10 Far Side Comics That Highlight Bad Pet Ownership

The Far Side has long delighted audiences with its unique humor, particularly when it comes to the intriguing and often tumultuous relationships between pets and their owners. The ingenious mind of Gary Larson skillfully depicted scenarios where pets, though not without their own faults, often outsmarted their human caretakers. For animal lovers like Larson, his comics highlighting the flaws of irresponsible pet ownership resonate deeply, showcasing a perspective that often leans towards the welfare of animals over humans.

The mistreatment of pets and nature itself was a recurring theme in Larson’s work. His captivating cartoons frequently revolved around the punchlines centered on cruel and unusual behavior towards animals. While they delivered laughs, it is critical to note that they often reflected a more profound commentary on human behavior.

These sketches, however, were sometimes misconstrued by readers who reacted strongly to the inhumane actions portrayed, overlooking that Larson’s true sympathies consistently favored the animals in his cartoons.

10 One of The Far Side’s Most Infamous Early Comics Was About Threatening a Goldfish

First Published: August 31, 1981

Far Side, kid sucking water out of fish bowl to make goldfish talk

This iconic cartoon from Larson’s early career showcases a young boy using a straw on his pet goldfish’s dwindling water supply, asking, “So… you still won’t talk, eh?”The humor springs from mixing classic villain tropes with the naivety of children, who may unintentionally harm animals due to their lack of understanding. For some readers, however, this unsettling imagery remained distressing, especially for those who empathize with the goldfish’s predicament.

9 With This Far Side Panel, Gary Larson Seems to Say “Some People Shouldn’t Have Pets”

First Published: November 11, 1981

Far Side, November 11, 1981, a wife tells her husband their new pet bird shouldn't be exposed to foul language

As is often the case in Larson’s work, the comedic value derives from the exaggerated expressions of the characters. In this cartoon, the pet bird’s astonished face reveals a grim fate awaiting it at the hands of unfit owners. Larson’s vivid portrayals of unfitting pet owners amplify the humor, driving home a message about the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.

8 The Far Side Reminds Readers Never to Raise a Hand – or Stick – to a Pet in Anger

First Published: February 17, 1984

Far Side, pet squid hiding from its angry owner

This panel features an irate man chasing after his escapee squid with a stick, reflecting the absurdity present in Larson’s humor. The pet’s choice of a squid as an escape artist cleverly emphasizes the man’s obliviousness to the consequence of his treatment, delivering a subtle reminder to treat pets with kindness.

7 The Far Side’s Nerdy Kid Needs Everyone to Know His Ants Aren’t Just Pets, They’re Property

First Published: November 7, 1986

This cartoon explores a dark humor angle, showcasing a young boy branding his pet ants with a miniature hot iron. The absurdity lies in the extreme behaviors children might exhibit towards their pets, mirroring a broader commentary on ownership and the treatment of creatures deemed lesser.

6 Far Side Readers Know Why This Caged Bird Won’t Be Singing Much Longer

First Published: December 23, 1986

Far Side, December 23, 1986, a man polishes his shotgun, about to shoot his pet bird because it wont stop talking

Another darkly humorous entry features a man preparing to silence his overly vocal parrot, creating a juxtaposition between the bird’s innocent mimicry and his owner’s violent tendencies. This stark contrast generates an unsettling comedic effect, compelling readers to react instinctively before they can appreciate the humor.

5 The Far Side’s Worst Dog Owner Pushes His Pet to the Brink

First Published: February 6, 1988

Far Side, February 6, 1988, a dog with dynamite strapped to its chest goads its abusive owner into kicking it again.

This follow-up comic showcases an escalated situation where a dog challenges its owner with dynamite strapped to its chest, encapsulating themes of survival and retaliation sometimes found in abusive pet-owner relationships. It’s simultaneously comedic and tragic, attesting to the gravity of such dynamics.

4 Giving Household Pets Access to Deadly Weapons Is Never Funny – Except Maybe This One Time

First Published: August 3, 1990

Far Side, August 3, 1990, a man gives his cat and dog automatic weapons

In a hilarious yet absurd situation, a cat and dog are shown brandishing machine guns at each other, with their lives spared only by the absence of bullets in the chambers. This vividly ridiculous scenario underscores the irresponsibility of their human owner, showcasing how negligence can endanger both pets and those around them.

3 Sometimes Far Side Characters Mistreated Their Pets Because They Could, Not Because They Should

First Published: August 23, 1991

Far Side, August 23, 1991, a young man invents a drainage device to suck the water out of his goldfish's bowl

In yet another unsettling depiction, a boy drains water from a goldfish bowl using a tube while his mother looks on, oblivious. This comic not only highlights the child’s lack of empathy but also serves to critique parental negligence in recognizing and preventing such behavior, illustrating the disturbing lengths at which misapplied ambition can lead.

2 An Unfortunate Far Side Quid Pro Quo

First Published: June 3, 1993

Far Side, June 3, 1993, a man missing his nose angrily stares at his debeaked pet bird

This cartoon features a noseless man staring at his debeaked bird, sharing a poignant moment of reflection about a past conflict. The unsettling symmetry of their situation illustrates an extreme reaction, serving as a critique of disproportionate punishment and the underlying darkness of the human-animal relationship.

1 A Classic Horror Movie Villain’s Childhood Canine Couldn’t Even Catch a Break

First Published: August 22, 1994

Far Side, August 22, 1994, young Norman Bates yells at his fake dog

This Far Side piece features “little Normy Bates,”humorously casting a shadow of childhood trauma as he shouts at an imaginary dog. The reference to Psycho adds depth to the humor, as it reflects societal issues related to pet ownership and the sometimes damaging relationships between animals and their owners.

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