The term “conflict resolution” might appear to be an unusual subject for a comic series like The Far Side, yet those who may question its comedic potential are sorely mistaken. In the context of The Far Side, “conflict resolution” is viewed through a prism of absurdity that elevates mundane confrontations into riotous scenarios. The comics explore various confrontations, skillfully amplifying them to ludicrous extremes, and in doing so, transforms ordinary disagreements into hilarious spectacles.
Rich in humor, each stand-off depicted in The Far Side offers a unique, often bizarre take on how conflict unfolds. The absurdity of these exchanges presents readers with an opportunity to appreciate the lighter side of human (and animal) disagreements. Among the multitude of comical situations, here are the 10 most side-splitting Far Side comics that creatively address the theme of “conflict resolution”!
10 Dog/Cat Stand-Off
A Dog & a Cat Have a Violent Way to Resolve Their Conflict
In a classic showdown between enemies, a cat and a dog face off in the living room, each wielding a machine gun aimed squarely at the other. As their owners watch in disbelief, the tension mounts. They pull the triggers, only to discover they’re equipped with empty guns. One pet owner’s foresight prevented a catastrophic outcome, but the underlying question remains: why were these pets armed in the first place? Had the guns been loaded, the consequences would have been disastrous.
9 Headless Knight
This Medieval Far Side Conflict is Already Resolved
Two knights engage in a fierce battle, swords drawn, yet one of them lies decapitated. This twist leads to a uniquely absurd situation as the living knight attempts to reason with his opponent’s decapitated body, asserting that the conflict is resolved. Despite his logic, the headless knight continues to charge into battle, resulting in an ironic stalemate. This comical scenario echoes the humor of Monty Python, showcasing how conflicts can persist even when they’ve been theoretically settled.
8 Cowboy vs Clown
This Far Side Clown Brought a Pie to a Gunfight
In a dusty Western town, a clown lays lifeless after a shootout with a gunslinger. Although the cowboy stands as the apparent victor, pie residue on his face suggests a humorous ambiguity regarding the outcome. The sequence underscores the clown’s defeat—he brought a pie to a gunfight, illustrating a clear mismatch between traditional weaponry and comedic antics.
7 Caveman Conflict
One Far Side Caveman Clearly Has the Edge in This Conflict
In a classic caveman scenario, one cavernous brawler threatens another with a drawn bow and arrow. Yet, the power dynamic shifts as the threatened caveman contemplates using a nearby club, while his opponent displays utter incompetence with his weapon. The Far Side cleverly illustrates that the more dangerous-looking option may not always guarantee resolution, hilariously hinting at an impending chaotic outcome instead.
6 Non-Deadly Snake Duel
These Cowboy Snakes Couldn’t Draw Their Weapons if They Wanted To in The Far Side
In an Old West saloon, two cowboy snakes engage in a standoff, but the surrounding snakes recognize the futility of the situation. As one snake comments on the likelihood of any violent conclusions, it’s clear that these characters are unable to draw their weapons due to their lack of limbs. The absurdity of a peaceful resolution becomes apparent, showcasing a humorous take on Western genre tropes.
5 Insect Inspiration
This Far Side Conflict has a Bizarre Resolution
Caught in an alley, a smaller man falls victim to a larger threat. Rather than physical confrontation, he resorts to an unorthodox tactic inspired by insects—deploying a pair of fake, oversized eyes on his head. This humorous strategy aims to intimidate his pursuer and offers a wildly imaginative comment on bluffing as a means of conflict resolution.
4 Cowboy vs Chicken
A Far Side Chicken Brought an Egg to a Gunfight
The Old West sees yet another unusual confrontation, this time between a cowboy and a chicken. After the chicken throws an egg—allegedly its offspring—at the cowboy, the cowboy retaliates with deadly force. While the conclusion appears justified in the context of the comic, it raises questions about the varying degrees of escalation in conflict resolution.
3 Small Town, Big Cowboys
The Far Side Puts a Hilarious Spin on a Popular Western Saying
In a clever twist on the classic Western phrase, “This town ain’t big enough for both of us,”The Far Side introduces two giants battling over space in a town reminiscent of a child’s playset. Their conflict humorously underscores the absurdity of territorial disputes, where physical stature becomes the very reason for their stand-off.
2 Table Tennis Duel
These Far Side Cowboys Use Paddles Instead of Pistols
Instead of a violent showdown, two cowboys resolve their differences over a game of table tennis. By substituting pistols for paddles, this comic redefines the archetypal duel while showcasing a humorous and non-violent approach to conflict resolution—the epitome of The Far Side’s unique style.
1 Vikings Mean Business
A Stand-Off Between a Kingdom & Vikings Has Never Been Funnier than in The Far Side
A horde of Vikings approaches a castle, not with swords drawn, but instead armed with briefcases. This visual gag instantly conveys that they take their profession seriously, suggesting a businesslike approach to their impending conquest. Gary Larson masterfully uses this comic to combine absurdity and wordplay, inviting readers to ponder the nature of conflict while delivering laughs.