Category: Cartoon Caption Contests

Winner of Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 217

“I’m sorry, madam, you’ve misread our terms — it’s guaranteed  for 99 days, not years.”

(by Ken Wilkinson)

 

My original caption: “It seems to me that this item has reached the point of no return.”

 

Congratulations on your sixth victory, Ken Wilkinson! Your first win was in Contest No. 118, back in 2017 (Wow! This contest has been going on for ages, hasn’t it?) Be that as it may, you can once again rest assured that you are currently one of the funniest people in the whole world (Mr. Wilkinson’s captions come all the way from the mother country, the United Kingdom).

Here are the other captions that I was seriously considering:

“I’m sure this worked in 1942 when you first purchased it.” (by Michael Lomazow)

“The use of hot water in this coffee/tea pot voids the warranty.” (by Lee Lacewell)

“That’s not a dash, it’s a minus sign. You may return this item but we have to subtract your refund.” (by Joe Ayella)

“That sign isn’t big enough for our third ‘R’: Restocking Fee.” (also by Joe Ayella)

“I’m sorry, but if you break it, you take it.” (by Diane Weisman)

“May I ask why it’s filled with ashes, madam?” (by Pat Foley)

“Please let me know if the next one you purchase is any better.” (by Scott Malcolm)

“I’m afraid, madam, no amount of rubbing will help — the Genie has retired.” (also by Ken Wilkinson)

 

Look for Contest No. 218 in just a little over a fortnight, Captioneers, and thanks for participating.

 

See Comments and Add Your Own

Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 217

Contest No. 217 starts right now.

Here are the details: I’ll supply a drawing of one of my old cartoons that has never been published, leaving off my caption. You are invited to supply your funniest captions. To enter, simply (1) click on “See Comments and Add Your Own”. Then (2) scroll down past any other submitted captions and type your name and your caption in the spaces provided. Then (3) click “Save”. There is no charge to submit captions, and the only prize is the honor of being one of the funniest people around.

Your caption (or captions) will be posted after I review your submission. However, no captions at all will be posted for the first few days of each contest. This will give everybody a chance to submit their spontaneous, gut-instinct caption without fear of discovering that it was ripped off by somebody else’s similar spontaneous, gut-instinct caption. Every posted caption has a notation as to the date and time it was received. This is an equal opportunity contest!

There is no limit on the number of captions you may enter for each drawing, but I will only post and consider the first 15 captions from any contestant. Entries will be accepted and posted for one week, after which a winner will be announced and the winning caption will be printed. Below that I will also reveal my original caption. I am the sole judge and the winning caption will be the one I deem to be the funniest one submitted (not necessarily the one that matches or comes closest to my original caption).

The cut-off time and date for you to send in your captions is midnight Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Below is the drawing that needs your funny captions. This is another very old drawing of mine, probably going back more than 60 years. One way you can tell its age is by noticing that I finished it off mostly by using a brush, instead of a pen. I hope you can improve on my old original caption, which you will be able to see in a week’s time. Good luck, Captioneers!

See Comments and Add Your Own

Winner of Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 216

“It’s been tough, but at least I’ll get to return to my job at Blockbuster when I get out!”

(by abstract)

 

My original caption: “It was a clear case of police entrapment. The good cop was actually bad and the bad cop was actually good.”

 

Congratulations, abstract, on this, your first victory! You are now in that exclusive club of Captioneers who have earned the title of “one of the funniest people around”. Shout it from the rooftops and enjoy the (abstract) limelight!

Here are the other captions that were under serious consideration:

“So you see, it’s all about just being in the wrong place at the wrong time and with the wrong people when you’re recorded on a camera.” (by Brendan F Gannon)

“We’re having a Hats Off at 7:00 — be there.” (by Rich Wolf)

“I’m studying law in here but it’s going to take a while. So in the meantime, why don’t you study excavation?” (by Joe Ayella)

“Yes I absolutely know where I see myself in 10 years!” (by Lee Lacewell)

“What do you want to do today, what do you want to do today, what do you want to do today?” (by Diane Weisman)

“I got thirty years for littering. My wife was the judge.” (by Ken Wilkinson)

“I’m going to be on the TV show, The Bachelor. Apparently, they are taking the show in a different direction.” (by Michael Lomazow)

“Think about it this way, we can dig out tonight or stick around for Pizza Friday.” (by Jennifer Lawson)

 

Contest No. 217 will be posted in just a few weeks. Thanks for participating, Captioneers!

See Comments and Add Your Own

Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 216

Contest No. 216 starts right now.

Here are the details: I’ll supply a drawing of one of my old cartoons that has never been published, leaving off my caption. You are invited to supply your funniest captions. To enter, simply (1) click on “See Comments and Add Your Own”. Then (2) scroll down past any other submitted captions and type in your name and your caption in the spaces provided. Then (3) click “Save”. There is no charge to submit captions, and the only prize is the honor of being one of the funniest people around.

