Movies News Talk
The Far Side's author was more focused in discussing the main instrument of his trade than in the phases of his approach.
Gary Larson claims that "what kind of pen you use?" is, indeed, the "single-most penetrating and important question to ask any cartoonist." Larson said this in his typically tongue-in-cheek manner, but it speaks to the artist's more general readiness to interact with the empirical components of his work, rather than the more intangible elements. Regarding how he came up with ideas for The Far Side, he had no clear response. Once he had an idea, how long it take to recognize that notion, at least, was something Larson felt he could talk to, at least somewhat?
Larson's observation, in a sense, suggests the slow slide of American respect for art – or, at least, for the idea that not all art needs to be created on a clearly measurable schedule.
Though he delved deeply in The Complete Far Side Volume Two, debating what he considered to be "the second-most asked question" he encountered in his career, Gary Larson finally couldn't offer a definitive response. Rather, he scribbled:
Gary Larson flourished as a writer just because he came to accept the boundaries of his own knowledge of his own technique. For everyone trying to realize their artistic ability, this is an amazing lesson.
After dissecting the issue over several pages in The Complete Far Side Volume Two, Gary Larson concluded up back where he started, writing:
Gary Larson, the author of The Far Side, hated many of the typical questions his audience asked him, but one question he always wanted to get went unasked. The creative process behind the legendary cartoon, which Larson called "that invisible beast," still intrigues me now as much as the hundreds of Cartoons generated during The Far Side's fifteen years of publishing.
Larson discussed the questions he did and didn't want to hear from fans as well as digging deeper into the construction of his work to precede one section of The Complete Far Side Volume Two. Although he was horrified that "where do you get your ideas?" was always the most often asked question he encountered, he admits being enthralled by fans asking, "how long does it take you to draw a cartoon?" Still, Larson wanted someone to ask one question, but they never did.
Fans of the far side cannot miss this master set of Gary Larson's best creations. Originally released in hardcover in 2003, this paperback collection comes replete with a newly designed slipcase that will look fantastic on any shelf. Including almost 4,000, plus more than 1,100 that have never before appeared in a book and even those made after Larson retired, the Complete Far Side features every Far Side cartoon ever published.
It's an amazing accomplishment that highlights Larson's very originality. The Comics themselves convey a deft awareness of comedy and artistic sensibility. It is clear why the art appeals so much to supporters.