Fans of The Far Side often admire the comic strip for its cerebral humor; however, this same intellect can occasionally undermine its effectiveness. Gary Larson’s penchant for complex punchlines has, at times, rendered his humor more perplexing than amusing for many readers. While we celebrate the strip for its clever wordplay and inventive references, these traits have also led to confusion in some instances.
Despite being cherished throughout the years, Larson sometimes invested more intellectual effort into his jokes than was necessary, resulting in comics that could be perceived as nearly incomprehensible. Certain illustrations demand a level of expertise in subjects familiar to Larson but not to the average reader, while others may include references that require online research to fully appreciate. The following list highlights 10 Far Side comics that may be considered too intellectually demanding for their own good.
10. “Cow Tools”Stands as One of The Far Side’s Most Confounding Comics
First Published: October 28, 1982
This particular entry might not showcase the most sophisticated punchline, yet its reputation for underlying cleverness has led to frequent misinterpretation. The comic features a cow seated before awkwardly shaped tools, simply labeled as “cow tools”.
Over the years, many have speculated about hidden meanings, but Larson himself clarified that the humor lies in the absurdity of such tools being effective. Nonetheless, the strip’s legacy encourages readers to search for deeper meanings, exemplifying how Larson’s wit sometimes assumes too much from the audience.
9. The Far Side Presents an Unusual and Confusing Metamorphosis
First Published: August 2, 1980
Several comics in The Far Side effectively narrate stories without relying on dialogue, while others require clarification due to their complexity. In this instance, a group is shown asleep in sleeping bags with one character transforming into a butterfly.
The intended humor emerges from the concept of metamorphosis, yet the comic doesn’t illustrate the gradual change from caterpillar to butterfly, leaving a gap that assumes the reader can make the connection independently.
8. Edgar and “His Purpose”: A Misguided Assumption
First Published: January 30, 1986
One of the recurring challenges with The Far Side is Larson’s tendency to overestimate the reader’s understanding when crafting punchlines. This comic serves as an exemplar of that issue, where the punchline falls flat due to its ambiguity.
7. The Far Side’s Rhino in Repose: Clarity Lacking
First Published: December 14, 1985
A key feature of Larson’s work is its ability to provoke a bewildered reaction from readers. In this illustration, a rhino stands in a field under the moonlight with one leg lifted, described merely as “the rhino in repose”.
This seemingly simple depiction raises questions, prompting many to ponder its deeper significance, even though the intended humor remains unclear.
6. An Old West Comic with a Complex Twist
First Published: April 29, 1982
Larson’s fascination with the Old West frequently emerges in his work. In this humorous incident, a cowboy is dramatically thrown out of a saloon window.
While the visual may elicit laughter, the deeper context surrounding Old West tropes may be lost on casual fans, diluting the initial comedic impact.
5. The Far Side: A Well of Misunderstood Humor
First Published: January 16, 1987
In this cartoon, the comedic elements seem to thrive on simplicity. A man observes a cat tied up, commenting, “The dog ain’t goin’ for the new cat.”
The implication appears to be a dog’s plot against the cat; however, Larson later clarified that it’s in fact the dog who is responsible for tying up the cat, which contradicts the initial reading. The complexity of the explanation detracts from the comic’s effectiveness.
4. An Unintuitive Peanuts Crossover
First Published: December 11, 1987
An intended Peanuts crossover comic should cater to a broad audience; however, Larson injected a complex joke that may elude younger readers. Explorers discover a cave painting of Lucy, and the caption notes “a second ‘Lucy’ is discovered in southern Uganda”.
This punchline alludes to a significant anthropological find, but the intricacies of the humor are too convoluted to resonate, ultimately overshadowing its comedic potential.
3. The Shark Joke: Depth Over Comprehension
First Published: February 22, 1986
This comic presents a humorous quandary that invites too much contemplation to elicit laughter. Depicting a shark glancing into a mirror while remoras hang from it, the caption reads, “the heartbreak of remoras”.
Those familiar with marine ecosystems might deduce that the remoras are metaphorically representing heartbreak, but without this knowledge, the joke loses impact.
2. A Far Side Cow Joke That Misfires
First Published: November 28, 1984
This Far Side joke revolves around cows, a recurring theme for Larson, yet fails to deliver the intended effect. One cow lounges with a beer while another displays a glass of wine, stating, “Wendell…I’m not content.”
The humor relies on knowledge of the slogan, “contented cows”, which may be lost on contemporary audiences, ultimately diluting the effectiveness of the joke.
1. The Far Side’s Most Misunderstood Joke
First Published: January 15, 1991
In this final comic, two survivors cling to a rock, with one stating that they’ll have enough food with oysters and mussels “all the way to the top.”At first glance, the humor seems to revolve around misguided optimism. However, Larson later explained its complexities, revealing its intricacies:
Let me be the first to acknowledge that even if you were to understand this thing, it’s not exactly going to send you into gales of laughter. (Let’s just call it “quiet humor,”okay?) Here’s the cartoon decoded: If you’ve managed to escape some disastrous event at sea, you would be well advised to note where the various crustaceans and mollusks are making their little homes. Because “home”to these creatures is anywhere that is comfortably below tide. (I knew I was in trouble when a marine biologist friend called me and asked me to explain this one.)
For the casual reader, this marine biology insight may not resonate, rendering the joke ineffective. The Far Side exemplifies Larson’s brilliance, but instances like this raise questions about the accessibility of his humor.