The charm of The Far Side lies in its remarkable simplicity, where complex stories are conveyed through single-panel illustrations created by Gary Larson. While many cartoons stand alone, certain strips in the series were expanded upon with follow-up comics, enriching the original narratives and providing essential resolutions to readers. In this article, we will explore ten specific Far Side comics that would greatly benefit from a sequel to enhance their storytelling impact.
Although a few comics received continuations, most did not get the resolution they deserve. Despite the series often leaving readers in a state of confusion, several of its strips would significantly gain from an added narrative twist. Here, we’ll examine ten standout examples where sequels could offer satisfying conclusions that have remained elusive.
10
“I Know You Miss the Wainwrights”
First Published: October 11th, 1994
This comic reveals the dark underbelly of suburban life, focusing on a father explaining to his son why their neighbors, the Wainwrights, were overtaken by wolves: “They were weak and stupid people.”A sequel could explore the backstory of the Wainwrights, detailing the actions that led to their demise by these formidable predators, as such an explanation is essential in understanding this chilling scenario and animal behavior.
9
“Morty Opened the Door to the Wolverine Display”
First Published: May 27th, 1994
In another twist, animal antics take center stage as Morty disrupts a party by releasing wolverines. This scene begs for elaboration: Why did Morty unleash the wolverines? What chaos ensued from this audacious act? A sequel could cleverly address these questions, revealing the consequences of Morty’s risky decision, thus adding newfound depth to the original comic.
8
“Stumpy Didn’t Know How He Got In This Situation”
First Published: October 29th, 1991
With an amusing take on traditional cowboy stereotypes, this comic features cowboys engaged in a ping-pong match instead of gunfights. A sequel could depict the outcome of Stumpy’s match, revealing whether he emerges victorious under the watchful eyes of the town, thereby providing a humorous resolution to this unexpected scenario.
7
“You Wanna Kick Me? Go Ahead!”
First Published: February 6th, 1988
This disturbing yet thought-provoking comic highlights the dark side of the owner-pet relationship, as a desperate dog threatens its master with dynamite. The tension hangs in the air, leaving readers craving a continuation to witness the eventual outcome of this dire confrontation. A follow-up comic could provide the much-needed resolution to this emotionally charged interaction.
6
“Just Click It Up and Down A Few Times”
First Published: October 9th, 1980
Though dark in theme, this comic draws humor from the absurdity of an execution gone awry as officers struggle to activate the electric chair. What happens next? Does the criminal face execution, or does he unwittingly escape? A sequel could explore these outcomes, enhancing the comedic potential of this macabre situation.
5
“He Was An Old Dog and This Was A New Trick”
First Published: June 3rd, 1992
This cartoon draws on a classic adage, featuring a dog in an ambitious circus act. However, the initial panel leaves viewers in suspense, as we’re left questioning the dog’s performance. A sequel could set the stage for the outcome of Rex’s trick, possibly leading to an even more comical and unexpected resolution.
4
“Boomer and Doug’s Relationship Was Never Fully Accepted”
First Published: September 16th, 1992
This comic explores the comedic complexities of interspecies relationships, illustrating Boomer the bear’s friendship with a grub that’s frowned upon by others. A follow-up could delve into their adventures, affirming their bond and providing a humorous take on the societal expectations placed on friendships, leveraging the unlikely pairing for comedic storytelling.
3
“Reuben Would Often Enter the Nursery and Conduct Experiments”
First Published: July 31st, 1982
This unsettling cartoon stakes out a humorous territory with its dark absurdity as a man conducts bizarre experiments on sleeping babies. A sequel could provide insight into the outcomes of these experiments, showcasing the outrageous results stemming from Reuben’s antics in his quest for scientific discovery in the nursery.
2
“That Does It!. .. Tomorrow He Dies”
First Published: December 30th, 1981
In this comic, chickens conspire against their farmer, humorously plotting revenge for his egg-harvesting habits. The tension created in this setup leaves readers pondering the outcome of their plans, which begs for a sequel that could showcase the hilarious fallout of their scheming against the unsuspecting farmer.
1
This Overlooked Far Side Comic Deserves A Sequel More Than Most
First Published: June 4th, 1984
The concluding comic presents a man stranded on an isolated island, awaiting the arrival of aliens whose spacecraft has crashed nearby. The scenario hints at impending chaos that remains unexplored. A sequel could vividly depict the ensuing interactions and conflicts when the aliens arrive, thus amplifying the original’s humor and potential absurdity.
In summary, while the single-panel format of The Far Side has proven effective in conveying humor, these selected comics illustrate the untapped potential for sequels that could enhance the storytelling experience and resonate more deeply with fans.