The Far Side masterfully illustrates the absurdities present in everyday life, transforming even the dullest office jobs into something entertaining. Gary Larson’s unique take reveals that the relentless routine of corporate work, while often exhausting, can lead to unexpected hilarity and chaos, making it approachable and relatable.
The following Far Side cartoons offer a humorous glimpse into the highs and lows of office life, providing a much-needed escape for anyone who has ever felt trapped in a cubicle. From outlandish coworkers to surreal interpretations of typical workplace mishaps, these selections highlight the funnier aspects of the corporate world. Below are ten iconic Far Side comics that bring laughter to the often mundane nature of office jobs.
10
“Trying to Decide Between a Career in Pirating or Massage Therapy”
First Published: July 15th, 1992
Searching for a job can be daunting, and Captain Hook’s struggle to choose between pirating and massage therapy encapsulates this tension perfectly. During a comical job counseling session, Hook’s predicament is humorously illuminated by the counselor’s response: “Maybe we can help you narrow it down.”Larson cleverly suggests that Hook’s intimidating hook hand makes him more suited for a life of piracy than massage therapy. While job-seeking can drain the soul, characters like Hook make the hunt more enjoyable.
9
“Punk Accountants”
First Published: May 21st, 1990
Office environments often impose strict dress codes, but Larson’s punk accountants find a way to express their individuality. This comic showcases two accountants who add a rebellious twist to their business attire using office supplies; one dons pencils as facial piercings, while the other sports a calculator earring and a tattoo proclaiming “Add, Subtract, and Die!”Their innovative approach highlights the ways employees can infuse personality into mundane job expectations.
8
“Cheap Pocket Octopus”
First Published: September 16th, 1993
This cartoon whimsically challenges the traditional notion of office supplies. Instead of carrying pens, employees have pocket octopuses that squirt ink at inopportune moments. One worker finds his shirt stained with ink, humorously suggesting that investing in a better-quality octopus could have saved him from embarrassment. Larson’s ability to inject absurdity into everyday objects makes this comic a memorable critique of office life.
7
“We’ll Let Your People and My People Work Out the Details”
First Published: June 6th, 1990
In a satirical twist on corporate negotiation, two men agree to let their “people”handle the details. However, Larson adds a playful element by illustrating these “people”as comically tiny. As one small figure sticks his tongue out, it sparks a humorous acknowledgment of the absurdity of business deals, emphasizing that much of corporate life is often beyond our immediate control.
6
“There Goes Binky With the Boss Again…”
First Published: August 5th, 1992
Binky the clown is seen engaging with his boss, evoking snickers from colleagues who label him a “red-noser.”This clever play on “brown-noser”cleverly underscores that even in whimsical landscapes filled with clowns, the desire to impress authority persists, adding a funny layer to the concept of workplace dynamics.
5
“If You Miss, I’m Comin’ After Your Big Hazel”
First Published: October 2nd, 1986
In a delightful twist on the monotony of office work, these employees from Glasseye Co. find excitement by engaging in a game of marbles using their own products: glass eyes. This lighthearted approach to making the workday bearable reminds us that humor can be found in the most unexpected places—even while potentially risking a reprimand from their boss.
4
“Mr. Sparky Has Found Something More Engrossing Than This Meeting”
First Published: May 4th, 1994
In a playful satire of corporate meetings, Larson replaces human attendees with dogs discussing trivial matters. When one dog diverts his attention to personal grooming, their boss quips, “Seems Mr. Sparky has found something more engrossing than this meeting.”The humorous scenario reminds us how sometimes, the subject of our discussions can feel as tedious as an office meeting.
3
“Man, I Hate Elevator Music”
First Published: November 26th, 1990
The experience of elevator music can often be grating, but this Far Side comic takes it up a notch by depicting an elevator featuring a live orchestra. As a man reflects on his dislike, one can find humor in the juxtaposition of a seemingly delightful performance transforming a mundane elevator ride into an awkward affair.
2
“Scene From a Corporate Fairy Tale”
First Published: October 3rd, 1987
This cartoon captivates with its absurdist humor, depicting a meeting where employees discussing market trends are interrupted by the comically menacing presence of a wolf. The stark contrast between the business setting and the foreboding threat of a predator creates a striking visual and situational comedy that highlights the unpredictability of corporate life.
1
“You Apparently Forgot This Is A Cartoon”
First Published: April 2nd, 1990
In a brilliant display of meta-humor, this comic illustrates an employee whose internal thoughts about his boss become audibly transparent. When the boss hears these candid musings, it creates a humorous yet shocking situation that exemplifies Larson’s talent for breaking the fourth wall and reshaping conventional narrative boundaries in comic form.