The Far Side has earned its reputation as an exceptional comic strip, primarily due to its unconventional format that diverges from the typical main character focus. Instead of centering around one protagonist, this renowned series showcases a variety of recurring characters. This unique approach allows the creators to introduce an eclectic mix of characters that serve to enhance the humor and punchlines of each comic, rather than to drive a narrative.
The roster of bizarre characters featured in The Far Side is impressive and varied, including everything from babies and aliens to unusual inhabitants like trees. The delightful whimsy extends to offerings like detective elephants and deranged ducks, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the comics. Given this tendency for absurdity, it’s unsurprising that insects often take center stage, appearing in numerous strips that humorously explore their quirks. These bug-centric antics even rival the storyline of Pixar’s animated feature, A Bug’s Life. Here are ten of the most amusing The Far Side comics featuring bugs!
10 The Peculiar Daily Dilemmas of Bugs in The Far Side
In one strip, an anthropomorphic ladybug is seen approaching her home, oblivious to her child glued to a TV show inside. Upon her arrival, she finds her husband’s antenna wedged in the closed door. This prompts her to quip about his haste that morning—clearly, he had closed the door without noticing, resulting in a scenario that’s funny because it is so uniquely relatable yet absurd.
These comic insect characters mimic human life—complete with homes, professions, and children who indulge in entertainment. Yet, there remains a layer of strangeness in their existence, such as the unusual mishaps that evoke laughter in ways only The Far Side can achieve.
9 The Comedic Mosquito Retreat in The Far Side
Another comic features two mosquitoes engaged in conversation with a noticeably larger companion who is nearly bursting at the seams from indulgent blood consumption. Curiously, the larger mosquito reveals the secret behind his bounty: a nearby nudist camp. This scenario humorously suggests a haven for mosquitoes, where a lack of clothing spells a feast for the tiny bloodsuckers.
This hilarious take showcases how The Far Side juxtaposes the trials of insects with the absurdities of human life, crafting imaginative scenarios that evoke laughter.
8 The Advanced Society of Fleas in The Far Side
In a clever portrayal of insect society, two fleas watch the local news while perched upon a diminutive couch. The news report covers current events pertinent to the dog they inhabit. This strip illustrates a community dynamic where fleas claim patches of skin as their territory. The comic humorously imagines these insects engaging in domesticated lives, complete with newsrooms and a police presence.
This sophisticated portrayal is also a great commentary on nature’s complexities, as it satirizes the communal living habits of fleas on their larger hosts.
7 The Absurd Gentlemen’s Club Concept in The Far Side
A humorous nightclub scene brings together a crowd of bugs intently spectating a performance. On stage, one bug undergoes a metamorphosis, shedding her cocoon in a fashion that parodies a gentlemen’s club. The witticism lies in the akin nature of this spectacle to a striptease, albeit with the biological twist unique to insects.
This strip captures the essence of surreal humor typical of The Far Side, blending real-life concepts with the peculiarities of the insect world.
6 Flies’ Birthday Parties: A True Representation in The Far Side
One strip features a celebration inside an open garbage can, showcasing three flies reveling as one dons a party hat and holds a balloon. However, the kicker is the melancholic fourth fly peering from a house, saddened by not being invited. This comically emphasizes the idea that, for flies, a garbage can is an ideal venue for festivities!
It showcases how The Far Side brilliantly captures the humorous absurdity of insect life through fun-filled scenarios.
5 Nuclear Chaos: A Dreamland for Bugs in The Far Side
This strip dramatically depicts a post-apocalyptic landscape dominated by destruction, where a lone bug crawls out from oblivion to signal to others, “Come on out… I think they’re through.”This comedic yet dark portrayal reflects a stark truth: the extinction of humans could liberate bugs to thrive in their new world.
Through this imaginative narrative, The Far Side skillfully addresses the balance of nature and the ongoing human-box relationship.
4 The Ants and Their Moral Lessons in The Far Side
In another comic, a mother ant reads a bedtime story about “The Ant Who Cried Aardvark”to her children, echoing the theme of truth and deception. This amusing take on a classic fable cleverly incorporates insects while imparting a valuable moral lesson.
The use of anthropomorphism showcases the wit inherent in The Far Side, reminding us that even the smallest creatures engage with profound themes.
3 Bugs and Their Class Divisions in The Far Side
Amidst an upscale gathering, elegantly dressed bugs mingle and engage in polite conversation until a few ‘undesirable’ guests enter—the dreaded dung beetles, donning their ‘dungarees.’ This hilarious situation highlights the absurdity of classism, as the fancy bugs frown upon their less fashionable peers purely based on their appearance.
The Far Side effectively portrays social commentary, even extending to the insect world, making us chuckle at its clever satire.
2 In-Laws: The Parasitic Reality for Lice in The Far Side
This strip features a couple of lice embroiled in a bickering match about unexpected in-laws visiting. The punchline, “it’s ironic that even we lice have parasites,”underscores the comedy of the situation. Despite being parasites themselves, the characters bring forth a relatable social dynamic that resonates with anyone who has experienced family tensions.
The blending of the mundane with the humorously bizarre is a hallmark of The Far Side, making this comic strip a beloved classic.
1 The Comedic Horror: Bugs Finding Humans Creepy in The Far Side
The final comic showcases a panicked bug exclaiming to another, distressed by a tiny human perched upon him, pleading, “Get it off me! Get it off me!”The humor strikes as the bug expresses genuine fear of the human, contrasting with the human’s obliviousness. This role reversal—where insects find humans terrifying—summarizes the brilliant absurdity of The Far Side, proving that these comics capture the intricacies of life, even among the smallest creatures.
These selections from The Far Side highlight the unique humor inherent in bug-centric experiences, which definitely outshine even Pixar’s A Bug’s Life.