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Running for an amazing 14 years, Gary Larson's The Far Side constantly delivered its original brand of absurdist humor. The comic's clever wit and surprising turns enthrall readers even now. We have compiled a list of the ten funniest strips from June 1984 to honor the 40th anniversary of the comics first published in that month, so highlighting Larson's trademark approach and ongoing appeal.
A recurring motif in The Far Side, Gary Larson's detective character is the ideal straight man in a world of unusual and sometimes disturbing crimes. His unflinching professionalism and stoic attitude give a grounding element among the craziness, so improving the humor of the events he comes across.
The Far Side's examination of animals—especially their interactions with humans—is among its most noticeable features. By erasing the boundaries between the two species, Larson's comics frequently show animals with human-like traits and motivations, so generating funny situations. This method lets Larson investigate the ridiculousness of human behavior via the prism of animalistic instincts, so producing a singular and relevant comic experience.
The iconic dog comic from The Far Side: a controversial masterpiece
Larson regularly drew comedy from the idea of dogs running after cars. Because of his artistic interpretation, his most controversial comic on this topic—which showed a dog dreaming of catching a car—generated debate. Although the comic aimed to be a whimsical depiction of canine desire, some readers thought it suggested something darker. This episode emphasizes the need of considering several points of view when examining humorous material and the possibility of misreading comedy.
Favorite Comic: A World of Hilarious Surprises by Gary Larson
Noted The Far Side enthusiast Stephen King has complimented Larson's comic book creation of a "hilarious world". King's respect of Larson's original viewpoint is clear from his comment that Larson "sees what I could see if I could have his eyes." This perceptive comment addresses the ability of Larson's humor to provide an interesting and novel viewpoint of the world.
The comic "Slug God" clearly shows Larson's open attitude to unusual subjects, including religion. Larson gently shows in this comic a group of slugs honoring a salt shaker as a holy emblem. Larson's trademark brand of humor, which depends on surprising turns and subversive observations, is shown by this unanticipated juxtaposition of ordinary objects with spiritual themes.
Larson's "Infestation" comic treats children as household pests, offering a funny viewpoint. This lighthearted approach of the interactions between adults and children gives the daily challenges of parenting a layer of irony and humor.
Comics parodying popular nursery rhymes abound on The Far Side. Larson challenges expectations and offers a funny commentary on the essence of storytelling and the continuing power of childhood memories by revealing the hidden darkness and absurdity inside these apparently innocent childhood tales.
One classic instance of Larson's ability to find humor in unlikely locations is the comic with the firing squad commander giving a condemned man a last cigarette. His mastery of comic timing and his talent for spotting the ridiculous in daily events is shown by his ability to combine the somber backdrop of an execution with a goofy gag.
The Far Side's recurring motif of dinosaurs offers Larson's absurdist humor the ideal backdrop. Not immune to Larson's humorous touch even are their ancient bones.
The Loch Ness Dog: A Surreal Interpretive View of Scottish Folklore
Larson's humor embraces the surreal and fanciful rather than the everyday. Larson's ability to create a world of humorous wonder and absurdity is aptly demonstrated in the comic showing a group of visitors in Scotland who come upon the "Loch Ness Dog". Further accentuating the dog's insignificance among the grandeur of the Scottish landscape, the minimalist art style and the framing of the joke highlight this point of view, so strengthening the humor.
Although other recurring motifs like cowboy and clowns sometimes take front stage, pirates have a particular place in The Far Side. Larson's depiction of these seafarers frequently veers into the ridiculousness of their exploits, providing a funny viewpoint on marine life and the human yearning for adventure.
The giraffe on a chair: a basic but effective gag
Larson's approach to humor—that which "a sense of humor" depends on straightforward but effective gags—is best shown in his comic with a giraffe ascending a chair for a better view. Larson adds a second giraffe who questions their discoveries to heighten the comedy since the picture of the giraffe on the chair is intrinsically humorous.
Often facing a terrible fate from the hazards of the unknown, the Far Side's explorers die. Larson's use of foreshadowing builds suspense and comedy in the comic with two explorers about to come upon a deadly predator. A trashcan full of pith helmets and bones discreetly exposes the terrible reality of the explorers' circumstances, so adding a layer of ironic humor to their relentless will.
Often referred to as "The Far Side island" among cartoonists, Larson's recurring subject of a shipwreck survivor on a deserted island offers a rich environment for examining the ridiculousness of human behavior in solitude. The constrained setting highlights Larson's ability to create humorous gold from apparently straightforward events and fuels strange and funny situations.
Beyond the domain of animals and daily events, Larson's comic genius includes legendary pop culture icons like Superman. One of Larson's most well-known Superman comics shows a subdued allusion to a well-known film, so proving Larson's ability to combine humor with cultural references.
Larson's comic about scientists unintentionally releasing a viral pathogen from a window is a masterwork of capturing the human element inside apparently austere professions. Larson humorously comments on the fallibility of even the most brilliant brains by contrasting the scientists' apathetic responses with the possibility for approaching disaster.
The Constant Appeal of The Far Side
The timeless humor of The Far Side, which cuts across generations and cultural boundaries, is why it is always so popular. Together with his own artistic style, Larson's ability to create relevant situations and unexpected gags generates a humorous experience that is both funny and provocative.
Like scientists, doctors are sometimes portrayed as committed, austere professionals. But Larson's humor lets one see their work from a lighthearted and funny angle. Though some of Larson's medical comics were judged too "gross-out" for publication in newspapers, they highlight his willingness to challenge limits and explore the darker side of human nature, even within the framework of medicine.
The Wishbone Comic: Masterpiece of subdued humor
The comic featuring the Wishbone, with its subtle humor and masterful use of suggestive imagery, perfectly encapsulates Larson's genius. The lack of explicit details, coupled with the ambiguous caption, forces the reader to fill in the blanks, resulting in a more powerful and memorable comedic experience.
Larson's comic touch permeates even war, a subject usually connected with tragedy and loss. His ability to find humor in the midst of conflict demonstrates his unique perspective and his willingness to explore even the most sensitive subjects with a humorous lens.
These ten comics, representing just a small selection of the vast Far Side archive, showcase Larson's unparalleled ability to capture the absurdity of everyday life. His work continues to entertain and inspire readers, proving that humor can be found in the most unexpected places.