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Are you a fan of single-panel cartoons too? We love this comic format because of its simplicity, humor condensed into one illustration, brief dialogue, and minimalist style. It's quite a challenge to blend all these elements into one and achieve a hilarious outcome. Mat Barton is definitely one of the artists who has mastered the art of creating single-panel comics that make his audience laugh.

Since this is the first time we're showcasing this cartoonist's work, we thought it would be best for the artist to share some insights into his work himself. That's why Bored Panda reached out to Mat and asked him some questions about his cartoons. The artist shared more about the beginning, when he started creating his series: “I've been drawing cartoons since I was a kid. I was obsessed with Calvin and Hobbes and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

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

#1

Dive Into The Whimsical World Of Mat Barton's Comics

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ggus44
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😂😂 I'm always asking myself why AI has problems creating fingers. It can make perfect faces, hair, bodies, but when it comes to fingers... 😂😂

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The cartoonist has also mentioned that some of his works feature signature elements: “A recurring theme or motif in my work is disability and cowboys. I'm a paraplegic and use humor and cartoons as a way of dealing with my own frustrations or pointing out little things I've noticed as a disabled person. I also just really like cowboys.”

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Knitting Panda
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As one of the giant nerds, I like to think using my lucky D20 has some influence.

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We wanted to know how Barton comes up with new ideas for his cartoons, and we learned that: “I develop most of my ideas by talking with my best friend Adam Cooper who’s credited as a co-writer on pretty much everything I do. We talk on the phone several times a week and just try to make each other laugh, and that's how we come up with most of our gags.”

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Der Kommissar
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good thing it wasn't hail, blood, flies, darkness, boils, pestilence of livestock or death of the first-born

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Asked about some influences from the world of comedy and humor, Mat mentioned a few artists: “Some of my cartoon influences are William Steig, George Booth, Jack Ziegler. My favorite author is Charles Portis. Whenever I don’t know what to read next, or need a good laugh, I read Charles Portis.”

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Lotekguy
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If her problem was abandonment issues, this ain't gonna help.

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Lastly, asked what makes a good comic, and what common mistakes artists should avoid, the cartoonist shared with us: “I find unique comics with a fresh point of view to be the most interesting and funny. I like cartoonists who 'draw funny'. I like weird cartoons that look different from most of the stuff out there - which is hard to do - and I struggle with this. I love finding new artists who can do this successfully. A current mistake is not understanding basic perspective. This can really throw a drawing off and distract from the joke. And look at older cartoons too. My last tip is to draw what you think is funny, rather than what might sell to a certain publisher. It will be funnier if it's natural and not forced. Just try and make yourself laugh."

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Just-A-Black-Cat-Lover
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I prefer to suffer in utter silence. I'd much rather not let anyone know because they'd make a big fit about it.

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Danish Susanne
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the thought of a robot having to ask a human about the meaning of self-awareness.

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Mike F
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If those were robins, they have to return to Michigan otherwise nothing would be available to $hit on my car all spring/summer.

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Something to ponder - alcohol (ethanol) is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, as they cannot metabolize it. One might extrapolate that alcohol is similarly toxic to wolves (I imagine there probably have not been any actual scientific studies.) Would, then, a couple of beers be toxic to a werewolf? XD

Kittylover368
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The moon reflects the sun so vampires can’t exist and werewolves are always here

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Danish Susanne
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pity the company that printed their t-shirts must have printed thousands.

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#22

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what happens when you don't thank Alexa daily! XD (I thank mine and ask her how she is feeling. Then again, I'm weird.)

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Danish Susanne
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In fact some cats don't mind water at all. We had a Persian who liked sleeping in the kitchen sink. At first I thought that he would vacate it at once when I turned on the water, but he didn't. Actually he might ask for a bath sometimes.

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#29

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My biggest regret is that I rocked down to Electic Avenue, but never took it higher. It haunts me.

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Lotekguy
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But if you do that you'll have succeeded at reaching your goal, thus still being a victim of THAT success, and therefore a failure.

#38

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I admit there have been times when I've been reading books on my Kindle app and I've thought "Oh man, I don't want random passersby to think that I'm on TikTok or something!!" XD just smol social anxiety things.

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#50

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Bec
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

IT and Children of the Corn, Stephen King mashup

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Danish Susanne
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I think of it he was finished on the seventh day, that is on earth but maybe he went to create another planet somewhere.

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#57

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Natty Tempest
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can we fact check that? Is he allowed to say that about his opponent after the charges were dropped?

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Lotekguy
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The beginning of Ann Landers' and Dear Abby's lifelong sibling rivalry.

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Ace
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7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hengist Pod, from Carry on Cleo. Although he'd refined it a bit further with four sides.

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#67

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Khavrinen
Community Member
7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"It's knowing that your door is always open And your path is free to walk That makes me tend to leave my sleeping bag Rolled up and stashed behind your couch"...

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Der Kommissar
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a reference to Geo. H.W. Bush's failed presidential campaign. He told everyone he hated broccoli to make himself look like a regular guy. (It didn't work.)

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Lotekguy
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7 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Design flaw. When it expands to look more menacing, it becomes easier to shoot down.

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
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7 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NGL, I miss my dad, I wouldn't mind a hug and a talk from a Dad For A Minute/surrogate dad ;_;

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