instagram | ko-fi.com

#1

Cartoon illustrating real-life irony: a person resolves to eat healthy but is tempted by popcorn.

adrianamanhattan Report

Shinobu
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate sweet popcorn like Yuck

In an interview with Bored Panda, Adriana shared what has changed since we were last in contact with her.

“A lot has changed, but the biggest milestone was finally completing my PhD thesis. It’s been a long, grueling journey filled with dedication and an absurd number of words! Now that it’s behind me, I feel like I finally have the freedom to let my creativity flow and dive into new projects. It’s like an exciting new chapter—pun absolutely intended!” wrote Adriana.

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    #2

    Illustrated irony: speech bubble asks, "Is it a good time to talk?" with reply, "No :(" in a smaller bubble.

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

    The "we" part of "we need to talk " is rarely accurate... unless they're using the royal "we".

    #3

    PhD standing on person, illustrating irony and pressure in academia.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What they often mean is, "Is this a good time for you to listen?"

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    We were wondering what a typical day’s like for her when she’s working on a new comic.

    Adriana responded: “For me, every comic begins with writing. Crafting a good joke is like searching for a good balance of wit, humor, and genuine connection. As I write, I can imagine the characters’ faces, gestures, and speech bubbles coming to life, even before sketching. Then I start to sketch, paired with a cup of coffee and some good tunes. So, it’s a fluid process where words and lines come together, transforming an idea into a simple figure that somehow manages to express everything I want to say.”

    #4

    Illustration of abstract figures made from scribbles, portraying communication and irony in life issues.

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    Slapdash1
    Community Member
    12 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Jesus, Adriana, at least pretend to draw

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    #5

    Illustration of a bird singing with irony; others don't hear it, highlighting real-life ironies.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Making yourself quietly happy is allowed nearly everywhere

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    Adriana also shared whether she has ever scrapped an idea after starting working on it.

    The artist wrote: “There are times I hesitate to share an idea because it feels too personal, like an inside joke only I would get. And honestly, some of my published comics feel that way too! But those quirky, deeply personal comics are part of my storytelling, and I think they add a unique layer to my work.”

    #6

    Comic illustration of speech bubbles depicting real-life irony about anger and intensity.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Though there will come a time when you can put away your anger and walk free of it

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    When it comes to a reader's response that really made an impact, Adriana shared: “I once received a message from a reader who was going through a tough breakup. She told me she took breaks from work to check my comics and unwind. It made me realize that I don’t just connect with people through my story but also through theirs—the shared pain, struggles, and feelings we all experience. It was a beautiful feeling to know that my work could offer comfort to others, inspiring me to keep creating and sharing.”

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    #8

    Cartoon character excitedly shares irony of getting a smile, highlighted on Unrequited Love TV.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    #9

    Cartoon cactus with text irony, "My heart is a delicate flower... F*ck off!" Illustrating real-life issues.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Lastly, Adriana added: “If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to begin your creative journey, consider this your sign. Start now. The beauty of storytelling lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy tools or perfect conditions. A pen, a piece of paper, and your unique voice are enough. Sometimes the simplest tools are the most powerful.”

    #10

    Comic illustrating irony of wanting a dog years ago and now wanting a man, with "dog" crossed out humorously.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Housetraining some men takes longer than a dog would need

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    #12

    Comic-style illustration depicting real-life ironies with phrases like "high maintenance," "grad school," and "dating apps."

    adrianamanhattan Report

    #14

    Cartoon characters discuss real-life ironies, highlighting misunderstandings in relationships with humorous dialogue bubbles.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's *her* life; to make *her* mistakes in; and learn from them. And, maybe she sees more in him than you do, because there's more to be seen?

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    #15

    Cartoon illustrating irony with one character expressing confusion over causing misery.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone would benefit from a mirror, to see themselves in action, and a wall, to hear the echoes of their own voice (and to hang th4e mirror on)

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    #16

    Illustration of a phone and person discussing dating apps with ironic humor.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    #17

    Comic of cats humorously debating between cat and dog preferences.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Be kind - nobody asked to be born a dog

    #18

    Cartoon illustrating a humorous and ironic sleep cycle with anxious pillow expressions.

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    robecca leyden
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same. Then anxious x10 when the birds start chirping

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    #19

    Cartoon illustrating real-life ironies, featuring two characters discussing wanting to be left alone.

    adrianamanhattan Report

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    #20

    Illustration of a smiling sweet potato with speech bubbles, addressing real-life ironies and issues humorously.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    With that figure he's maybe both?

    #21

    Comic illustrating ironic conversation between a phone and a showerhead, highlighting real-life issues.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    #22

    Flowchart illustrating real-life ironies by artist Adriana, focusing on civility in different seating scenarios.

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    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And, strangely, you often get back the attitude you radiate

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    #23

    Comic illustration highlighting real-life irony with two characters discussing who farted.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Corvus
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I the only one who sees a pair of testicles here? :D

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    #25

    Cartoon illustrating irony with a Santa character saying "Ho ho ho!" and another character responding "Oh no!".

    adrianamanhattan Report

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    #26

    Illustration showing real-life irony with two characters discussing post-breakup friendship.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Different expectations, maybe ?

    #27

    Cartoon illustrating real-life ironies with three characters showing dating options: multi-dating, casual s*x, and loneliness.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are theses options, or the thoughts of the same guy at different times?

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    #28

    Comic strip illustrating irony with characters discussing intelligence and anxiety.

    adrianamanhattan Report

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    #29

    Comic illustration showing real-life irony with two characters, one complimenting and the other seeming indifferent.

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    Kitty 🥀
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gentlemen, take heed. Sometimes it’s best to just not say anything at all. Don’t engage. Don’t confuse her, get her hopes up, and dash them. (This goes for us ladies, too, by the way! It’s great to have guy friends, but don’t say flirty things to get their hopes up.)

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    #31

    Comic illustration showing irony: one character asks, "Who is more beautiful, me or Rihanna?" The response is humorously "You."

    adrianamanhattan Report

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

    Always the right answer... unless Rihanna is in the room with you.

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    #33

    Illustration of characters humorously discussing an ironic question, highlighting real-life issues.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To understand we must first listen; and then think

    #34

    Cartoon illustrating irony: "You vs. the guy she told you not to worry about," with two cartoon characters.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good hair does not always mean good personality

    #35

    Two friends humorously discuss dating, illustrating real-life ironies and issues.

    adrianamanhattan Report

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    #36

    Illustration of a smiling character, arms wide, with ironic text about life's unpredictability by an artist.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Pandamonium Pandas Pandie
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *gets a call* "Sorry, we're heading in a new direction. ur fired."

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    #37

    Cartoon coffee cup and glass of ice illustrate real-life irony with humorous dialogue about boiling and drama.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    #38

    Comic illustration of two characters discussing ruin with irony; one says "Next?" after ruining something.

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    #39

    Illustration of a humorous conversation about video calling, reflecting real-life ironies.

    adrianamanhattan Report

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    #40

    Illustration of internet irony showing resilience against negative comments, with cartoon characters and positive affirmations.

    adrianamanhattan Report

    Andrew Keir
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ... and I'm using you to say this !

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