10 Dark and Surprisingly Funny Far Side Comics

The Far Side: A Celebration of Its Subtly Dark Humor

Renowned for its nuanced blend of absurdity and darkness, The Far Side by Gary Larson offers comic panels that resonate deeply, even when the initial laughter subsides. Fans appreciate how Larson’s humor can veer from outright shock to more subtle depictions of bleak realities hidden beneath a veneer of silliness.

This article highlights some of the most impactful Far Side cartoons, showcasing their ability to linger in the minds of readers long after the jokes have faded. While these panels may lack the notoriety of other more iconic jokes, their underlying darkness contributes significantly to Larson’s legacy as a cartoonist.

10. Embracing the “No Braking”Philosophy Toward Criticism

Originally Published: January 26, 1981

Far Side, January 26, 1981, a man's bumper sticker on his car says 'I don't break'

This cartoon cleverly subverts the popular bumper sticker phrase “I Brake For _________”by depicting a car with an emblem reading “I Don’t Brake.”The implication is clear: the driver might prefer to run over pedestrians rather than stop for them. This dark twist suggests a deeply entrenched misanthropy, effectively characterizing the driver as alienated from humanity.

Additionally, this panel reflects Larson’s approach to critique; he consistently forged ahead, undeterred by public opinion, except for that of his editors.

9. The Art of Mixing Taboo Topics and Humor

Originally Published: March 24, 1982

Far Side, March 24, 1982, parents angrily confront a witch for eating their kids

This iconic cartoon features two exasperated parents confronting a witch they had employed for babysitting, accusing her of “cooking and eating”their children. Although the cartoon encapsulates absurdity, it obscures the serious implications of their situation.

The humor arises from the parents’ frustrated disposition, which contrasts sharply with the actual horror of their children’s demise. This juxtaposition showcases Larson’s talent for embedding grave themes within seemingly humorous narratives.

8. When Obscure Humor Masks Dark Realities

Originally Published: March 15, 1983

Far Side, Al's metal compacting accidentally crushes people

Regarded as cryptic at first glance, this cartoon features a heart-shaped locket emerging from a compressed block of metal at “Al’s Metal Compacting.”Upon closer inspection, viewers discern the pulverized Tin Man from *The Wizard of Oz* embedded within the debris.

The humor hinges on this grisly discovery, as it gradually dawns on the audience, enhancing its impact as they realize the fate of a beloved figure from pop culture.

7. Emphasis on Moments Rather Than Lasting Implications

Originally Published: November 6, 1984

Far Side, dog owner squashed by fallen king kong

This wordless cartoon features a poodle gazing at the lifeless body of King Kong, who has just crushed its owner. The surrealism of this scene invites chuckles, yet reflecting on the deeper implications could evoke melancholy among dog lovers.

While *The Far Side* usually captures singular moments, this particular gag suggests a more profound tragedy, as the poodle remains unaware of its owner’s fate.

6. Cowboy Humor and Larson’s Response to Criticism

Originally Published: February 10, 1986

Far Side, February 10, 1986, a cowboy shoots a man dead in the street & then asks him trivia questions

This notably dark cowboy comic portrays a gunslinger who, after fatally shooting a man, quizzes him on trivia questions, like the authorship of *The Odyssey* and *The Iliad.* A bystander exclaims, “You can’t shoot first and ask questions later,”underscoring the absurdity of the situation.

This cartoon encapsulates Larson’s intent to provoke immediate reactions, possibly challenging readers to ponder deeper questions about the message behind his work.

5. The Nerdy Kid and the Unfortunate Ants

Originally Published: November 7, 1986

In this unsettling panel, a child is seen branding ants from his ant farm using a hot iron. While the child’s cheerful demeanor and vibrant setting downplay the horror, the juxtaposition of innocence with cruelty evokes discomfort.

As viewers notice the initials being burnt onto the ants, they come to realize the depth of Larson’s dark humor, demonstrating the often unsettling subtext of his work.

4. A Cautionary Tale About Fallout Shelters

Originally Published: December 16, 1986

Far Side, December 16, 1986, a couple are trapped in their bomb shelter with canned food but no can opener

Among the many themes explored in *The Far Side*, few are as grim as those centered around nuclear apocalypse. In a particularly dark comic, a couple finds themselves trapped in their bomb shelter, facing starvation due to the lack of a can opener — a dire situation brought on by the husband neglecting to listen to his wife’s warning.

This punchline is a masterclass in Larson’s humor—conveying both bleakness and sympathy for the characters caught in a disastrous scenario, highlighting the absurdity of human oversight in the face of catastrophe.

3. Morbid Fun in the World of Hunters

Originally Published: November 13, 1987

Far Side, November 13, 1987, a bear ties a dead hunter to his body and does an impression

This cartoon sees a bear fashioning a dead hunter into a makeshift costume, a concept that oddly anticipates the comedic premise of *Weekend at Bernie’s.* While it doesn’t claim to be original, it does reflect the absurdity Larson often injected into settings that explore darker themes.

2. The Far Side’s Edgiest Moments

Originally Published: April 4, 1991

Far Side, April 4, 1991, cops take cover as a squirrel shoots people from a nearby tree

This cartoon portrays a squirrel engaged in a “shooting spree,”with police officers taking cover amongst the chaos. The juxtaposition of a cute rodent with the backdrop of violence starkly contrasts with the absurdity of the situation, drawing readers into a complex reaction toward the humor.

By teetering on the edge of bad taste, Larson compels audiences to confront dissonance between the comedic and horrific aspects of the scene, capturing the essence of what *The Far Side* aims to achieve.

1. The Deadly Mix of Extraterrestrial and Old World Justice

Originally Published: June 22, 1993

Far Side, June 22, 1993, a cowboy explains to the sheriff that an alien was justified in vaporizing another patron

This cartoon presents a ridiculous yet plausible scenario where a cowboy justifies an alien’s actions of vaporizing a local troublemaker. As *The Far Side* often combines elements of the absurd and the profound, this comic exemplifies Larson’s gift for blending humor with social commentary.

In this case, Larson reflects on human nature’s propensity to antagonize the unknown, exploring the ironic tragedy that often accompanies interactions with the bizarre, all while maintaining a humorous perspective.

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