The Far Side: Gary Larson's Unique Creative Process

Why Is Gary Larson's Creative Process So Unique?

Gary Larson's success is in many ways a product of his Creative Process. This unconventional approach is a key distinguishing factor for his series. The editor for The Far Side, Jake Morrissey in particular has stated that the cartoonist's work starts from the premise - one that often serves as an idea rather than building a cartoon around a punchline. Larson was driven by ideas, letting those evolve to take on new directions, in essence, giving those cartoons a new level of humor, or, as Morrissey described: "an internal scale" where it is unique from every other Far Side Cartoon, which has been one of the hallmarks of the series.

This method can be viewed in direct contrast to how other cartoonists approached their craft, often crafting a storyline or those moments that highlight humor based around an intention. But this unconventional approach was precisely what made The Far Side stand out, especially in those years that it dominated American Newspapers - serving as a defining point to those who were reading the series in those years and often became a staple of American Newspapers in those early years, marking the start of a highly influential comic strip series, giving viewers and readers a unique opportunity to discover just how this artist could work in the field.

What Makes Gary Larson's Cartoons So Special?

Gary Larson (left) and a Far Side cartoon featuring him being accosted by cows as he draws (right) Image

Gary Larson's approach to art has had a remarkable impact - particularly as The Far Side was seen in those early years across the United States - often as one of those comic strips in those daily American Newspapers, showcasing how much of an influence this cartoonist could have.

This was due in no small part to his unconventional Creative Process which gave viewers, those that read and those who were even more familiar with how Larson developed his work - insights into how he differed from his contemporaries. He sought out the heart of an idea - often working backwards as Morrissey described. The approach may be in contrast to a common strategy where those other artists may have worked from a punchline or from the overall concept that drives their series to an audience. It’s almost as if this series became a source for inspiration - one that highlighted how art could take shape through those unique, surprising elements that made The Far Side stand out - giving us those surreal stories that have captured audiences' imagination.

When Did The Far Side End?

The Far Side Complete Collection Book Set Image

The Far Side by Gary Larson dominated newspapers for several years and provided readers with unique humor and those often offbeat ideas. As The Far Side ended in 1995, it was met with both sadness and excitement.

Those familiar with the comic's timeline, will note that this artist's final work marked the end of an era. While many had loved The Far Side for years - the comic strip served as a critical element to those in American Newspapers, where it had long-dominated, and its cancellation marked a major cultural event, especially as The Internet Age grew. There was no reason to think that this would be the final step - however, the creator Gary Larson, had announced a decision that has left fans debating - to ensure his work didn't lose its unique quality, which helped drive those comic books to a wide, passionate audience - they were seeking those distinctive stories and satire that had become so beloved by fans.

Can You Still Buy Far Side Merchandise?

Far Side creator Gary Larson (left) and the iconic Dogs Playing Poker portrait, in black and white Image

The creator for The Far Side, Gary Larson continues to have a cult following as many seek to find those classic works - a popular collection - including Far Side Cartoons, which is a highly recognized work, and those fans who may want to further appreciate just how iconic those panels and characters are.

As fans look for an opportunity to collect and celebrate a prolific artist - many seek The Complete Far Side and a selection that offers those early, iconic stories, or those fans may be interested in discovering Far Side Collection that includes "The Complete Far Side Volume One." This particular collection includes a variety of rare, unproduced panels as well as those works from Larson. There are also options to consider that offer Far Side Calendars which are sought by those who look to further engage with this artist’s work - especially since The Far Side has been such an influence, serving as a powerful source of humor, and giving readers an insight into Larson’s mind.

Is There A New Far Side?

Although The Far Side ended in the mid-90s - its influence continues to inspire an assortment of creators. The Far Side remains one of the most well-recognized comic series, serving as a testament to its ability to stand the test of time.

It’s not surprising that the series had such a powerful influence and has even helped guide several creators, particularly in those initial years of its publication and through its initial success across a wide selection of American Newspapers. However, Larson has been quite intentional about not releasing new works or stories - often citing how he would want to maintain his standards for art, something that made this series so popular and helped to ensure that The Far Side was distinctive in the field.

Where can I buy the Far Side Books?

Many retailers, from online platforms (such as Amazon and those websites specializing in Comics and those seeking an iconic collection) as well as physical bookstores.

While this might seem a small feat in an era where we have access to nearly every publication, fans have often cited a few selections that showcase The Far Side to an impressive level - these include those selections from Gary Larson which are known for their unique storylines, especially The Complete Far Side - which is an expansive set of his best work - even offering a series of unseen panels, sketches and stories, all of which give insight into his mind, a critical part to appreciate about his overall artistry - showcasing an incredible and innovative perspective. In the event you can't locate this set of his works, you may even consider searching for those who sell Far Side Collections.

Who Else Created Comic Strips Similar to The Far Side?

Those who enjoy The Far Side often make comparisons with a range of cartoonists who share a similar, bizarre or darkly humorous, aesthetic, one that is considered a critical, but unusual style.

Fans are likely to appreciate some other iconic figures who emerged as part of that early, or mid-century, style: these include Charles Schulz whose Peanuts comic is known for being a classic - a series of Comics that was published between 1950 and 2000. Another creator - and an iconic force - was Bill Watterson whose Calvin and Hobbes comic is highly regarded and sought after. There is also an incredibly famous comic: The Dilbert, which is by Scott Adams - that offers satire in those worlds where the artist focuses on workplace comedy. As The Far Side grew in its success it seemed to attract a new and powerful audience and many of those who enjoyed this style of humor, often looked to other works such as these to further appreciate just how that style of art and satire, has come to be.