The allure of *The Far Side* lies significantly in its vast array of characters, which can be whimsically ridiculous or strikingly disconcerting. Gary Larson’s beloved comic strip epitomizes humor through recognizable archetypes like cows, quirky nerds, and sometimes even dinosaurs, delivering a blend of laughter and nostalgia.
However, there are instances where the comic unveils characters that, while amusing in context, would be utterly repellent in real life. From neglectful doctors to mischievous beasts, and even cold-blooded criminals, *The Far Side* features a cast that one would certainly prefer to avoid outside the pages of a comic. Here’s a look at ten of those characters you’d least want to encounter in reality.
10 Cruel Doctors
Publication Date: June 30th, 1984
In the realm of medicine, one would expect practitioners to uphold the Hippocratic Oath, ideally to “do no harm.”Nevertheless, Larson creatively twists this notion in a *Far Side* strip where a group of doctors is more amused by the plight of their patient than invested in their care. Instead of offering comfort, they laugh and mock the victim. While not the worst characters in the strip, their brand of humor is certainly not conducive to a healing environment. One can only wonder what questionable treatments they might propose next!
9 Dentist Sadist
Publication Date: May 30th, 1988
Visiting the dentist hardly ranks as a favorite activity, but a particularly sadistic dentist makes it exponentially worse. In this cartoon, a terrified patient lies back, mouth agape, while the dentist whimsically dreams of forcing a tennis ball into his mouth. This is far beyond eccentric – it’s plain deranged. Even in the wacky world of *The Far Side*, no one would willingly sign up as this dentist’s patient.
8 Woods Monster
Publication Date: May 6th, 1980
The anxiety of being in an unfamiliar forest is expertly captured in an illustration where campers enjoy their fireside weenies, blissfully unaware of a gigantic furry monster lurking just out of sight. While the creature doesn’t appear overtly menacing, its sheer size and terrifying claws would provoke sheer panic in any reasonable person. Monsters are a recurring motif in *The Far Side*, and this one is certainly not a companion one would wish to encounter.
7 Dog and Cat
Publication Date: May 27th, 1988
Gary Larson had a talent for infusing animal characters with distinctly human flaws, often to humorous effect. In one strip, a conniving cat and dog are caught strategizing their elaborate schemes against one another. The dog contemplates how to skin a cat while the feline considers the extermination of dogs. The animosity may be directed at each other, but who would dare to adopt such volatile creatures? Their hostility could easily extend to humans, turning them into unwitting targets.
6 Duck Pair
Publication Date: August 20th, 1981
5 Monsters
Publication Date: January 10th, 1988
Larson’s imaginative portrayal of monsters goes beyond typical narratives. In one scenario, a monster is anxious about being late for his job – that of a traditional closet menace. His task? To instill fear in children like Billy Harrison. This absurd yet unsettling twist on a classic concept illustrates how Larson can evoke both laughter and tension.
4 Jimzfixxy
Publication Date: January 10th, 1980
3 Cartoon Killer
Publication Date: May 18th, 1988
Perhaps the most jarring character is the one who approaches real-life horror. In this comic, a man proudly showcases his morbid collection of mounted cartoon characters to a bewildered date. His justification, declaring them mere cartoons, does little to hide the macabre nature of his actions. Meeting someone who could harm beloved characters like Bugs Bunny would surely invoke dread.
2 Simmons
Publication Date: November 30th, 1990
Violence finds its way into *The Far Side* through a character named Simmons, whose behavior strikes an unsettling cord. Set against the backdrop of a marble company, the implication of his gun violence juxtaposed with clever wordplay introduces a darker tone. While humor is maintained, the idea of encountering someone like Simmons in real life is chilling, particularly in a world grappling with gun violence.
1 Psycho Clown
Publication Date: June 10th, 1991
In perhaps one of the most bizarre strips, a clown with a sinister streak seeks to purchase a gun, his vengeful intentions made clear through his internal thoughts. While humor can be derived from the juxtaposition of a clown with malicious impulses, the undercurrent of fear is undeniable. This chilling scenario captures the essence of dark comedy *The Far Side* is renowned for, mixing absurdity with a grim reality.