The Far Side in 1991: A Year of Absurdity and Laughter

Gary Larson's "The Far Side", an unforgettable comic that gained global recognition in the 1980s!

The Far Side in 1991

Some might not have expected Gary Larson to continue pushing boundaries and producing amazing works but in 1991 the humor was wilder than ever before. There was no slowing down, this legendary comic, The Far Side was known for taking all of the funny ideas and putting it together for a super unique comic book!

In 1991 the comedy and odd twists were a lot more than expected, creating something amazingly weird, quirky, and full of surprises.

Also Read: The Far Side: Gary Larson's Hilarious Animal Comics

Some of The Most Famous Moments

Far Side, January 8, 1991, a 'fish dungeon' with a bowl suspended above the water Image

With a large following, The Far Side brought in audiences who love to discover the humorous elements, in a sometimes weird world, and many readers often ended up with one question in their mind "What-the?"!

Here are a few key Comics you may recall.

Also Read: The Far Side's Therapy: Gary Larson's Hilarious Take on Mental Health

Fish Dungeons Returns!

Far Side, February 14, 1991, a caveman uses a dead pterodactyl as a pillow Image

Gary Larson made a comeback. What made The Far Side even better! He gave his fans a chance to explore even further some of those moments that were really out there, as it turns out, it didn't stop in 1990.

What made "The Far Side" great, was that many of the gags were presented and explored in several ways to really add depth.

That’s why one of the iconic 1991 issues featured an unusual set-up!
It involved a barnacle covered tube rising from the ocean!
There's a small fish that gets thrown in the fish bowl on the top of that tube!

You can imagine a poor fish trying to understand this situation!

Also Read: The Far Side: Hilarious Comics That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud

Before Feathers

Far Side, March 20, 1991, a caveman mechanic admonishes his assistant for bringing the wrong kind of rock Image

Fans love when comics make you ponder what happened and that really was the point of "The Far Side!" It's known to bring you into worlds, moments, and concepts. It's like they created a whole new chapter in humanity! And with this amazing story about how the Neanderthal got their pillows.

You are going to be very surprised at how they managed to survive.
In this comic, you get a funny depiction of what they use! That’s right. It’s a dead pterodactyl!
This is definitely a comic that everyone will find humorous and an unusual way to portray a humorous take on this story. You have to ponder, how much better could this really have been?

Also Read: The Far Side: Iconic Comics That Make You Think and Laugh

Prehistoric Mechanics Need To Work Too:

Gary Larson (foreground, in focus) with a blurry Far Side drawing of a frustrated writer in background Image

When thinking about what happened back then! You're in for another super special and unique comic in The Far Side!

This is an amazing depiction of early history, one where we see an "Ancient Mechanic."
This ancient figure was having a bit of trouble, but it didn't stop this Neanderthal who was trying to make a "Goz Weel."
That's right, it looks like the guy is frustrated!
He really did try to get his "Assistant" to help! But he brings the wrong part. It really was an epic moment to showcase.

You know how this all worked out. If you're a big fan of "The Far Side," you know these early mechanics would bring their assistants so much agony with the right tool. And as always, the expressions on the face are pretty remarkable, showcasing all those humorous parts.

Hunting Went Wrong!

Far Side, April 8, 1991, a hunter chases his prey into a public restroom and loses the trail Image

We all love those hunters and gatherers. This comic book is one of Gary Larson's most entertaining pieces that looks to make fun of hunters. In this situation, one specific hunter is really out there. This is the real world of The Far Side and there's always more surprises than what meets the eye.

It looks like the hunter had some fun moments trying to stalk an animal. A moment where the hunter, Gus, has the target cornered! A special kind of target at a special spot! But this Hunter looks a lot less confident as he walks into the men's restroom.

Another Amazing Word from The Far Side!

Far Side, May 1, 1991, an older scientist is unimpressed by a young scientist's new microscope Image

It turns out Gary Larson isn't afraid of changing the world in amazing and incredible ways!

This special comics book in 1991 had a super memorable event! That includes adding another word that came from "The Far Side!" This was something that has become incredibly famous and really made an imprint in a real way.
This comics creator is famous for bringing "thagomizer," a super impressive new word for those that love the world of dinosaurs and "stegosaurus." He made an impression in real life! And in 1991, Gary Larson decided it was time to invent a "word" again.

What's it all about?

The world's history seems to change! This funny scene features a really annoyed scientist who is sitting in his car as his rival does some serious tinkering with microscopes! In this fun, exciting twist, the driver is furious, as it looks like the rival, is " playing with a car microscope.!"

The world of humor really needs a great term, for a scientist who lives and breathes their passion! And that's how a "young urban scientist" (abbreviated as "yussie, that's a good word to use).

An Unlikely Business Model for Dogs

Far Side, June 4, 1991, workers stuffing dachshunds in long mailing tubes, at the 'weiner dog distribution center' Image

The creators of "The Far Side" never let us know why a character gets a whole new personality, a weird job, or how something made it into the comic books.

That's one reason that many are drawn to it.
In this specific comics, you'll be presented with a fascinating insight!
In this instance, it seems they got their hands on a factory that specializes in making those adorable "dachshunds."
The business? A super bizarre production line where the dachshunds get stuffed into long tubes that are ready to be mailed to unsuspecting individuals.

Who'd want to go through a business like that?

As an amazing detail that you won't want to miss, if you're a dog lover and have ever been drawn to dachshunds and see this comic you will definitely end up asking, what are they using in those tubes. Does this make the whole thing much more frightening? There's nothing like "The Far Side!" and it never disappoints those who love to experience its twists and turns!

