Quitting the Soul-Sucking Job

After years of enduring uninspired meetings, garish design requests, and clients with questionable taste, Inman reaches a breaking point. The daily grind of creating websites for others, often at the expense of his own sanity and creativity, becomes unbearable. This pivotal decision to quit is not just about leaving a job, but about reclaiming his creative spirit and mental health. It sets the stage for a radical career shift, one that will allow him to channel his frustrations and observations into something uniquely his own. The leap into the unknown is both terrifying and liberating, marking the true beginning of The Oatmeal.

Birth of The Oatmeal

Free from the constraints of client work, Inman launches The Oatmeal, a website dedicated to his original comics. The site quickly becomes a digital playground for his offbeat humor, irreverent observations, and distinctive art style. The Oatmeal is not just a brand, but a persona—an unfiltered, exaggerated version of Inman's own voice. The site's rapid popularity signals that there is a hungry audience for his blend of absurdity, satire, and honesty. This chapter is about the joy and risk of starting over, and the thrill of finding an audience that appreciates your weirdness.

Webcomics Take Center Stage

Inman pours his energy into crafting comics that are both hilarious and relatable. The webcomic format allows for quick, punchy storytelling, perfect for the internet's short attention span. Each comic is a self-contained burst of humor, often riffing on everyday annoyances, bizarre facts, or surreal scenarios. The Oatmeal's success demonstrates the power of webcomics to reach a global audience, bypassing traditional publishing gatekeepers. This chapter highlights the democratization of humor and the rise of the independent creator in the digital age.

Dolphins and Their Punchable Faces

The titular comic, "5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth," exemplifies Inman's approach: take something beloved and subvert it with absurd logic. The reasons are intentionally ridiculous, poking fun at both dolphins and the human tendency to idolize animals. This chapter is a masterclass in comedic escalation, using hyperbole and unexpected twists to keep readers laughing—and slightly uncomfortable. It's a reminder that nothing is sacred in the world of The Oatmeal, and that humor can be found in the most unexpected places.

The Art of Offending

Inman's comics are designed to entertain, inform, and offend—sometimes all at once. He delights in crossing lines, whether it's with crude jokes, taboo topics, or gleeful irreverence. The goal is not just to shock, but to challenge readers' assumptions and make them question why certain things are considered off-limits. This chapter explores the fine line between humor and offense, and the role of the comedian as both entertainer and provocateur.

Gorillas, Poop, and Prostitution

The Oatmeal's comics are filled with bizarre scenarios: gorillas in unexpected situations, jokes about bodily functions, and tongue-in-cheek takes on taboo subjects like prostitution. These topics are handled with a mix of childish glee and sharp wit, turning the grotesque into the hilarious. Inman's willingness to embrace the absurd is a key part of his appeal, inviting readers to laugh at things they might otherwise find uncomfortable or inappropriate.

Chainsaws and Man Nipples

The comics often feature exaggerated violence (chainsaws) and surreal body humor (man nipples), pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable in a comic strip. These elements are not just for shock value—they're a commentary on the over-the-top nature of internet humor and the ways in which visual absurdity can amplify a joke. This chapter celebrates the cartoonist's ability to turn the grotesque into the delightful.

Dinosaurs on a Bender

One of The Oatmeal's most memorable creations is a dinosaur with a substance abuse problem, a character that embodies the book's blend of dark humor and empathy. The dinosaur's antics are both hilarious and tragic, a reflection of the human tendency to self-destruct in pursuit of pleasure. This chapter uses the dinosaur as a metaphor for the excesses and absurdities of modern life, wrapped in a layer of slapstick comedy.

The Anatomy of Internet Fame

As The Oatmeal's comics go viral, Inman finds himself navigating the strange world of internet celebrity. The attention is both exhilarating and overwhelming, bringing fans, critics, and copycats out of the woodwork. This chapter explores the double-edged sword of online fame, from the thrill of recognition to the pressure to constantly produce new content. It's a candid look at the realities of being a creator in the age of social media.

Fans, Haters, and Meteor Wishes

Inman's relationship with his audience is complex—he loves his fans, but isn't afraid to mock or challenge them. Haters are met with humor and, occasionally, with wishes for meteors to strike their crotches. This chapter is about the importance of not taking oneself too seriously, and the value of maintaining a sense of humor in the face of both praise and backlash.

Drawing Humor from Frustration

Many of The Oatmeal's comics are inspired by Inman's own pet peeves and frustrations, from bad grammar to annoying technology. By exaggerating these annoyances, he transforms them into shared experiences that resonate with readers. This chapter highlights the therapeutic power of humor, and the way that laughter can turn irritation into connection.

The Business of Laughter

The success of The Oatmeal leads to book deals, merchandise, and speaking engagements, proving that it's possible to make a living from making people laugh. Inman navigates the challenges of monetizing his work without compromising his creative vision. This chapter is a testament to the power of following your passion, and the rewards that come from taking risks.

Comics as Social Commentary

Beneath the jokes and absurdity, many of The Oatmeal's comics contain sharp observations about human nature, technology, and culture. Inman uses satire to highlight the ridiculousness of modern life, encouraging readers to question their own behaviors and beliefs. This chapter explores the role of the cartoonist as a social critic, and the ways in which humor can be a tool for change.

Navigating Absurdity and Satire

The Oatmeal's comics walk a fine line between pure nonsense and incisive satire. Inman's ability to blend the two is what sets his work apart, allowing him to tackle serious topics without losing his sense of fun. This chapter is about the art of using absurdity to make a point, and the importance of not taking the world too seriously.

