The Far Side, created by Gary Larson, is renowned for its unique take on the surreal and the bizarre. Among its most captivating themes is the exploration of cryptids—creatures whose existence remains speculative rather than scientifically proven. This category includes famed entities like Bigfoot, yetis, the Loch Ness Monster, aliens, and even mythical beings such as mermaids and dragons.
Larson adeptly brings these mythical figures into the realm of humor, particularly evident in his comic strips featuring cryptids. What enhances the comedic effect is the juxtaposition of these legendary monsters in contemporary settings, making their predicaments relatable and amusing for readers.
8 “The Bigfoot Mystery”
April 22, 1980
In one memorable strip, two intrepid cryptid hunters catch a glimpse of Bigfoot. However, their expectations are hilariously subverted; instead of the towering, furry figure many envision, Bigfoot is depicted with a normal-sized body but colossal human feet. This revelation leaves the hunters feeling disenchanted, as they discover that the reality behind Bigfoot’s essence shatters the mythical allure surrounding him.
This comic cleverly dismantles the common assumption that Bigfoot is a majestic and mysterious creature, presenting instead a more mundane twist that highlights humor in the disillusionment of expectations.
7 “Unravel!”
September 22, 1984
Another comic features a lively scene where mummies gather for a weekend show. Specifically, one mummy is encouraged to strip away her linen wrappings, akin to a burlesque performance. This humorous portrayal shifts mummies from their traditional frightening image to a comical and raucous party atmosphere.
The depiction cleverly ties into the long history of mummies in horror literature, suggesting an absurd yet entertaining twist on their narrative role through a lively critique of undead cultural tropes.
6 “As Far as Leprechauns Go, I’ve Never Been Considered All That Lucky”
September 19, 1994
In this captivating strip, a man captures a leprechaun, a figure that traditionally offers wishes or good fortune. However, the leprechaun humorously admits that he’s not particularly lucky himself. Sporting a peg leg, a hook hand, and an eye patch, his rough demeanor adds a twist to the folklore while poking fun at the mythology associated with leprechauns.
This playful take on leprechaun lore provides a humorous contrast to common expectations, showcasing Larson’s ability to blend cultural references with wit.
5 “Well, So Much for the Unicorns”
December 31, 1981
This comic set aboard Noah’s Ark humorously depicts a disastrous consequence of carnivorous animals indulging in their instincts, as they devour the last remaining unicorns. The aftermath leads to a banishment of all carnivores to Deck C to prevent further extinctions. Larson’s strip suggests a world where unicorns were indeed real, but their fate was sealed by the very nature of survival.
Unicorns, which have existed in mythos since ancient times, are symbolized as rare creatures. Their fictional extinction in this comic reflects a humorous yet poignant exploration of loss and the passing of myth.
4 “That Same Obnoxious Tie”
May 18, 1994
In a twist of fate, Edgar purchases silver bullets from a dubious salesman—only to later discover that the claimed pure silver bullets are fake when he encounters a werewolf. The punchline reveals that the salesman, identifiable by his obnoxious tie, is the very werewolf terrorizing Edgar.
This strip illustrates the blend of fantasy and reality while emphasizing the importance of genuine products when it comes to mythical creatures. The encounter leaves Edgar’s fate in disarray, adding a darkly comedic layer to the narrative.
3 “Wonderful! Just Wonderful!”
December 28, 1983
When a UFO lands, an eager crowd anticipates the arrival of extraterrestrial beings. However, one alien’s clumsiness—tripping down the spaceship’s stairs—creates a comical faux pas that detracts from their grand entrance. The other aliens express their dismay, as they were hoping to impress humans with a sophisticated reveal.
This gag contrasts the serious tone often associated with alien encounters, transforming expectation into hilarity. In a world fascinated with questions of extraterrestrial life, Larson invites his audience to consider the lighter side of unpredictability.
2 “I Never Eat the Shells”
January 2, 1980
Two dragons engage in an amusing conversation about their meal, humorously asserting their dietary preference against eating the shells—referring to the discarded armor of knights. This strip likens their eating habits to ours, as they carefully discard the remnants of their feasts.
Through this comedic exploration of dragon mythology, Larson highlights familiar themes of gluttony and propriety while embedding cultural references within a fantastical discussion.
1 “The Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, and Jackie Onassis”
August 5, 1987
In a striking visual, Dale stumbles upon an incredible trio: the fabled Loch Ness Monster, the elusive Bigfoot, and the iconic Jackie Onassis. Yet, his excitement is swiftly crushed as his camera malfunctions at the critical moment, leaving him with no proof of his astounding encounter.
While Jackie Onassis isn’t a cryptid, the comic cleverly intertwines her privacy with that of the legendary creatures. This playful contrast shows how perception shapes reality, and through Larson’s humor, we reflect on the limits of belief and credibility in extraordinary claims.