From 1980 to 1994, Gary Larson’s The Far Side captured audiences with its unique blend of absurdity and humor, becoming one of the most cherished comic strips ever created. Featuring a myriad of quirky characters such as cows, scientists, ducks, and cavemen, Larson’s work has remained relevant and hilarious, decades after its original publication. This article aims to highlight the top 15 Far Side comics, culminating in our definitive #1 choice. We invite you to participate in our poll at the end of the article to express your favorite strip and share any others you believe we’ve overlooked in the comments.
15
Wings Fall Off
The Dark Humor of The Far Side
Although often perceived as family-friendly, The Far Side carries a sharp, dark humor that occasionally leads to unfortunate fates for its characters. One memorable strip depicts a plane in distress due to a mistaken switch pushed by Ted—a humorous nod to how absurd the possibilities are in Larson’s bizarre universe, where such switches even exist on planes.
14
“Think There Are Any Bears?”
Nature Themed Comedy in Larson’s Work
Gary Larson’s fondness for nature is a consistent theme in The Far Side. This comic humorously showcases the brutal cycle of nature, where two hunters become part of a puppet show for a bear’s cubs. Initially titled “Nature’s Way,”this comic exemplifies Larson’s ability to blend humor with darker themes, highlighting the peculiarities of wildlife interactions.
13
What’s-His-Name
Iconic Desert Island Humor
Larson frequently utilized desert islands as a backdrop for amplifying character tensions. In one standout gag, a castaway hilariously fails to notice his wife’s infidelity on a deserted island, highlighting the absurdity of marital misunderstandings in confined spaces. The Far Side’s artistically exaggerated island settings have even inspired contemporary cartoonists to replicate “Far Side islands” in their own works.
12
Farmer MacDougal
Larson’s Skill in Panel Storytelling
One of Larson’s remarkable talents is conveying a full story in just one panel. In this comic, Farmer MacDougal’s suspicions are subtly hinted at, leading readers to figure out the punchline on their own. The clever framing through binoculars serves to enhance the humor and engage the audience’s imagination.
11
A Real Boy
A Satirical Take on Pinocchio
Larson enjoyed poking fun at pop culture, particularly beloved classics. His attacks on Disney characters, notably Pinocchio, are both humorous and ironic. In ‘A Real Boy,’ Pinocchio’s wish to become human leads to grim consequences, showcasing Larson’s talent in crafting an engaging yet darkly humorous narrative.
10
Canine Decoder
Humor with a Scientific Twist
With numerous dog-oriented comics, The Far Side also incorporates elements of truth. In this strip, a scientist discovers that dog’s barking translates to simply saying “Hey!” While the humor lies in the exaggerated implications of this discovery, it subtly references studies that reveal canine communication has a basis in their interactions with humans.
9
That Big, Dumb Geek
Meta Humor in The Far Side
This comic hilariously illustrates an employee who realizes he can read the boss’s thoughts. Larson frequently employed metahumor, where characters are aware they exist within a comic world. This self-awareness adds layers to the humor, turning simple observations into clever commentary on comics themselves.
8
The Real Duck
Ducks as Unlikely Antagonists
Ducks often take center stage in Larson’s work, portraying them as comical schemers. In this example, a duck outsmarts a hunter in a Hall of Mirrors, transforming a classic trope into a laughable situation. Larson’s continued portrayal of ducks in notorious roles adds a fascinating texture to the strip’s humor.
7
Organized Crime Informant
The Mob in Larson’s Humor
In this strip, a mob informant faces exposure due to a simple mishap, depicting Larson’s flair for merging innocence with peril. Although mob themes are less frequent, his takes on organized crime through funny, exaggerated scenarios highlight a lighter side to a serious topic.
6
“CAR!”
Cows as Central Figures
Cows frequently serve as the centerpiece of Larson’s comedic narratives. Larson humorously explores their existence through surreal scenarios, such as cows questioning their reality when they face cars. This particular comic received notable recognition, even making an appearance in the sitcom Cheers.
5
“Does Someone Have a Hammer?”
An Underrated Gem
Although less iconic, this comic shines for its absurdity, with a woman humorously trapped in a wine glass. Larson’s masterful illustration creates an amusing scene, blending comedy with visual humor in a way that stands out among his work.
4
Penguin vs Banana
A Wordless Classic
This comic exemplifies the art of the pratfall, capturing a penguin slipping on a banana peel in its natural cold environment. Larson’s capability to create humor without dialogue relies on the absurd nature of the situation, establishing it as one of his most memorable strips.
3
School for the Gifted
Larson’s Most Iconic Comic
This comic showcases a ‘gifted’ student struggling to open a door marked ‘PULL,’ embodying humor that resonates across generations. The character, fondly referred to by Larson as ‘The Nerdy Kid,’ has captured the hearts of many fans, making it a standout among Larson’s vast array of works.
2
Anatidaephobia
The Far Side’s Distinctive Surrealism
This comic showcases Larson’s surreal humor through the absurd concept of anatidaephobia—a fictional fear of ducks. The unique premise perfectly embodies the quirky and outlandish style that The Far Side is celebrated for, leaving readers with a bemused sense of wonder.
1
Missile Prank
The Greatest Far Side Comic of All Time
Larson frequently explores the theme of mischievous scientists, where serious situations are often met with juvenile antics. In this iconic comic, a prank involving a missile highlights the absurdity of dangerous situations lightened by child-like humor. This resonates with Larson’s own reflections on growing up during the Cold War, blending innocent humor with the darker context of potential global crises.
These selections represent The Far Side‘s funniest and most memorable contributions to the comic world, showcasing Gary Larson’s extraordinary comedic prowess. Don’t forget to vote for your ultimate #1 favorite in our poll below, and share your thoughts on comics we may have missed in the comments section!
Sources:
- Gary Larson, The Prehistory of The Far Side, The Complete Far Side Volume 1
- 20/20, January 8, 1987