Missing Person Cartoon

Below is one of my cartoons that was originally printed in The Sun newspaper on 15th June, 2001. It is set in a police station, where a woman is speaking to an officer at a desk marked “MISSING PERSONS”. 

She explains: “It’s not that he’s missing which bothers me – it’s the fact he can’t see how happy it’s made me.”

The humour comes from the sudden twist in her words. Instead of expressing worry or concern, she reveals that her partner’s absence has actually brought her relief and happiness. 

That unexpected reversal is what gives the cartoon its comic punch.

The gag works because it takes a situation that’s usually treated very seriously and flips it upside down with an irreverent remark. 

It plays on the idea of strained relationships, where one person might secretly enjoy a break from the other, but exaggerates it in a way that’s sharp, cheeky and instantly funny. 

It’s this clash between official seriousness and private humour that makes the cartoon memorable.

Thanks for visiting my cartoon page! For another dose of humour, check out “Driving Lessons” or “Loose Chippings – Not Seen as a Warning”.

The Weakest Link Cartoon – Taking Things a Bit Too Literally!

This cartoon of mine, published in The Sun on April 19th, 2001, takes a darkly funny look at the famous television quiz show The Weakest Link. 

It shows the aftermath of a chaotic moment in the studio, with host Anne Robinson and several contestants lying unconscious on the floor. 

A detective and police officer stand over the scene, trying to make sense of what has happened. 

A member of the audience is giving an account of what has happened via the caption, "..and then this REALLY rude woman said "you are the weakest link - goodbye", and it all kicked off!"

The joke centres on one contestant who has clearly taken Anne’s catchphrase – “You are the weakest link… goodbye!” – rather too literally. Instead of simply leaving the game, it seems they decided to make a rather dramatic exit for everyone else as well! 

It’s a playful exaggeration of how seriously some people take losing on television, turning a familiar phrase from light entertainment into a crime scene gag.

This black and white cartoon captures that mix of satire and slapstick that often runs through my work, drawing humour from familiar TV moments and twisting them in unexpected ways. 

It’s one of those ideas that came from thinking, “What if someone actually did take that phrase literally?” – and the result is a visual punchline that fans of British television will instantly recognise.

For more light-hearted moments, take a look at “Dog Playing Computer Games” or the classic “Living Life to the Full – One of My Relate Gags”.

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You can see more of my cartoons, covering everyday humour, at www.nigelsutherland.co.uk.

Giving His Wife's Mouth a Rest

One of my cartoons, from 8th February 2001, published in The Sun, shows a domestic scene with a man and a woman. 

The man is standing, holding a jacket, while the woman is seated in an armchair. 

He tells her he is going to the pub “to give your mouth a rest, my love,” implying she talks a lot. The humour comes from the playful exaggeration of everyday domestic life, turning a common stereotype into a witty one-line gag.

The cartoon works because it relies on timing and relatability. Many readers instantly recognise the dynamic of light-hearted bickering between couples, and the man’s cheeky excuse to escape creates an amusing contrast with the domestic setting. 

It’s a simple, single-panel joke that lands immediately and brings a smile by highlighting human nature in a humorous way.

Dog at Computer Playing Computer Games

One of my cartoons that appeared in The Sun on 5th February 1999. 

It shows a husband and wife watching their pet dog, who is sitting at a computer playing a game. The husband comments: “I can remember when he was quite happy chasing a stick.” 

This item is available from my Zazzle Store >>

The cartoon works by contrasting the timeless image of a dog enjoying a simple outdoor game with the modern, slightly absurd idea of the same pet absorbed in technology. 

It’s the kind of quick gag that captures both how times change and how we sometimes project human habits onto our pets.

The humour also lies in its relatability – many people look back fondly on simpler pastimes and feel amused or bemused by the march of new technology. 

Seeing a dog make the same leap from chasing sticks to playing computer games underlines just how far things have shifted, but in a playful, light-hearted way. 

It’s a visual joke that makes readers smile almost instantly, thanks to the clear set-up and clever punchline.

