10 Hilarious Far Side Comics Featuring Human-Animal Coexistence

The iconic comic series The Far Side by Gary Larson masterfully illustrates the intriguing similarities between humans and animals. While many scenes humorously pit the two against each other, a significant number also highlight their shared behaviors and experiences. This blending of worlds creates a unique tapestry where humor underscores the closeness between species, often showing that their differences are outweighed by commonalities.

Larson’s cartoons frequently depict animals and humans in a harmonious coexistence, living side by side in a whimsical alternate reality. The interplay between these characters often conveys that, despite occasional friction, there is ample room for understanding and kinship. Below, we explore 10 memorable Far Side comics illustrating this coexistence between animals and humans.

10 Unusual Similarities in The Far Side

First Published: April 15, 1982

Far Side, April 15, 1982, dogs scratch a human's belly, making his leg kick

This comic reflects the striking similarities between humans and dogs, revealing that both species share instinctual responses. In a playful scene, a dog scratches a man’s belly, prompting him to kick his leg, mirroring canine behavior. This shared reflex blurs the lines between human and animal, fostering a sense of unity rather than division. It is refreshing to witness a moment of bonding, especially given the common portrayal of pets enacting revenge on their owners.

9 Animals at Human Bars

First Published: January 22, 1981

Far Side, horse at a bar, as one man asks another if he can make it drink

In a surprising twist, this comic features a horse casually positioned in a bar setting, integrating seamlessly into a human environment. The only concern expressed is whether the horse can be persuaded to drink, playing off the well-known adage about leading horses to water. This affirmative depiction underscores the notion that animals and humans can enjoy each other’s company in everyday situations without causing chaos.

8 Peaceful Coexistence in Jungles

First Published: December 30, 1983

Far Side, An elephant walkway above the jungle floor.

Coexistence in The Far Side often emphasizes boundaries that support peaceful interactions between species. In one comic, an explorer wanders through the jungle, unaware of elephants traversing a sturdy overhead walkway designed for their safety. This clever setup illustrates that both humans and animals can thrive in their environments while minimizing interference with one another.

7 Therapeutic Support for Animals

First Published: December 8, 1984

Far Side, December 8, 1984, a dog admits to its therapist that the mail carrier scares it.

This comic highlights another facet of the human-animal relationship: support during challenging times. Here, a dog attends a therapy session with a human therapist, discussing its apprehension about the mail carrier. This light-hearted take on a familiar scenario showcases the potential for humans to aid animals in overcoming their fears, fostering deeper connections between species.

6 Treating Pets as Family

First Published: August 6, 1984

Far Side, August 6, 1984, split image of man in a phone booth as wife holds the phone up to their pet rhino.

Pet ownership often transcends traditional boundaries, as illustrated in this comic featuring a couple who treat their rhino as a child. With a phone call where the wife prompts the rhino to grunt for its “Daddy,”the scene humorously illustrates the depth of affection and familial connection between humans and their unusual pets.

5 Animals Wreaking Havoc at Parties

First Published: September 17, 1982

The Far Side, a cow dances on a table as a woman says they shouldn't have invited cows in for drinks.

Far Side parties offer an amusing glance at how animals can join in on human festivities, sometimes to chaotic ends. In one comic, an old couple invites cows to socialize, leading to an uproarious scene where one cow dances on the table while the humans observe with exasperation. This comical debacle reflects the unpredictable joy of animal-human interactions.

4 Canines and Aging

First Published: April 23, 1993

Far Side, April 23, 1993, old dogs on a porch watching young pups race by.

In this charming scene, two elderly dogs sit alongside their owner, observing puppies with a touch of nostalgia. One dog remarks on the past, mirroring the sentiment often expressed by older humans. This comic underscores the universal experience of aging and reflection across species.

3 Even Dangerous Creatures Can Co-Exist

First Published: July 13, 1984

Highlighting less traditional animals, this comic introduces a man who casually keeps a giant squid in his home. The punchline reveals that the squid, while intimidating at first glance, is harmless as long as no one exhibits fear. This suggests that even creatures considered dangerous can interact safely with humans under the right circumstances, hinting at broader possibilities for cohabitation.

2 Pet Owners and Their Equals

First Published: June 20, 1988

The Far Side, a man gets stopped by a cop while his dog drives the car.

In an absurd yet heartwarming twist, one Far Side comic features a man being pulled over by a police officer while his dog drives the car. This scenario humorously flips the paradigm of pet ownership, showcasing their strong companionship and collaborative spirit, blurring the lines of authority and partnership.

1 Dating Among Species

First Published: November 22, 1991

The Far Side, an ostrich hits on a human woman at a bar.

In a final humorous examination of interspecies relations, this comic features an ostrich attempting to flirt with a human woman in a bar, showcasing an absurd yet entertaining dynamic. While it raises eyebrows about the crossover into romantic realms, it effectively exemplifies the lengths to which Larson pushes the boundaries of human-animal coexistence in his work.

Source&Images