An exceptional quality of The Far Side comic strip lies in its unique format; it eschews a single central character, which permits the inclusion of an eclectic mix of characters ranging from aliens to cowboys, and even anthropomorphic trees. Unlike enduring classics such as Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes, which are firmly anchored in specific historical contexts, The Far Side operates without temporal constraints. For instance, the adventures of Calvin take us through the lens of 1980s and ’90s culture, while Snoopy and the gang reflect earlier societal norms.
This lack of historical context is critical as it liberates The Far Side to explore boundless, absurd situations. From futuristic landscapes to encounters on distant planets, and even whimsical interpretations of the Old West and Medieval eras, the strip’s diversity is unparalleled. Notably, its whimsical take on the medieval period is particularly striking and merits exploration. Below, we delve into ten of the most memorable Medieval-themed comics from The Far Side.
10
Egg-Toss Gladiators
A Medieval King Forces His Warriors to Engage in a Bizarre Pre-fight Activity
In a comedic twist, a medieval king surveys a group of gladiators poised for battle, clearly prepared for a fight to the death. However, he surprises them by announcing an unexpected activity: an egg toss. Traditionally linked to festive Easter celebrations, this game involves pairs tossing an egg back and forth, moving further apart with each successful catch. The absurdity of gladiators being forced into a playful, family-friendly game before an imminent duel strikes a comical chord.
9
Round Table Discussions
Within the hallowed halls of the Round Table, King Arthur and his knights gather to discuss critical kingdom matters. While one might expect discussions of valor and strategy, humor prevails as they bicker about an altogether mundane issue: chewing gum stuck under the table. This twist on the iconic Round Table conversations serves to illustrate that even the wisest leaders can become fixated on trivial matters, embodying the style of humor that has made The Far Side a staple of comedy.
8
Dangers of Lances
A Far Side Knight Faces a Shocking Fate
In an unexpected twist, a knight brandishing his lance is depicted as a lightning rod, illustrating a hidden peril of medieval warfare. Despite the lance being a knight’s primary weapon, The Far Side introduces the absurdity of inclement weather affecting battle outcomes—a humorous reminder that even the elite knights had vulnerabilities.
7
Morbid Marshmallows
A Disturbingly Humorous Marshmallow Brand
Two knights by a campfire, swords in hand, roast marshmallows, using the weaponry that should be reserved for battle. Adding to the hilarity is their choice of marshmallows, humorously branded as “Joan of Arc Marshmallows,”referring to the infamous historical figure executed during the Hundred Years’ War. This unexpected connection between lightheartedness and dark history exemplifies the unique comedic depth of The Far Side.
6
Water Balloon Warfare
Knights Employ Water Balloons in a Lackluster Defense
During a siege, the valiant knights defending a castle are humorously portrayed wielding water balloons as their primary means of offense. The image is comically ineffective—while amusingly soaking enemy soldiers, the knights soon realize that wet attire is no match for serious combat. This absurdity highlights the often ridiculous nature of certain battle strategies.
5
Headless Knight
A Knight’s Banter Post-Mortem
In an ironic twist, a knight mockingly tells a headless opponent, “Give up, Sir James… You’ve lost.”This exchange underscores the brutal reality of medieval combat, where the humor reflects the absurdity of taunting a now lifeless adversary. Such dark humor resonates with the lively spirit of The Far Side.
4
Dumb Knights
A King’s Frustration with Dim-witted Knights
A king erupts in frustration as his knights present him with a bed rather than the head of a foe. This comical miscommunication epitomizes the absurdity of knightly duties gone wrong, with the backdrop of medieval royal expectations amplifying the humor.
3
Knight vs Dragon
A Knight’s Ill-Fated Encounter with a Dragon
In a classic knight versus dragon scenario, The Far Side presents a twist: the knight mistakenly believes he is approaching the dragon’s lair, only to discover too late that he’s targetting the dragon’s nostril. This comedic irony delivers both laughter and an unusual perspective on the legendary adversaries.
2
Pacifistic Knight
A Knight Attempts to Halt a Rampant Battle
In a frantic battle scene, one knight stands up to call for an end to hostilities, naively exclaiming, “Hold it! Or someone’s gonna get hurt!”His pacifist demeanor amidst chaos adds a layer of absurdity, presenting a comical juxtaposition of medieval warfare and childish reasoning.
1
Cardboard Armor
Medieval Scientists: A Knight’s Unlikely Adversaries
This comic humorously depicts medieval scientists experimenting with absurd materials for knightly armor, resulting in one knight donning flimsy cardboard armor, poised for a lance attack. The absurdity of such an ill-fitted defense exemplifies how far-fetched humor can take us in The Far Side’s portrayal of medieval science.