Your caption (or captions) will be posted after I review your submission. However, no captions at all will be posted for the first few days of each contest. This will give everybody a chance to submit their spontaneous, gut-instinct caption without fear of discovering that it was ripped off by somebody else’s similar spontaneous, gut-instinct caption. Every posted caption has a notation as to the date and time it was received. This is an equal opportunity contest!

There is no limit on the number of captions you may enter for each drawing, but I will only post and consider the first 15 captions from any contestant. Entries will be accepted and posted for one week, after which a winner will be announced and the winning caption will be printed. Below that I will also reveal my original caption. I am the sole judge and the winning caption will be the one I deem to be the funniest one submitted (not necessarily the one that matches or comes closest to my original caption).

The cut-off time and date for you to send in your captions is midnight Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

Below is the drawing that needs your funny captions. Good luck, Captioneers!

See Comments and Add Your Own

Winner of Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 215

“My boy, our generous benefits package includes free housing and meals for the first 18 years.”

(by Joe Ayella)

 

My original caption: “Cute. Where’s his resume?”

 

Congratulations, Joe Ayella, on your second victory. Since you just won Contest No. 214, that makes two victories in a row. Are you trying for an Olympic Gold Medal here? Only time will tell. Anyway, you are once again one of the funniest people around and you have earned the right to shout it to the world.

Here are the other captions that were in serious contention:

“Let’s maximize your potential!” (by Kelly)

“I say he’s a keeper — let’s skip the probationary period altogether.” (also by Joe Ayella)

“You’re hired!” (by Rich Wolf)

“Where do you see yourself ten years from now?” (by Lee Lacewell)

“It won’t be long before she is telling me the courses I need and the experience required to be a better father.” (by Scott Malcolm)

“Sleeping on the job already? Not a problem.” (also by Joe Ayella)

“I’m a bit concerned that you only have nine months of verifiable previous existence!” (also by Lee Lacewell)

“He can have parking spot #6.” (by Michael Lomazow)

“Yours was a difficult and painful delivery but I think I’ll pull through.” (by Simon Healeas)  No connection here to the “PERSONNEL MANAGER” banner, Simon, but the caption brought a smile to my face.

 

Contest No. 216 will be posted in a little more than a fortnight, Captioneers, so keep your pen, paper and computer handy. Thanks for participating!

See Comments and Add Your Own

Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 215

Contest No. 215 starts right now.

Here are the details: I’ll supply a drawing of one of my old cartoons that has never been published, leaving off my caption. You are invited to supply your funniest captions. To enter, simply (1) click on “See Comments and Add Your Own”. Then (2) scroll down past any other submitted captions and type in your name and your caption in the spaces provided. Then (3) click “Save”. There is no charge to submit captions, and the only prize is the honor of being one of the funniest people around.

Your caption (or captions) will be posted after I review your submission. However, no captions at all will be posted for the first few days of each contest. This will give everybody a chance to submit their spontaneous, gut-instinct caption without fear of discovering that it was ripped off by somebody else’s similar spontaneous, gut-instinct caption. Every posted caption has a notation as to the date and time it was received. This is an equal opportunity contest!

There is no limit on the number of captions you may enter for each drawing, but I will only post and consider the first 15 captions from any contestant. Entries will be accepted and posted for one week, after which a winner will be announced and the winning caption will be printed. Below that I will also reveal my original caption. I am the sole judge and the winning caption will be the one I deem to be the funniest one submitted (not necessarily the one that matches or comes closest to my original caption).

The cut-off time and date for you to send in your captions is midnight Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Below is the drawing that needs your funny captions. Good luck, Captioneers!

See Comments and Add Your Own

Winner of Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 214

“Since I’m being home-schooled, I thought you would’ve seen this coming.”

(by Joe Ayella)

 

My original caption: “I have a teacher who does not suffer fools gladly.”

 

Congrats, Joe Ayella, on your first victory here! You now have the distinction of being one of the funniest people around, with all the bragging rights that go along with it. Keep up the good work!

Here are the other captions that were in the running:

“My only excuse is that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” (by Diane Weisman)

“Look at it this way. My chances of improving next year are almost one hundred percent!” (by Brendan F. Gannon)

“With A.I. the need to memorize facts and figures is futile. I may have an F in math but I’m mining Bitcoin in my room. Check your Paypal account.” (by TK). This would have been a better caption, TK, if you had just deleted the first sentence — it’s not necessary.

