Before making its grand debut in The San Francisco Chronicle in early 1980, Gary Larson’s beloved comic series, The Far Side, had a precursor known as Nature’s Way, which appeared in The Seattle Times. This initial comic was instrumental in shaping Larson’s trademark humor style, planting seeds for themes he would revisit throughout his illustrious career.
One hallmark of Larson’s work is his ability to revisit jokes and scenarios, a technique that became a signature of The Far Side’s run. The comic’s repetitive themes and unexpected sequels are more prevalent than many readers might realize, showcasing Larson’s clever approach to humor.
Examining The Far Side’s “Stampede Through The Canyon”Cartoon
Originally Published: September 2, 1982
This particular cartoon, featuring a cowboy hat rising above a frantic herd of a stampede, is caption-less. Larson’s confidence in the imagery—illustrating a cowboy campsite disrupted by a chaotic rush of animals—conveys the punchline without any verbal context. This absence of a caption marks it as one of the subtle jokes in The Far Side repertoire.
For avid followers of Larson’s work, connecting this comic to one from over three years earlier in the Nature’s Way series is an exciting discovery. While this rendition depicts the aftermath of the trampling, the earlier version illustrates the moments before the cowboy’s unfortunate fate.
Decoding Gary Larson’s “Where The Buffalo Roam”Comic
A Nostalgic Nature’s Way Cartoon
Contrarily, Larson employs a “look what is about to happen”approach in this earlier comic. Here, a rugged cowpoke is engrossed in strumming his guitar while singing the famous line “O give me a home/where the buffalo roam…”, blissfully unaware of the stampede of bison charging towards him. This comic highlights the germination of Larson’s comedic voice, while also marking his artistic progression.
Readers will notice the raw quality of the artwork in this Nature’s Way panel, which starkly contrasts with the more polished appearance of its Far Side successor. Larson’s style evolved rapidly, with his illustrations becoming increasingly entertaining and detailed, showcasing his remarkable growth as an artist.
The Far Side’s Unique Perspective on Humor Exhibited in Nature’s Way
Another Early Endeavor by Gary Larson
Another cartoon from Nature’s Way that later inspired a sequel is a scene featuring a woman who is preoccupied with her pet fish, pressing her face against the fishbowl, just as a large, monstrous eye looms ominously in her window. This cartoon showcases Larson’s early comedic style, which blends an unexpected perspective with familiar human behavior.
The simplicity of this original illustration is apparent, yet it showcases the seeds of Larson’s future humor. The contrast between the human and goldfish’s size raises an interesting dynamic, highlighting Larson’s signature way of infusing everyday situations with surreal humor.
Heightened Attention to Detail in Larson’s Evolvement
First Published: July 5, 1982
Once again revisiting the horror of the monstrous eye theme, Larson’s Far Side cartoon, which emerged in 1982, builds upon the earlier Nature’s Way illustration. In this updated version, the woman, after realizing she’s being watched, remains startlingly composed as she casually calls a friend to describe the extraordinary sight in her front yard.
The advancements in Larson’s artistic abilities are apparent in this vivid comic, with full-color details enhancing the visual punch. The stark contrast between the bright hues of the woman’s living room and the menacing green-gray of the eye invites viewers to engage more deeply with the punchline, highlighting the artist’s growth during his Far Side journey.
Exploring The Far Side’s Engaging Sequel Comics
Hidden Treasures for Fans to Discover
Amongst the many memorable sequel comics created by Larson are the infamous “Dog With Gun”and “Dog With Dynamite Vest”comics from 1987-88, presenting dogs menacing their owners with firearms. Notably, Larson also revisited the “Sword in the Stone”theme, ingeniously illustrating a woman pulling the legendary sword from its resting place, only to encounter trumpet-playing angels. In a subsequent comic, she unleashes the sword again, prompting a humorous interruption from a satyr.
These various cartoons not only serve as standalone funny pieces but gain added depth when contextualized within the wider universe of Larson’s work. For ardent fans, the discovery of these themed connections within Larson’s oeuvre offers endless delights, proving that even years after its last installment, The Far Side continues to entertain.