The Far Side may not have maintained a consistent cast throughout its run, yet it boasted numerous recurring themes and settings. One of the most iconic of these was the cocktail party — a brilliant backdrop that allowed Gary Larson to showcase a diverse array of characters interacting in absurd and humorous ways, leading to countless memorable punchlines.
Gary Larson’s keen observational humor in The Far Side offered a playful critique of human behavior, finding abundant material in the social dynamics of parties. With their inherent mix of awkwardness and exaggeration, parties served as the perfect setting for Larson’s comedic exploration, featuring myriad characters from people to animals, which became a popular subgenre within the comic.
12 The Far Side On The Downside Of Certain Holiday Traditions
First Published: December 24, 1981
This particular Far Side strip features a socially awkward, hunchbacked character showing up at a colleague’s Christmas gathering, instantly creating discomfort as he makes an unwelcome advance on the woman who opens the door, presumably his coworker’s spouse. “Oh! Hey! Mistletoe!”he exclaims, catching himself in the moment, as others glare at him disapprovingly.
What seems like a simple gag centered on appearance actually serves as a commentary on the clumsiness of traditional interactions around mistletoe, showcasing Larson’s skill at capturing the nuances of social etiquette.
11 The Far Side On The Joy Of Finding Someone You Vibe With At The Party
First Published: September 25, 1982
This comic captures the moment two awkwardly charming figures lock eyes across a room filled with more traditionally attractive party-goers. The exaggerated representations of the typical party crowd heighten the contrast with these unique characters, subtly emphasizing the delight of finding a kindred spirit in an uncomfortable social situation.
What might seem like a surface-level joke about appearances actually taps into the deeper, often relatable experience of feeling out of place and the significance of shared connections in social settings.
10 This Directionally-Challenged Far Side Dog Highlights The Strip’s Goofy Side
First Published: June 22, 1984
This delightful canine-themed comic transports the party atmosphere to a doghouse, where the host, “Tricksy,”welcomes her furry friends. One guest humorously queries, “Which way to the yard?” while standing directly in front of the entrance. This visual comedy amplifies the slapstick absurdity inherent to Larson’s work.
9 This Far Side Insect Shindig Shows The Comic’s Penchant For Deep Thought
First Published: July 4, 1986
In this whimsical yet introspective Far Side comic, an insect confesses to another, “I can’t shake the feeling we’re all just a bunch of bugs.” This astute reflection captures the essence of that one friend at every gathering who seeks profound conversations instead of small talk.
This cartoon illustrates Larson’s brilliance in blending humor with substance — the portrayal of bugs highlights the irony and absurdity of existential musings, and resonates with audiences grappling with similar ponderings.
8 The Far Side Version Of That Moment When Someone Shows Up To The Party Uninvited
First Published: February 5, 1987
This cartoon takes the concept of anthropomorphism to an imaginative extreme, depicting a party populated by disembodied toes. The humor arises when an unwelcome ingrown toenail enters, evoking the universally understood discomfort of an uninvited guest crashing a gathering.
The visceral response to the dreadful imagery makes the punchline all the more effective, demonstrating Larson’s knack for merging the grotesque with humor.
7 The Far Side’s “Chameleon Faux Pas”Cartoon Highlights A Classic Party Anxiety
First Published: March 30, 1987
Here, Larson showcases a “chameleon faux pas,”humorously illustrating the anxiety of showing up at a gathering dressed like the host. The added layer of absurdity is that this gag, while inherently relatable, is executed in black-and-white, sparking curiosity about Larson’s artistic choices.
6 Sometimes, There Ain’t No Party Like A Far Side Party
First Published: May 2, 1987
This entry exemplifies how The Far Side often blended the relatable with the absurd. Here, we encounter a party where guests awkwardly hold porcupines, culminating in a humorous crisis when someone’s porcupine unexpectedly deflates. Such a scenario might leave some readers scratching their heads, but that’s precisely the beauty and curiosity of Larson’s humor.
5 The Far Side Was Often A Catalog Of “Embarrassing Moments”
First Published: January 26, 1988
Reflecting the pinnacle of social embarrassment, this panel showcases a single-celled organism named “Vinny”who undergoes a full-on mutation at a party. While it leans into complex genetic humor, Larson’s clever illustration conveys the joke effectively to a broad audience, balancing education and entertainment.
4 One Angry Guest Can Ruin A Whole Party, As This Far Side Cartoon Shows
First Published: March 23, 1990
In this humorous yet satirical take, we find ourselves at a jungle gathering where the festive mood abruptly shifts when an elephant named “Tantor”sees a piano with ivory keys. Larson captures the absurdity and potential chaos of social gatherings while effortlessly blending humor with a social commentary on sensitivity and awareness.
3 The Far Side Gives “Shrimp Cocktail”An Entirely New Meaning
First Published: March 28, 1990
In another whimsical moment, this Far Side cartoon portrays a quirky encounter between two flirtatious crawfish at a crustacean party. One of them attempts to woo the other with the line, “I get great FM,” humorously referencing the absurdly large antenna atop its head. This highlights Larson’s penchant for weaving silly yet clever one-liners.
2 Forget The Monster Mash, The Far Side Reveals What Monsters Are Really Listening To
First Published: October 4, 1993
In this unusual comic, lively monsters host a party listening to a soundtrack titled “The Best Of LITTLE KIDS SCREAMING.”The contrast between the monsters’ cheerful demeanor and the darkly humorous content creates a fascinating commentary on the joy that can be found in the unexpected, a signature element of Larson’s work.
1 Every Party Has That Person Who Takes Things Too Far
First Published: May 27, 1994
In this iconic closing panel from The Far Side, a cocktail gathering blissfully unfolds until one attendee, “Morty,”makes a shocking move by opening the “wolverine display.”The punchline encapsulates the unpredictable nature of parties combined with Larson’s flair for the bizarre, perfectly blending poignant humor with sheer absurdity.