The Far Side by Gary Larson has introduced a colorful array of forgetful and often absurd characters throughout its iconic fifteen-year run. This collection shines a spotlight on some of the most hilariously absentminded figures that embody the series’ characteristic humor, transforming the everyday experience of forgetfulness into laugh-out-loud moments.
Larson’s comedic genius often arose from his ability to twist familiar situations into unexpected punchlines, reflecting the relatable human experience through a warped yet insightful lens. His focus on forgetful characters served to emphasize the humor found in silly lapses of memory while also exploring the embarrassment that can ensue when one forgets at an inopportune moment.
10
Frankenstein Learns the Consequences of Forgetfulness on a Take-Out Run
First Published: June 19, 1980
In one of Larson’s earliest entries featuring Frankenstein, the irate Doctor scolds his creation after the Monster fails to bring tartar sauce back from the seafood takeout. He quips that the Monster would forget its own head if it weren’t bolted on. This classic punchline plays off the well-known cinematic portrayal of Frankenstein’s Monster, but it is the nuanced details in the illustration—highlighting the Doctor’s obsessive fixation on the missing condiment and the Monster’s mix of shame and confusion—that elevate this moment into memorable comedy.
9
The Far Side Mocks the Absurdity of Forgetting Why You’re Here
First Published: June 30, 1980
In this early historical gag, a cadre of cavalry soldiers charges into battle, with their commander waving a ceremonial saber while exclaiming “REMEMBER THAT PLACE IN TEXAS!”ironically failing to recall the name of the Alamo. Larson brilliantly juxtaposes the historical gravity of the Alamo against the absurdity of forgetting such a well-known reference, exposing the inherent challenges of maintaining historical memory.
This clever punchline transcends its setting, encapsulating a universal experience: the frustration of forgetting the very reason one is embarking on a mission. Larson’s ability to intertwine comedic specifics with overarching themes gives the humor a more profound resonance.
8
The Far Side Suggests Extraterrestrials Might Not Prioritize Human Life
First Published: October 26, 1982
In this quirky alien-themed panel, one extraterrestrial parent cautions their child, “Now, don’t forget to punch some holes in the lid,”relating to the two human captives snugly lidded within a jar. This invokes dark humor while simultaneously underlining a potential disregard aliens might have for humanity. Larson cleverly parallels this behavior with how humans often overlook the welfare of lesser beings on Earth, weaving in a subtle yet biting commentary.
7
Cattle Rustlers with a Critical Case of Forgetfulness
First Published: November 15, 1982
In this comic, an absentminded cattle rustler suddenly realizes, “we forgot the cattle!”—a hilarious twist on their simple job of herding cows. This layered joke elicits laughter not only for its absurdity but also for its relatability; anyone who has ever left the house only to remember something crucial halfway to their destination can empathize with such forgetfulness. Larson’s unique humor often renders the ordinary extraordinary, making it enduringly relevant.
6
Comedic Struggles of Forgetting the Basics
First Published: September 29, 1983
In this memorable panel, the character Darrell, often depicted as The Far Side’s most confused figure, stares baffled at an upside-down spoon. The caption reveals his suspicion that he’s been given a trick spoon with the concave side reversed. This surreal moment encapsulates the experience of forgetting how to use something familiar, resulting in a humorous quandary that resonates with anyone who’s drawn a blank in an oddly familiar situation.
5
The Jungle Dilemma for Pet Owners
First Published: March 5, 1985
The caption of this cartoon, “Going out for the evening, Tarzan and Jane forget to tie up the dog,”sees their pet running freely in the jungle, unbeknownst to its owners. While the humor may not be overtly loud, it captures the anxiety pet parents feel when leaving their pets unattended. Many readers can relate to the fear of their pets escaping, offering a tense yet humorous take on the all-too-common worry that accompanies pet ownership.
4
A Nightmare Scenario for Every Employee
First Published: April 2, 1990
This meta-Far Side comic merges workplace humor with meta commentary, presenting a scenario where an employee mentally berates his boss only to be confronted with the reality that he momentarily forgot he is within a comic strip. The boss humorously reminds “Lewis”that he can “read every word you think.”This fourth-wall-breaking moment captures the often behind-the-scenes dread of employees, merging internal monologue with the external world in a uniquely amusing way.
3
Tarzan’s Speech Fumbles
First Published: April 30, 1990
This multi-panel comic showcases a relatable form of memory lapse: choking on a rehearsed speech. Tarzan swings through the jungle, mentally preparing to impress Jane, only to freeze up upon arrival, muttering “Me Tarzan, you Jane!”This humorous twist on the iconic phrase reveals the embarrassment often felt when we falter in delivering a well-practiced conversation, culminating in a fittingly defeated expression from Tarzan.
2
A Comedic Take on Vampire Logic
First Published: June 22, 1990
This vampire-themed comic cleverly combines the absurd with the straightforward. A vampire at the beach suffers a sunburn because he forgot sunscreen, presenting both a ludicrous and logically hilarious scenario. Larson utilizes the juxtaposition of the classic vampire archetype in a mundane situation to prompt laughter and reflection among readers.
1
A Pinnacle of Workplace Humiliation
First Published: May 2, 1991
This Far Side comic captures a universally dreaded moment: a man standing on stage at a zipper conference realizing his fly is unzipped. The absurdity of this happening before an audience of zipper professionals amplifies the humor, emphasizing the height of professional embarrassment. Larson’s ability to combine the ridiculous with the relatable results in laughter that likely resonates with anyone who has ever faced a similar cringe-worthy moment.