The Power of the Ridiculous

The most memorable comics are often the most ridiculous, using exaggeration and surrealism to highlight the absurdity of everyday life. Inman's willingness to go over the top is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to understand the world is to laugh at it. This chapter celebrates the liberating power of the ridiculous.

Finding Freedom in Creativity

By leaving his old job and embracing his own voice, Inman finds a sense of freedom and satisfaction that was missing from his previous career. The Oatmeal becomes not just a job, but a calling—a way to connect with others and make sense of the world. This chapter is about the importance of creative risk-taking and the rewards of authenticity.

The Oatmeal's Unfiltered Voice

Inman's comics are unapologetically himself—crude, honest, and occasionally offensive. This unfiltered approach is what makes The Oatmeal resonate with so many readers, who appreciate the candor and vulnerability behind the jokes. This chapter is about the value of being true to oneself, even when it means alienating some people.

Embracing the Weird and Wonderful

The Oatmeal is a love letter to the weirdos, the misfits, and the outsiders. Inman's comics encourage readers to embrace their own quirks and find joy in the things that make them different. This final chapter is a celebration of the weird and wonderful, and a reminder that laughter is the best way to survive a ridiculous world.

Characters

Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal)

Inman is the driving force behind The Oatmeal, channeling his frustrations, observations, and unique sense of humor into comics that resonate with millions. His journey from disillusioned web designer to celebrated cartoonist is marked by a willingness to take risks and embrace his own weirdness. Inman's humor is both a defense mechanism and a way to connect with others, using laughter to process the absurdities of life. His relationship with his audience is complex—he craves connection but values his independence, and is unafraid to offend in pursuit of honesty.

The Dolphin

The dolphin, as the target of the book's titular comic, represents the way Inman delights in upending conventional wisdom. By making a beloved animal the butt of the joke, he challenges readers to question their assumptions and find humor in the unexpected. The dolphin is less a character than a device, but its presence looms large as a symbol of The Oatmeal's irreverent approach.

The Drug-Addicted Dinosaur

This recurring character is both hilarious and tragic, a creature whose over-the-top antics mirror the excesses of modern life. The dinosaur's struggles are played for laughs, but there's an undercurrent of empathy and recognition—everyone has their own self-destructive tendencies, and sometimes the best way to deal with them is to laugh.

The Gorilla

Gorillas appear in various comics as symbols of brute force and unpredictability. They are often placed in absurd situations, serving as a reminder that life is inherently chaotic and that humor can be found in the most unexpected places.

The Fans

The Oatmeal's fans are a crucial part of the story, providing encouragement, feedback, and a sense of community. They are both the reason for Inman's success and a source of pressure, as their expectations drive him to keep creating.

The Haters

Every creator has detractors, and Inman is no exception. The haters serve as a foil to the fans, challenging Inman to defend his work and stay true to his vision. Their presence is a reminder that not everyone will appreciate your humor, and that's okay.

The Internet

The internet is both the stage and the audience for The Oatmeal's comics, amplifying their reach and shaping their reception. It is a character in its own right, with its own quirks, trends, and dangers.

The Corporate Client

The clients from Inman's web design days represent everything he wanted to escape—uninspired, demanding, and resistant to change. They are a reminder of the importance of creative autonomy.

The Meteor

The meteor, invoked in Inman's wish for it to strike his critics, is a symbol of his irreverent approach to dealing with negativity. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best response to criticism is a well-timed joke.

The Oatmeal Persona

The Oatmeal is more than just Inman—it's a character in its own right, a larger-than-life version of the author that allows him to explore ideas and jokes he might not otherwise express.

Plot Devices

Absurdist Satire

The Oatmeal's comics use absurdity to make serious points about society, human nature, and the internet. By taking ideas to their logical (and illogical) extremes, Inman exposes the ridiculousness of everyday life and encourages readers to laugh at themselves.

Visual Hyperbole

The comics rely heavily on exaggerated visuals—giant man nipples, chainsaw-wielding gorillas, and more—to create a sense of chaos and surprise. This visual style is key to The Oatmeal's appeal, making even the most outlandish jokes feel immediate and visceral.

Meta-Humor

Inman often addresses the reader directly, poking fun at himself, his audience, and the conventions of webcomics. This self-referential style creates a sense of intimacy and complicity, inviting readers to be in on the joke.

Shock Value

The Oatmeal is unafraid to cross lines, using crude jokes and taboo topics to provoke laughter and discomfort. This willingness to offend is not just for shock's sake—it's a way to challenge readers and keep the humor unpredictable.

Internet Virality

The Oatmeal's success is inseparable from the internet, with comics designed to be easily shared and consumed. The viral nature of the content creates a feedback loop, driving both popularity and controversy.

Analysis

Matthew Inman's "5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth and Other Useful Guides" is a celebration of the absurd, a manifesto for anyone who has ever felt stifled by convention or frustrated by the ridiculousness of modern life. Through a blend of sharp satire, visual hyperbole, and unapologetic honesty, Inman turns personal annoyances and cultural quirks into universal jokes, inviting readers to laugh at themselves and the world around them. The book's enduring appeal lies in its willingness to embrace the weird, challenge the sacred, and find humor in the uncomfortable. Inman's journey from corporate drudgery to creative freedom is both inspiring and instructive, a reminder that the best comedy often comes from the darkest places—and that sometimes, the only way to survive a ridiculous world is to laugh at it, loudly and often.

Last updated: May 15, 2025