Spider Displays a Notice to a Fly that Reads "Visit My Website"

One of my cartoons features a spider holding up a placard to a fly that reads: “Please visit my website”. 

It was printed in the Daily Star (UK) on October 6th, 1998. The humour comes from the clever visual pun – spiders naturally catch flies in their webs, so turning that into a modern joke about a website makes it immediately funny. 

The juxtaposition of a spider’s predatory instinct with a human-like appeal to online visitors is a simple but effective gag that resonates with readers. 

This cartoon is ideal for print on cards or merchandise, offering a playful nod to both internet culture and classic visual humour.

Buy this item online from my Zazzle Store >>

Firework Display

Another cartoon shows a wife, dressed to go out, about to take her children to a firework display, while her husband lounges in an armchair. 

He explains that he’s just watched Prime Minister’s Questions and isn’t up for another “firework-display”. This cartoon was published in Eyebrow Magazine. 

The gag works by cleverly linking the literal fireworks with the figurative “fireworks” of politics, and the contrast between the husband’s indifference and the family’s excitement makes it relatable and humorous. 

It’s a type of domestic comedy that readers immediately understand and enjoy.

Does My Posterior...?

One of my cartoons is set in the office of a thesaurus compiler. 

A female staff member asks a male colleague, “Does my posterior appear oversized in this?”. 

It was printed in The Sun (UK) on April 16th 2001. The gag works because it cleverly replaces the familiar question “Does my bum look big in this?” with alternative, formal words, just as you might find in a thesaurus. 

The contrast between the everyday self-conscious concern and the office full of synonyms makes it instantly funny. 

It’s a witty play on language that appeals to anyone who enjoys clever wordplay and workplace humour.

"Bank!" – A Wedding Cartoon Inspired by The Weakest Link

I did a few Weakest Link cartoons, several of which got in The Sun over the years. 

I wonder if Ann Robinson ever saw them?

This black-and-white cartoon appeared in The Sun on May 5th, 2006 and takes a playful swipe at one of Britain’s most memorable television game shows – The Weakest Link. 

Set at a wedding ceremony, it shows a vicar addressing the groom, Mr. Smith, who has just said something rather unexpected at the altar. Instead of the traditional vows, the groom blurts out “Bank” – a word that fans of the show will instantly recognise. 

It’s a crossover between the tension of a quiz show and the solemnity of a marriage ceremony, all wrapped up in one comic moment.

For those who may not remember, The Weakest Link first aired on BBC Two in 2000, hosted by the sharp-tongued Anne Robinson. 

Contestants competed in rounds of general knowledge questions, where teamwork was crucial – but so was strategy. 

Saying “Bank” allowed them to secure the prize money they had built up so far, before risking it on the next question. 

The phrase became part of British pop culture, along with Anne Robinson’s trademark catchphrase, “You are the weakest link – goodbye.”

In this cartoon, the humour lies in the groom’s instinctive use of that famous game-show word at the most inappropriate moment. It’s as if he’s treating his wedding vows like a quiz round, hoping to “bank” his winnings before moving on. 

The vicar’s expression – perhaps one of mild disbelief or gentle correction – completes the joke perfectly. It’s a clever little mash-up of everyday British life, pop culture, and the rituals we all take so seriously.

Like many of the best single-panel cartoons, this one relies on a single, simple misunderstanding to spark laughter. 

Anyone familiar with The Weakest Link will instantly get the reference, and even those who aren’t will recognise the comic absurdity of bringing game-show lingo into a wedding ceremony. 

It’s a reminder of how television catchphrases often find their way into real life – sometimes at the most unexpected times.

This cartoon captures that quintessentially British sense of humour – dry, understated, and rooted in shared cultural moments. 

Whether you’re a long-time fan of The Weakest Link or just someone who enjoys a good visual pun, it’s an image that’s bound to raise a smile.

Thanks for stopping by! You might also enjoy “Hate Tattoos” or the mischievous “Helpline”. There’s plenty more where this came from!