The sickness here is existential. Zern spends six panels just showing the worm trying to turn a doorknob. Later, the worm boils himself trying to make ramen. His landlord knocks: “You’re dripping through the floorboards again.” The worm replies, “I’m investing in myself.” It’s hilarious and then you realize you are the worm. 5. “Grandma’s Juice” (2015) – The Crown Jewel Premise: An elderly woman brews a weekly “juice” from the contents of her humidifier, toenail clippings, and static electricity. Her grandson is forced to drink it to inherit the house.
Tom Zern isn’t a household name. He’s more like that fever dream you had after eating expired cheese at 2 AM. For decades, Zern has lurked in the grimy corners of alt-weeklies, mini-comics, and punk zines, drawing stuff that makes The Far Side look like a Hallmark card. We’re talking comics that are —not in a "cool" 90s way, but in a deeply, gloriously, physically wrong way. zerns sickest comics
Zern draws the condensation on the bun. The priest’s tiny vestment is stretched over the meat. In panel four, a parishioner whispers, “Forgive me, Father, for I have… relish.” The priest just oozes mustard. It’s sacrilegious, sweaty, and makes you nauseous for reasons you can’t explain. Sick rating: 🤢🤢🤢🤢 2. “Nose Bones” (2001) Premise: A man discovers that his nose contains a tiny, fragile skeleton. He becomes obsessed with showing it to people. The sickness here is existential