Gary Larson’s The Far Side has become iconic for its unique blend of the utterly absurd with everyday scenarios. Characters navigating their mundane lives find themselves confronted by an array of strange and fantastic beings—from extraterrestrial invaders to robots and exceptionally clever cows. This peculiar intersection proves especially humorous when it comes to car owners, who can end up in the most unimaginable predicaments on the road.
Among the most unfortunate of Larson’s characters are those behind the wheel. Picture a landscape where everyone from dinosaurs to household pets share the road, making for a bizarre driving experience. Below are ten of the funniest Far Side comics featuring car-related escapades. Be sure to participate in our end-of-article poll to help determine our readers’ top pick!
10. “Let Me Drive!”
We’ve All Experienced Getting Lost
Nobody enjoys losing their way while driving, but in the Far Side universe, the concept of “lost”takes on a whole new meaning. Case in point: two drivers end up on the moon, struggling to use Earth as a reference point. In a delightful twist of humor, the wife’s request to take the wheel comes at an absurdly inappropriate time, highlighting the strip’s ability to merge the surreal with the everyday.
9. “You Are Mine…”
Unusual Dangers Beyond the Road
While it might be expected for Far Side‘s vultures to present danger, Larson expands the threat to include ducks, chickens, and even beloved pets like parrots. The unexpected twist is that these seemingly harmless animals are not only annoyances but actual threats to humans.
8. “There It Is Again!”
A Nod to Horror Cinema
Larson frequently references horror films, incorporating elements from classics like Dracula and Jaws into his comics. Interestingly, the characters often respond to these monstrous encounters with mild annoyance rather than fear, adding an extra layer of humor to the absurdity of their world.
7. Stay Home! STAY!
A Dog’s Revenge
In this cleverly crafted two-panel comic, a family’s dog seizes the opportunity to drive away in their car, leaving its humans behind. Although Larson could have conveyed the punchline with just one panel, the second serves to showcase the dog’s sheer delight in its newfound freedom, subtly suggesting that this rebellion, while humorous, is relatively harmless.
6. There’s a Bee in the Car
Transforming Ordinary Issues into the Absurd
Larson excels at using a single panel to convey intricate narratives, particularly in comics about vehicles. The clever placement of visuals, such as what can be seen through the windows or mirrors, enhances storytelling, offering a unique perspective on everyday scenarios.
5. Door Ding Gnomes
Unveiling Modern Mysteries
Larson often includes mythical creatures like gnomes and elves in everyday life, humorously attributing mundane annoyances—such as lost car keys—to these whimsical beings. The humor lies in presenting these fictional setups as real-life inconveniences.
4. “This One’s Got a Coat Hanger”
The Illusion of Safety
Larson expertly highlights the deceptive sense of safety felt in vehicles, especially in safari contexts. Here, a lion cleverly employs a coat hanger to unlock a car door, underscoring the comic’s premise that animals in Larson’s world are not only intelligent but potentially life-threatening.
3. “WE’RE DOOMED!”
The Backseat Driver Dilemma
A common annoyance while driving is the incessant commentary from backseat drivers. Larson amplifies this irritation to new heights by presenting a trivial accident in a parking lot as a catastrophic event—demonstrating his knack for contrasting human reactions with ridiculous situations.
2. “These Are Good Hubcaps”
Sarcasm in the Face of Danger
The horror of encountering bears is made all the more ridiculous by their inclination to steal hubcaps. Larson’s humor shines through in the commentary that even a violent animal attack becomes preferable to the humiliation of being robbed in the process.
1. “CAR!”
Revelations about Cows
This comic showcases Larson’s affection for cows and cleverly implies they lead double lives. While appearing docile to humans, they’re engaged in covert activities that include subverting public infrastructure and intimidating dairy farmers. A cultural highlight, this comic was also referenced in the TV show Cheers, cementing its legacy in popular culture.
In conclusion, these ten hilarious Far Side comics depict cars as the backdrop for unfortunate and whimsical experiences. When you settle into your car next time, consider avoiding daydreams about alien invasions or angry birds. Finally, don’t forget to cast your vote below to help us determine the best of Far Side‘s car comics!