Gary Larson’s iconic comic strip The Far Side has consistently showcased urban landscapes as vibrant backdrops for humor, illustrating everything from bustling streets to shadowy alleys. With a rich history spanning over fifteen years, Larson’s cartoons contained just as many city scenes as they did suburban settings, each providing a unique platform for punchlines steeped in social commentary or sheer absurdity. This article explores the dynamic range of city-themed jokes in The Far Side, shedding light on various interpretations of urban life that Larson deftly encapsulated.
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The Far Side’s Cities Were Dangerous Places – But Not For The Reasons You’d Think
First Published: July 22, 1981
While Larson’s city comics certainly navigated conventional dangers, they also introduced preposterous threats that pushed the boundaries of humor. A standout example features a giant penguin wreaking havoc on a city street. The punchline revolves around the inhabitants’ bemusement and frustration, with one character lamenting, “Other cities get giant gorillas or dinosaurs; what do we get?” This layers the comic with a relatable frustration amidst the absurdity.
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This Far Side Alien Invasion Comic Had A Major Impact On Gary Larson’s Career
First Published: September 16, 1982
This comic is noteworthy not just for its humor but for its impact on Larson’s story as a creator. A printing error nearly omitted a crucial “ha”from the caption, prompting Larson to emphasize the importance of detail in his work. The cartoon depicts familiar one-eyed aliens causing panic in the streets, illustrating how misinterpretation of a fun scenario can lead to chaos, a clever reflection on human fears of the unknown.
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For Some People, The Thought Of City Life Is Just Plain Unbearable
First Published: September 6, 1983
One memorable cartoon features two bewildered bears lost in a crowded city, humorously encapsulating the anxiety many feel toward city life. As one bear quips, “It’s probably just a matter of time before someone decides to shoot us,” Larson effectively highlights the paranoia that often accompanies urban exploration, all while embodying this fear through anthropomorphic animals.
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They Say In The City Everyone’s Too Busy To Notice You – The Far Side Says Otherwise
First Published: October 6, 1983
In a striking visual gag, a cartoonist is hilariously distracted by people in an adjacent building making faces at him, challenging the notion that city dwellers are too preoccupied to notice each other. The absence of a caption leaves the humor open to interpretation, prompting discussions about the creative process and the distractions often faced by artists.
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The Far Side Reminds Readers That Humans Are “Social Animals,”Even City-Dwellers
First Published: April 12, 1984
This cartoon humorously illustrates a group of humans carrying a giant turkey leg through the city, akin to ants working collaboratively. The imagery not only invites laughter but also plays on the stereotype of urban isolation, reminding readers of the communal ties that can exist even in sprawling city environments.
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Life & Death In The Big City, Far Side Style
First Published: December 31, 1984
An iconic depiction of the Grim Reaper takes center stage, where a man unintentionally collides with him amid city hustle. The clever caption, “unwittingly, Irwin has a brush with Death,” captures the natural chaos and urgency of urban life, transforming a mundane encounter into a comedic twist on mortality.
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The Far Side Confirms That Cat-Calling Is Pure “B.S.”
First Published: August 10, 1986
In a humorous twist, Larson portrays bulls ogling a passing cow, cleverly calling attention to the unpleasant reality of cat-calling in cities. This approach not only critiques unwanted advances but also emphasizes the absurdity of such behavior, encapsulated through the lens of animal characters.
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The Far Side Reminds Readers That Cities Are A Dog-Eat-Dog Place
First Published: February 23, 1987
In this caption-less comic, dogs dressed as humans navigate around the chalk outline of a dead dog on the sidewalk, an implicit commentary on the unforgiving nature of urban life. The absurdity of the situation prompts viewers to reflect on the darker aspects of city living amidst the ordinary bustle.
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Gary Larson Flips The Script On The Nature/Civilization Conversation With This Far Side Comic
First Published: August 7, 1987
In this witty take, bears exchange their natural habitat for the city, subverting the usual narrative of humans escaping to nature. “I tell you, I can come down from the hills, stand on this corner, and just feel myself unwind,” one bear comments, humorously pointing out that stress can be found anywhere, even within the urban crowd.
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The Far Side’s Sci-Fi Vision Of The Future
First Published: December 31, 1991
This cartoon stands out for its imaginative portrayal of futurism, merging sci-fi elements with a unique punchline referencing comedian George Burns. While the humor may seem niche by today’s standards, it showcases how Larson intricately wove pop culture into his work, proving both timeless and timely.