Examining Gary Larson's Original Humor from the Far Side: Trojan Horse
Designed by the gifted Gary Larson, The Far Side was a cultural phenomenon rather than merely a comic strip. Although Larson himself freely admitted that The Far Side's humor was definitely "tricky," it was also quite powerful. The Trojan Horse's recurring image is the ideal metaphor for Larson's original approach to humor, which can be fairly characterized as "Trojan Horse" style of comedy.
Trojan Horse Style Of Comedy Made The Far Side Legendary by Gary Larson
The core of The Far Side's humor is exactly embodied in the Trojan Horse, a symbol of dishonesty and secret power. Greek soldiers hiding inside a large wooden horse finally conquer the city of Troy in the old myth of the Trojan War. Larson would similarly frequently sneak his jokes past readers' defenses, hiding them under apparently benign scenarios or absurdist conditions. The Far Side's success depended on this "suspension of disbelief," since readers had to embrace the ridiculous to really value Larson's comic genius.
Always An Odyssey: Reading The Far Side
Larson's comedy extended beyond one technique. From sarcastic wordplay to darkly humorous musings on death and the apocalypse, Larson's Far Side was a wild trip through his psyche embracing a broad spectrum of tones and subjects. The Far Side questioned accepted wisdom and pushed the envelope of what was allowed, so leaving readers with a mix of laughter, shock, and occasionally even confusion.
The Far Side Laid Siege to Readers' Expectations
The Far Side deliberately besieged readers rather than only challenging their expectations over its fifteen-year run. Readers were kept on edge by Larson's deft handling of the known and shockingly unexpected presentation. Delivering panels that required a double-take, he proved his ability to create comedy that was both surprising and timeless.
Gary Larson had a gift for presenting the surprising.
The legacy of The Far Side goes much beyond its well-known characters and running motifs. Larson's real brilliance was his ability to regularly surprise and delight his audience. With his special brand of humor injected into daily life, he deftly negotiated the domains of science, history, and society. Readers still today find resonance in this constant element of surprise—the Trojan Horse element—which really distinguishes Larson from other cartoonists.
The Far Side's Ongoing Legacy
The Far Side might have stopped running in 1995, but its impact is still felt in the realm of comedy and satire. It helped to shape popular culture by opening the path for the emergence of absurdist humor that penetrates contemporary internet life. Apart from clarifying Larson's distinct approach, the Trojan Horse metaphor reminds us of the ongoing influence of his work, a power that still fascinates readers decades later.