Are We Still In The Comics?

The Far Side Complete Collection Book Set Image

As The Far Side goes, it keeps getting a bit more meta! The best part? This is not an ordinary comic that breaks the "fourth wall"! No way, Gary Larson brought audiences into a super wild, and mind-bending, way of making readers understand that a character could understand that they're inside a comic.

There's so much happening in the Comics!

A scene where there is a character doing an intense lecture about other comics. The main character in this storyline is the main comic! This would mean that all the characters are fully aware.
And they even have this crazy term called "analysis of other cartoons" !

The more you look at it the more absurd this one really gets.

The Far Side's Take on History!

Far Side, July 2, 1991, a fourth-wall breaking character gives a lecture on other comics Image

It doesn't get any more interesting than getting an incredible, unique and fun perspective from one of these "Far Side, comic strips.

This comics series really delves into this topic of what it means to be civilized! It's an odd twist because history is one big clash,
There is so much that Gary Larson is really drawing attention to. This is that historical contrast.

One of the best ways that "The Far Side" gets to make some major comments about this clash between those seen as civilized and uncivilized people. And there's an interesting element, where "Mitch," a random name, becomes Larson's prime target, reminding readers of a super ironic, and possibly controversial point of a cultural bias! The comics always have so much depth that they give those reading them something new to contemplate!

The Snake Talk Show

Far Side, August 27, 1991, captioned 'know your barbarians' Image

A hilarious idea for those that love snakes or want a glimpse into another part of Gary Larson's, mind, is what makes this series a lot of fun! There's the ultimate, funny, odd experience of a caller on a radio show!

This amazing character Larry is talking to a pair of brothers who host "Snake Talk",
Larry wants to know, in the best, funniest way, the secrets about how to treat his pet snake.
What happens with "Snake Talk"? It just happens to make it incredibly weird and leaves Larry completely confused!

One of the most iconic elements in "The Far Side, is that sense of whimsy.

It's not surprising this show makes it a super memorable part! A series that continues to make those reading it have a unique point of view and the fun, wild parts of comics. You won't find more of these special creations.

The Squidheads Anonymous Meeting

Far Side, September 6, 1991, split-image panel depicting a caller to the radio show Snake Talk Image

The creator of "The Far Side," was super gifted! It seems like a new take on a super popular, recognizable program or group!

Everyone, or in this case squidheads need a place to meet up and support each other! What's truly interesting about "The Far Side" is those odd details and they get to stand out!
It was truly interesting to think, as it did when the artist first shared this story how those who had a hard time, how they'd end up attending "Squidheads Anonymous.", a gathering to make sense of a really specific, quirky problem.

One thing that stands out!

It was a special detail in the room for this gathering and the comic was even funnier, to see a "no hats" sign! That was so cool, as those that read "The Far Side" could take a step back,
You get a bit more into what the creator, Larson, was trying to highlight in the comics, giving a bigger and better appreciation!

A Famous Comics Character's Secret:

Gary Larson, at his desk drawing the Far Side, looks over his shoulder and sees a crowd of armed cows. Image

You know those characters in the comic books? This takes the "out there" concept! What is more enjoyable for fans of comics? The Far Side loves to add a great touch of parody, giving some of those classics, or the lesser known ones! The chance to give them a funny twist, even if the character was somewhat infamous. It looks like they had a specific comic to mock. A character known as "Mark Trail," that comic has been published since 1946, in those early years of the golden age of comics and may be one of the most enduring comic book creations ever.

An Unforgettable Far Side Comic!

Far Side, October 9, 1991, captioned 'at the monthly meeting for Squid heads anonymous' Image

Those who loved to follow along.

You would know Larson always brought characters in!
Gary Larson wasn't afraid to take risks and challenge his audiences with a variety of perspectives in all of "The Far Side."

What's more fascinating than looking at all the funny bits? What would make The Far Side stand out?

The very fact that it seems like Larson really put himself into that mind-set to take his viewers on another crazy trip, with all kinds of humor, from funny scenarios,
A really memorable comic strip had a main character that was really stuck between a rock and a hard place. It showed us a very vulnerable side,

You are about to discover what made "The Far Side" truly incredible. They weren't just bringing those funny moments in. What was really memorable! They created an entire scene, and it seemed like this character knew something super personal.

They know they are in a comic book, and this person tried their best to scare off someone by changing into this kind of terrifying creature!

If you have ever had the chance to see the most amazing, well-loved comics in existence be sure to give it another look, a chance to go through some of the classic ones. That includes these super rare moments, where Gary Larson had to work harder and even push boundaries to bring you these stories!

What was so interesting? Those that loved The Far Side never stopped getting surprised at what Gary Larson had up his sleeve and they also found an endless, endless list of amazing content. This comic series is a must have and really leaves audiences wanting more. There are other books you can get as well and those fans that need an amazing collection in paperback have some options. You could pick up the "The Complete Far Side," a huge treasure chest for fans, even giving those readers, the chance to see more content!

So if you think this sounds incredible. What makes this so special?

The comics and characters brought a ton of amazing experiences for everyone to love.
The book collection gave those that love "The Far Side," another reason to be excited about a new comic book!

They may even inspire new creations.

This series isn't one to miss, even in this digital age! You can really take your imagination back in time! If you love the art of comic books, and find joy in getting into new projects, this series will give you an endless source of inspiration and amusement. Be sure to explore those "The Far Side," moments that continue to be entertaining and memorable!

The Far Side in 1991: A Year of Absurdity and Laughter