The Far Side is famously centered around a simple equation: “drawing + words = cartoon,”as Gary Larson himself stated. However, Larson frequently deviated from this established format by presenting some comics entirely without captions. These captionless illustrations relied on the artwork to effectively communicate the joke, moving from premise to punchline with varying outcomes throughout the years.
Larson’s captionless works can generally be categorized into four distinct types: first, comics where a caption would be unnecessary, possibly diminishing the humor; second, cartoons that could benefit from a caption to enhance the humor, despite being understandable without one; third, strips that leave readers craving additional context; and fourth, those that genuinely require captions, leaving audiences questioning the humor altogether.
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An Early Far Side “One Of These Things Is Not Like The Others”Comic
First Published: June 26, 1981
The uniqueness of The Far Side among its syndicated counterparts was largely due to Larson’s penchant for portraying quirky characters and bizarre scenarios. For example, in a notable cow comic, three cows are depicted at a trough, with two munching hay while the central cow blows a bubble with bubble gum.
The humor here is apparent, especially with the cow on the right casting a sidelong glance at the bubble-blowing bovine. However, many fans might argue that a concise line of dialogue could enhance the comedic punch of this panel.
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Cows Make A Break For It In This Far Side Comic That Focuses On The Visual
First Published: August 14, 1981
In another comedic cow portrayal, a pair of cows is shown escaping under the moonlight, tunneling beneath a barbed-wire fence, complete with cowbells on their heads.
While the visual creates a whimsical scenario, some readers might find themselves wondering about the missing caption, as this cartoon may strike some as an incomplete joke, lacking that essential linguistic element.
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For Creator Gary Larson, The Far Side Was Both A Marathon And A Sprint
First Published: September 16, 1981
This particular cartoon depends on the audience’s familiarity with The Wizard of Oz for its comedic effect, presenting a whimsical scenario where Dorothy, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow are interrupted by a marathon race encroaching upon their path.
Although the gag is lighthearted and straightforward, it arguably could attain greater comedic depth with the inclusion of an apt caption. Larson himself noted in essays from The Complete Far Side that the demanding schedule of creating the comic often conflicted with his inclination toward extensive revisions, explaining why some cartoons might seem less polished than others.
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Gary Larson’s “Sequel”To One Of His Earliest Comics Could Use More Context
First Published: September 3, 1982
This comic serves as a follow-up to one of Larson’s earlier works and depicts a wild stampede of bison running through a canyon, with the cowboy’s hat floating in the air and a coffee pot amusingly caught on one of the stampede’s leads.
Although this portrayal continues the narrative of the earlier cartoon, it may come across as more subtle to readers, lacking a humorous commentary that a caption could readily provide, leaving audiences with a lingering curiosity.
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This Far Side Comic Is A Hoot, But Its Joke Can Be Easy To Miss
First Published: December 16, 1982
This particular Far Side comic presents an engaging yet subtle joke; it portrays a sequence of events with two owls perched on a branch, where one taps the other on the shoulder, leading to a humorous response as the second owl spins its head around 180 degrees.
The humor is derived from a classic prank, creatively adapted through the behavior of owls, but it might resonate more with readers if paired with a compelling caption to amplify the amusement.
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This Far Side Caveman Comic Could Use A Caption For Emphasis
First Published: September 13, 1984
This cartoon revisits one of Larson’s recurring themes, the invention of the wheel. Here, a caveman is depicted chiseling a stone wheel outside his cave, only to be overshadowed by his neighbors joyriding in a convertible.
The contrast between the caveman’s industriousness and the carefree joyriding of his neighbors clearly conveys Larson’s humor. Nevertheless, a catchy caption could enhance the impact of the scene, perhaps articulating the caveman’s feelings of envy or defeat.
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One Of The Far Side’s Most Inexplicable Comics; Can You Figure It Out?
First Published: November 5, 1984
Larson’s knack for obscure humor is evident in this cartoon, which can leave readers puzzled due to its vagueness. The image shows a man and woman enjoying a night picnic with their dog under a full moon, their attention captured by something peculiar in the sky, resembling antennae protruding from a cloud. This ambiguity adds to the mystique, making it one of Larson’s most perplexing creations.
It’s challenging to determine whether the confusion here stems from intentional humor or a disconnect between creator and audience, making this comic a curious case in The Far Side anthology.
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Another Far Side Prehistory Joke That Could Use More Elaboration
First Published: August 21, 1985
In this humorous depiction, a pair of prehistoric characters are shown standing in an icy landscape, gazing curiously at a red truck trapped beneath a layer of ice. While the visual itself prompts a chuckle, the humor might not fully come across to all viewers, as it lacks a caption to provide necessary context, leading some to wanders about the joke’s essence.
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This Far Side Comic Leaves Fans With Some Burning Questions, In A Good Way
First Published: October 10, 1991
Many readers might ponder whether a caption could illuminate the joke in this panel, showing demons chuckling over notes in Hell’s suggestion box. While some argue that a caption would elevate the humor even further, others contend that it stands perfectly well without one, delivering a quintessential Far Side punchline.
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The Far Side’s Most Controversial Location Is The Setting For This Classic Captionless Gag
First Published: October 22, 1993
As Gary Larson concluded his work with The Far Side in 1994, he embraced the notion of “always leaving them wanting more.”This philosophy resonates throughout his comics, where countless jokes embody an irresistible allure, keeping readers intrigued and entertained.