40 Comics You Can Feel Smart For Understanding From New Yorker Cartoonist Ellen Liebenthal

I’ve always loved single-panel comics, but there’s something about New Yorker cartoons that hits a little differently.

They’ve got that perfect mix of clever, subtle, and just a touch absurd, where getting the joke feels like a tiny personal victory. Like, look at me, understanding sophisticated humor.

That’s exactly why I enjoy the work of Ellen Liebenthal. Her comics have that sharp, understated wit that rewards you for paying attention, and when the punchline clicks, it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s smart humor without trying too hard, which honestly makes it even funnier.

If you like comics that make you laugh and feel a little more intelligent in the process, these are right up your alley.

More from Ellen: Instagram

1.

Ellen Liebenthal

2.

Ellen Liebenthal

3.

Ellen Liebenthal

4.

Ellen Liebenthal

5.

Ellen Liebenthal

6.

Ellen Liebenthal

7.

Ellen Liebenthal

8.

Ellen Liebenthal

9.

Ellen Liebenthal

10.

Ellen Liebenthal

11.

Ellen Liebenthal

12.

Ellen Liebenthal

13.

Ellen Liebenthal

14.

Ellen Liebenthal

15.

Ellen Liebenthal

16.

Ellen Liebenthal

17.

Ellen Liebenthal

18.

Ellen Liebenthal

19.

Ellen Liebenthal

20.

Ellen Liebenthal

21.

Ellen Liebenthal

22.

Ellen Liebenthal

23.

Ellen Liebenthal

24.

Ellen Liebenthal

25.

Ellen Liebenthal

26.

Ellen Liebenthal

27.

Ellen Liebenthal

28.

Ellen Liebenthal

29.

Ellen Liebenthal

30.

Ellen Liebenthal

31.

Ellen Liebenthal

32.

Ellen Liebenthal

33.

Ellen Liebenthal

34.

Ellen Liebenthal

35.

Ellen Liebenthal

36.

Ellen Liebenthal

37.

Ellen Liebenthal

38.

Ellen Liebenthal

39.

Ellen Liebenthal

40.

Ellen Liebenthal