In Gary Larson’s iconic comic strip, The Far Side, the setting plays a pivotal role, whether it’s the vast expanse of a desert, the intimate confines of a living room, or the bustling environment of diners and cafés. This article focuses on the delightful diner-themed comics, where humor intertwines with unique characters and their quirky interactions.
While many strips revolve around restaurants, the diner settings provide a distinct vibe and often showcase a different style of humor. This stylistic nuance enriches the punchlines, creating memorable moments that resonate with readers on various levels.
10 A Hilarious Far Side Diner Faux Pas
First Published: August 13, 1985
In one memorable comic, a diner patron contemplates his order before declaring, “I guess I’ll have the ham and eggs.“This decision sparks a stir among the surrounding diners, who just so happen to be chickens and pigs. Larson’s clever juxtaposition highlights the absurdity of a world where humans dine on animals while sharing their space. This humor strikes a chord, often eliciting a smile, if not outright laughter.
9 This Far Side Frog Reminds Readers “Waste Not, Want Not”
First Published: March 8, 1985
In another classic, a frog at “Rosie’s Diner”politely requests a discarded fly from a man who had pulled it from his soup. Larson creates a witty commentary on improvised dining and the lengths some will go to avoid waste. The detail of the frog’s tiny hat adds to the absurdity, portraying the creature as just another diner enjoying a meal.
8 At Snake Diners, The Wait Staff Always Know Whose Order To Take First
First Published: August 12, 1985
Larson’s fascination with snakes translates into humor throughout his work. In this particular comic, he presents “The Eat and Slither,”where snakes lounge at a lunch counter, glancing at a menu displaying specials like “hamsterettes”and “the thumper special.”The visual punch of a bulging snake, contemplating its next meal, drives home the surreal humor of the scene.
7 A Classic Far Side Mix-Up Ends With A Mouth Full Of Worms For The Wrong Customer
First Published: November 18, 1985
In a humorous twist, a bird at a diner looks at a plate that resembles regular spaghetti and exclaims, “Where’s my Earthworms Alfredo?“Meanwhile, a nearby human desperately hopes he hasn’t received the bird’s order. Larson’s gourmet humor blends animal and human absurdity, cleverly hiding the punchline in the visual similarities between the meals.
6 All The Far Side Cow’s Diners Were “All You Can Eat”
First Published: November 28, 1985
This comic humorously tackles the idea of appetite through the lens of a cow at a diner claiming it’s still hungry. It reflects the relatable sentiment of wanting to extend a social outing, echoing the experience of staying longer at a restaurant even when friends are ready to leave.
5 “No Brains, No Service”: The Rules At This Far Side Diner Are No Joke
First Published: December 31, 1986
Perhaps one of the most iconic diner comics, a disgruntled cook ejects two patrons while pointing to a sign that reads, “No brains, no service.“Larson utilizes a simple yet effective visual narrative, allowing the image to deliver the punchline without needing additional text, prompting readers to appreciate the absurdity of the scenario.
4 The Far Side Waxes Poetic About A Nice Lunch
First Published: May 22, 1992
In a whimsical twist, a group of bees seated at a diner is captured under the tagline “beeswax lunch.”Although the play on words may leave some wanting, Larson’s illustration of the bees in business attire lends a charming absurdity to the strip, showcasing his talent for elevating the mundane.
3 One Of The Far Side’s Weirdest Punchlines Happened At The Lunch Counter
First Published: June 24, 1992
This surreal comic delivers an unexpected punchline involving a choking diner who remarkably ejects a tiny samurai sword from his throat. The tableau presents an absurd visual as fellow diners turn in astonishment, highlighting Larson’s command of the bizarre and the comedic.
2 An Interstellar Star Is Born At This Alien Far Side Diner
First Published: November 24, 1992
This comic transports readers to “Xzory’s Place,”an alien diner where a talent agent eyes a waitress and proposes she pursue a film career. The humorous caption, “Alien corner cafes, where sometimes dreams do come true,”adds an imaginative twist, while the illustration cleverly frames the moment from outside the diner, emphasizing its otherworldly nature.
1 The Far Side Confirms That Diners Are For Mortals
First Published: January 31, 1994
In this witty portrayal, the waitress at “Roy’s”informs a table of mythological deities that their meal lacks the divine qualities typically expected, remarking, “Nothin’ we serve is exactly what I’d call food for the gods.“This masterful blend of the mundane with the extraordinary showcases Larson’s knack for bringing humor to unexpected contexts, highlighting the interplay between the caption and illustration.