“If only the dog had stopped eating my homework.” (by Kelly)

“That’s actually my report on your performance as parents this semester. Please try harder.” (also by Joe Ayella)

“You both got failing grades on Dessert and Allowance.” (by Scott Malcolm)

 

Btw, for the three of you Captioneers who name-dropped A.I. and ChatGPT in your entries, I feel it’s a little too early to introduce those terms into a gag cartoon. Wait for the world to get more familiar with the technology, and then you can start making fun of it all you want. A.I. and ChatGPT may be appropriate to reference in an editorial or a political cartoon right now, but I don’t think it’s ripe material yet for a “general humor” gag cartoon.

Contest No 215 will be showing up in these spaces before you know it, Captioneers. Be on the lookout for it and thanks for participating!

See Comments and Add Your Own

Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 214

Contest No. 214 starts right now.

Here are the details: I’ll supply a drawing of one of my old cartoons that has never been published, leaving off my caption. You are invited to supply your funniest captions. To enter, simply (1) click on “See Comments and Add Your Own”. Then (2) scroll down past any other submitted captions and type in your name and your caption in the spaces provided. Then (3) click “Save”. There is no charge to submit captions, and the only prize is the honor of being one of the funniest people around.

Your caption (or captions) will be posted after I review your submission. However, no captions at all will be posted for the first few days of each contest. This will give everybody a chance to submit their spontaneous, gut-instinct caption without fear of discovering that it was ripped off by somebody else’s similar spontaneous, gut-instinct caption. Every posted caption has a notation as to the date and time it was received. This is an equal opportunity contest!

There is no limit on the number of captions you may enter for each drawing, but I will only post and consider the first 15 captions from any contestant. Entries will be accepted and posted for one week, after which a winner will be announced and the winning caption will be printed. Below that I will also reveal my original caption. I am the sole judge and the winning caption will be the one I deem to be the funniest one submitted (not necessarily the one that matches or comes closest to my original caption).

The cut-off time and date for you to send in your captions is midnight Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

Below is the drawing that needs your funny captions. Good luck, Captioneers!

See Comments and Add Your Own

Winner of Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 213

“I don’t see how we could have been found guilty, your honor. We just brought in the sandwiches.”

(by Gayden Wren)

 

My original caption: “Your honor, my client has jail time issues.”

 

Congratulations, Gayden Wren! This is your fourth win, and once again you can exercise the bragging rights that go along with the victory — you are indeed one of the funniest people around.

Here are the other captions that I was seriously considering for top honors:

“Not guilty, Your Honor, because of a loophole to be named later.” (by Joe Ayella)

“Deep down, aren’t we all guilty of something?” (also by Joe Ayella)

“Fox News has already decided the outcome. Does that mean we’re done?” (by Meg)

“Your Honour, could we delay the case — my wife has run off with my toupee.” (by Ken Wilkinson)

“My client gets the feeling that you are looking down on him.” (by Pat Foley)

“My client knows he has the right to represent himself and hereby requests a three year continuance to attend law school.” (by Michael Lomazow)

“My client says that his dog ate the exculpatory evidence.” (by Kelly)

 

I’ll be announcing Contest No. 214 in just a few short weeks, so be on the lookout for it. Thanks for participating, Captioneers!

See Comments and Add Your Own

Eli’s Cartoon Caption Contest No. 213

Contest No. 213 starts right now.

Here are the details: I’ll supply a drawing of one of my old cartoons that has never been published, leaving off my caption. You are invited to supply your funniest captions. To enter, simply (1) click on “See Comments and Add Your Own”. Then (2) scroll down past any other submitted captions and type in your name and your caption in the spaces provided. Then (3) click “Save”. There is no charge to submit captions, and the only prize is the honor of being one of the funniest people around.

Your caption (or captions) will be posted after I review your submission. However, no captions at all will be posted for the first few days of each contest. This will give everybody a chance to submit their spontaneous, gut-instinct caption without fear of discovering that it was ripped off by somebody else’s similar spontaneous, gut-instinct caption. Every posted caption has a notation as to the date and time it was received. This is an equal opportunity contest!

There is no limit on the number of captions you may enter for each drawing, but I will only post and consider the first 15 captions from any contestant. Entries will be accepted and posted for one week, after which a winner will be announced and the winning caption will be printed. Below that I will also reveal my original caption. I am the sole judge and the winning caption will be the one I deem to be the funniest one submitted (not necessarily the one that matches or comes closest to my original caption).

The cut-off time and date for you to send in your captions is midnight Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Below is the drawing that needs your funny captions. Good luck, Captioneers!

See Comments and Add Your Own

Foreword

Welcome to the Eli Stein Cartoon archive. To begin, read my introduction and personal notes, and then please look at the cartoons, which are categorized by either decade, publication name or topic. I’ve included some personal comments, memories and photos below many of the cartoons. I’ll be adding cartoons, memories and photos ad infinitum. Remember, your comments are appreciated (just click on the “comment” link at the bottom of each post).
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