The Wasp — 1892 — page 173: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This sequential comic depicts a man (Mr. Meddlert) experiencing increasingly absurd consequences after swallowing a cigar. The narrative progresses through panels showing: 1. Him throwing the cigar from a window 2. Discovering he swallowed it instead 3. Experiencing physical distress and comic mishaps 4. Various indignities including what appears to be regurgitation or bodily chaos The humor relies on slapstick physical comedy and exaggeration typical of 19th-century American satire. The joke appears to mock either careless smoking habits or the man's own foolishness. The "Wasp" was known for humorous, often crude visual gags rather than political commentary, making this likely pure comedic entertainment rather than social satire.