The Far Side by Gary Larson is well-known for embracing dark humor, establishing its creator as a master of absurdity that resonates predominantly with adult audiences. Although there are comics suitable for younger readers, it’s clear that Larson’s unique blend of humor often dips into territory that might be unsettling for the faint-hearted.
This penchant for darkness is integral to The Far Side’s allure; however, some jokes linger uncomfortably in readers’ memories, evoking feelings of unease long after the final chuckle. The following collection showcases a selection of cartoons that exemplify this aspect, featuring morbid themes that range from tragic to grotesque. Whether they highlight shocking deaths or distressing situations, these pieces are certainly unforgettable, for better or worse. Here are 10 disturbing Far Side comics that we wish we could forget.
10
The Far Side Takes Mailboxes to Nightmarish Levels
First Published: May 16th, 1981
At first glance, this comic might appear silly, depicting a mailbox that devours a mailman. Yet, it instills a newfound fear in the audience. With no need for words, Larson’s illustration conveys a chilling narrative: a mailman approaches, only to be consumed entirely by the mailbox, which eerily presents itself as vacant again, leaving no trace of its last victim.
9
An Especially Revolting Joke Among The Far Side Comics
First Published: August 14th, 1988
Unlike many comics that feature eerie scenarios, this particular one lingers in the mind for a wholly different reason. In it, two bears devise an “animal waste management”concept that results in horrifying sewage flooding a human home.
While their revenge against careless humans who pollute the environment might be seen as justified, the nauseating imagery of animal excrement invading a house is inescapably repulsive. The mere thought of such a scenario is likely enough to make readers want to forget this comic entirely.
8
The Far Side Alters Our Perception of Lunchtime
First Published: July 6th, 1994
For many individuals, lunch is a restorative break in their day, but at this zoo, employees are never truly free from the unsettling realities of their work. A comic features a man who asks, “What’s got 12 legs, six eyes, a hairy thorax, was found dead in its display case this morning, and goes ‘crunch’ inside a submarine sandwich?”
Unbeknownst to him, he has inadvertently bitten into a deceased spider. The vivid description of that spider’s unsettling “crunch”forces readers to confront that unsettling possibility. After this comic, diners might find themselves more cautious about their lunch contents!
7
The Far Side’s Scientists and Their Disturbing Experiments
First Published: October 30th, 1990
This installment features eccentric scientists, well-known for their dubious experiments, in which disasters often outweigh breakthroughs. In this instance, a scene unfolds where one scientist appears to have met a sticky end, leaving his colleagues horrified as he lies melted into a grotesque puddle of goo. The uncertainty about whether the outcome was a success or a failure only heightens the unsettling nature of the comic.
6
A Haunting End to Garfield in The Far Side
First Published: December 16th, 1983
Garfield, a cherished character from one of the most iconic comic strips, finds himself in a gruesome fate in this single-panel comic. A snake, sporting a disturbingly large belly, is curled around a dish marked “Garfield”. The snake’s menacing grin reveals the shocking incident of swallowing the beloved feline whole, presenting his demise in a haunting manner that lingers in the reader’s mind.
5
The Far Side’s Chilling Take on Clown Behavior
First Published: June 10th, 1991
Clowns are generally seen as comedic figures, but in this comic, the humor turns dark. A clown, seemingly fed up with being the butt of jokes, considers retaliation. Larson’s portrayal serves as a stark reminder that those who seem harmless can, indeed, become threats if pushed too far.
4
The Far Side Reveals the Perils of Trees
First Published: May 28th, 1990
This comic begins with an innocuous setting: a woman happily painting a tree while following along with a Bob Ross video. However, the cheerful scene takes a horrific turn when a real tree collapses onto her home, crushing her mid-creation. The sudden shift from tranquility to tragedy evokes a visceral fear of nature’s unpredictability.
3
A Dark Reinterpretation of a Classic Nursery Rhyme in The Far Side
First Published: September 10th, 1987
2
The Heartbreaking Scene as King Kong Claims His Victim
First Published: November 6th, 1984
In this comic, King Kong becomes yet another massive monster laying waste as he crushes his latest victim. However, the narrative takes a sadder turn when a loyal poodle stands by her fallen owner, tragically caught under the mighty gorilla. The heartbreaking scene implies that the dog remains blissfully unaware of the fate that befell her beloved companion, adding to the emotional weight of this Far Side installment.
1
A Disturbing Reflection on Parental Love in The Far Side
First Published: January 12th, 1985
Lastly, we encounter a deeply unsettling comic where a chicken reflects on her culinary endeavors. As she meticulously lays out the ingredients for a cake, she glances at her nest of eggs—her offspring. The conflicted expression on her face raises a horrifying question: will she sacrifice her own children for the cake?
This comic elicits an unsettling sense of guilt, as Larson’s work pushes the boundaries of humor into a realm where parental affection and grim choices intersect.