The Far Side made its debut in 1980 and rapidly gained traction, eventually becoming a key feature in newspapers across the United States by the middle of that decade. Initially, however, the comic strip struggled to find its footing, with only a handful of publications willing to showcase Gary Larson’s work, and its success was anything but assured. Ironically, the very comics that later solidified Larson’s fame could have led to his downfall instead.
From the outset, Larson was known for his provocative blend of humor, ranging from the absurd to the darkly ironic, eliciting both controversy and acclaim. His unique style struck a chord with discerning newspaper editors and audiences alike, securing The Far Side’s place in the canon of American humor forever.
The cartoons compiled here present a snapshot of the early years of The Far Side, showcasing Larson’s hallmark blend of wit and deeper commentary, along with touches of quintessential absurdity that provide a window into the formative phase of his illustrious career.
12 The Far Side Established Its Dark Use Of Comedic Irony Early On
First Published: April 29, 1980
In one of the initial comics, a cow being led to slaughter amusingly exclaims, “They’ll never get me to come back here again!” This humorous commentary on the situation sets the tone for a series that quickly became known for its unique approach to humor.
Larson’s mastery of irony is evident throughout The Far Side; his characters often remain blissfully unaware of their dire predicaments, thereby creating a sense of complicity among readers who embrace the twisted punchlines.
11 The Far Side’s Torture Comics Got Gary Larson In Hot Water Early & Often
First Published: October 14, 1980
Articulating good taste in humor is subjective, particularly with The Far Side’s penchant for addressing taboo subjects. Among the most frequently debated recurring themes in Larson’s work involve humorous depictions of dungeons that possess a sitcom-like charm.
In one early comic, a dungeon-master shows off his workplace to his parents while offering a demonstration of “the Rack.”Despite the backlash from critics, Larson remained unfazed, continuing to explore this rich vein of humor centered around unexpected contextual juxtapositions.
10 Far Side PSA: Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings, Always Listen For The “Whoosh”Of A Falling Piano
First Published: July 4, 1981
The classic “falling piano”gag encapsulates Larson’s talent for transforming misfortune into humor. In this illustration, a man observes a broken stool below, his attention diverted just in time for a piano to plummet directly onto him. This scenario epitomizes the slipstream between absurdity and impending doom, showcasing Larson’s exceptional ability to capture fleeting moments.
9 One Of The Far Side’s Most Memorable “Last Moments”Cartoons
First Published: September 8, 1981
This memorable comic finds Larson expanding on the premise of imminent disaster, injecting depth into the characters’ nervous encounter. “You’re kidding!” asserts one heavily bandaged man in a wheelchair to another, as they both realize they were both struck twice by lightning. This clever twist adds nuance and humor to their grim situation, as a meteor looms ominously overhead.
8 The Far Side Broke Its Own Rules Whenever It Needed To
First Published: November 26, 1981
The Far Side often followed a specific structure, combining image and caption; however, Larson frequently challenged that formula. In this example, the comic follows a multi-panel format, showcasing a bear’s peaceful drink at a pond interrupted by gunfire, culminating in its tragic fate as a trophy. This serves as a biting social commentary on trophy hunting.
7 Whether Readers Got A Silly Far Side Or A Dark One Was The Luck Of The Draw
First Published: January 1, 1982
While Larson crafted many light-hearted comics, it was the darker, jarring strips that garnered the most attention. In one succinct comic, a skydiver, having successfully deployed his parachute, dismayed, discovers a Jack-in-the-Box emerging from a fellow diver’s backpack instead. This layered humor manages to evoke empathy while maintaining comedic distance.
6 The Far Side’s Most Infamous Comic Helped Define Gary Larson’s Career
First Published: October 28, 1982
No comic has stirred as much discussion as “Cow Tools,”making it a pivotal piece of The Far Side’s legacy. It describes a cow presenting various bovine adaptations of human tools, becoming infamous for its perplexing nature. This cartoon didn’t just spark conversations; it cemented Larson’s reputation and marked a significant step in his career trajectory.
5 The Far Side’s “Full Circle Evolution”Comic Is Gary Larson At His Most Insightful
First Published: November 11, 1982
Captioned “The Evolution of Man,”this comic cleverly synthesizes Larson’s ability to comment on the human experience. It humorously traces evolutionary progress from fish to fisherman, serving as a delightful observation of our absurd existence. Larson had a unique talent for making profound insights feel effortlessly accessible.
4 The Far Side Met Readers At The Corner Of Absurd & Outrageous
First Published: February 23, 1983
In a strikingly humorous contrast, a Far Side cartoon features Tarzan and a herd of elephants charging towards a hapless man on roller skates, who is blissfully unaware of the impending chaos. This comic exemplifies Larson’s fusion of levity and absurdity, leaving readers both amused and slightly aghast as circumstances collide.
3 The Far Side’s “Slice-Of-Life”Style Meets A Pop Culture Icon
First Published: May 11, 1983
In one memorable Far Side comic, Tarzan humorously fumbles his belongings while swinging through the jungle, illustrating Larson’s unique knack for merging well-known characters with relatable situations. The blend of pop culture and absurdity allowed readers to connect with the chaotic world Larson expertly crafted.
2 Prehistory Popped Up Early & Often Throughout The Far Side’s Run
First Published: October 28, 1983
It would be a disservice to overlook Larson’s humorous take on prehistoric themes, which frequently appeared within The Far Side. By revisiting pivotal episodes in human history, he created some of the franchise’s most beloved and enduring comics.
1 The Far Side Officially Joins The “Greatest Comics”Club
First Published: August 30, 1984
By 1984, The Far Side emerged onto the national scene, gaining presence in an increasing number of U.S. newspapers and solidifying its status alongside iconic strips like Peanuts and Garfield. Larson’s wit continues to resonate, affirming The Far Side’s position as a cornerstone in the landscape of comic strips.
This humorous strip illustrates the mixture of confusion and charm as the goofy protagonist enters a party, eliciting mixed reactions from attendees. For every person alienated by Larson’s unconventional humor, many others were captivated, further cementing the comic’s legacy as a timeless classic.