10 Far Side Comics That Push the Limits of the Deadliest Joke Ever

The Far Side is well-known for its unique brand of dark humor. One of Gary Larson’s signature comedic techniques involves the unexpected demise of characters through falling objects. From pianos to trees and an array of other objects, Larson’s clever use of this recurring theme showcases the tragicomic essence of the cartoon strip.

Throughout literary history, the motif of items descending from above to strike unfortunate victims can be seen, and Larson decorates this classic comedic trope with his distinctive flair over the years.

Among the most memorable are Larson’s infamous “falling piano”comics, which capture the essence of both absurdity and sheer violence. Each example provides a striking illustration of The Far Side’s over-the-top comedic style.

10. Fair Or Foul: Death Could Strike At Any Moment On The Far Side

First Published: March 16, 1993

A giant baseball crushes a man in The Far Side, March 16, 1993

In this cartoon, Larson transforms the phrase “out of left field”into a literal and terrifying scenario, portraying a man crushed by a giant baseball in the city streets. While death strikes unexpectedly in reality, The Far Side offers a humorous take on this notion, blending absurdity with grim humor. The punchline resonates with readers, showcasing a delightful juxtaposition of dark themes and hilarity, a hallmark of Larson’s work.

9. The Far Side Asks A Familiar Philosophical Question, With A Dark Twist

First Published: December 28, 1992

A tree falls on a mime in The Far Side, December 28, 1992

Larson takes a humorous twist on the age-old question of whether anyone cares if a tree falls in the woods. In this cartoon, a falling tree meets a mime, with the caption, “If it hits a mime, does anyone care?”This blend of humor and disturbing imagery encapsulates Larson’s style, illustrating the unexpected and elevating the cartoon to a classic amongst his expansion of comedic mediums.

8. A Far Side For Comic Fans Who Feel the Universe Is Out To Get Them

First Published: September 17, 1991

God drops a piano on a man in The Far Side, September 17, 1991

This iconic cartoon features God at his computer, nonchalantly pressing the “SMITE”button and dropping a piano onto an unsuspecting pedestrian. It accentuates Larson’s commentary on the randomness of fate, and for those who’ve ever felt targeted by cosmic forces, this dark humor resonates profoundly, turning unexpected tragedy into laughter.

7. When It Came To The Far Side, Art Was Dangerous

First Published: February 28, 1990

An amateur artist crushed by a falling tree in The Far Side, February 28, 1990

In this grimly humorous piece, an artist painting a tree is crushed by the real one cascading into her living room. Larson contrasts light-heartedness with the chilling reality of mortality, illustrating how whimsical elements can diverge tenuously into darker territories. This combination of danger and humor illustrates that commercial art can push boundaries, encouraging readers to engage with the uncomfortable.

6. The Far Side’s Vultures Go To Extreme Measures In This Classic Cartoon

First Published: February 5, 1985

Vulture about to drop a piano on a man crawling through the desert in The Far Side, February 5, 1985

This cartoon merges the classic imagery of a man lost in the desert with the cunning of vultures. As a man drags himself toward a water source, a vulture takes the drastic step of dropping a piano to finish him off. The interaction between the characters captures the essence of The Far Side’s humor, keeping readers chuckling even as they witness the absurdity of the situation.

5. The Far Side’s Best Movie Reference Didn’t Just Come Out Of Nowhere

First Published: November 6, 1984

Dog owner squashed by fallen King Kong in The Far Side

In an iconic piece, Larson humorously addresses the fallout of classic cinema with a cartoon depicting the unfortunate victim of King Kong’s fall. The scene not only elicits laughter but also showcases Larson’s skill in blending references to pop culture with sharp witticism, illustrating the inherent absurdity one might find in cinematic tropes.

4. In This Far Side Panel, “Heavy”Rain Takes On A Dangerous New Meaning

First Published: March 7, 1983

Couple watching pianos rain down in The Far Side, March 7, 1983

A quintessential entry showcasing Larson’s surreal humor, this cartoon features a man humorously expressing his disdain for the weather as pianos descend outside. Although they evade catastrophe beneath a presumably sturdy roof, it serves as a gut-busting illustration of the witty and whimsical world Larson created.

3. It’s All Fun And Games Until Your Parents Catch You With The Piano Stuck To The Ceiling

First Published: April 6, 1982

A boy trying to get a piano off the ceiling in The Far Side, April 6, 1982

In this humorous setup, a boy named Billy faces the consequences of getting the family piano stuck to the ceiling, oblivious to the catastrophe he’s created until his parents return. The absurdity of the situation, paired with the parents’ annoyed reaction, encapsulates Larson’s skill in weaving laughter from chaotic scenarios, reminding readers of the tension between mischief and authority.

2. The Unluckiest Guys On The Face Of The Far Side

First Published: September 8, 1981

Meteor about to strike a man in a wheelchair in The Far Side, September 8, 1981

This memorable cartoon presents two unfortunate souls, both wrapped in bandages and musing about their bad luck just as a meteor approaches for the kill. The sheer degree of unfortunate events culminates in a punchline that delivers laughter through its absurdity, reinforcing Larson’s knack for examining fate’s role in comedy.

1. The Far Side Reminds Readers Not To Neglect Looking Up

First Published: July 4, 1981

A man looking down as a piano falls on him in The Far Side, July 4, 1981

In a prime illustration of Larson’s comedic technique, this cartoon depicts a man fixated on a broken piano stool while obliviously awaiting the piano that crashes down upon him. It cleverly emphasizes how Larson’s humor often subverts expectations, leading readers into laughter through unexpected outcomes, melding curiosity with fatal oblivion in one unforgettable moment.

Source & Images