Gary Larson’s The Far Side is renowned for its blend of irreverence and absurdity, delivering humor that often pushes boundaries. The comics tackle a wide range of subjects, and topics that might traditionally be considered sensitive or taboo are approached with a unique comedic flair. For instance, when addressing lighter subjects like babies, the cartoonist often incorporates dark humor, while discussions around nature might sneak in commentary on serious issues like deforestation. Despite the somber themes, Larson’s use of absurdity keeps the humor light-hearted and entertaining.
Unlike iconic comic strips featuring recurring characters, such as Garfield or Calvin and Hobbes, The Far Side takes a different route, exploring various themes across multiple comics. One recurring topic is the concept of God and heaven. Larson’s renderings of the divine are not just humorous; they are irreverent and often surreal. From portraying God as an omniscient game show contestant to depicting divine interventions as theatrical performances, this article delves into ten of the most humorous Far Side comics centered on God and the afterlife.
10 The Far Side Takes God’s All-Knowing Nature to a Hilarious New Level
God’s Omniscience, Twisted
In a hilarious comic titled “Trivia Tonight,”God is portrayed as a contestant who dominates the competition effortlessly. Facing off against a former champion named Norman, who thought he could claim victory, Norman quickly realizes he is outmatched the moment God steps onto the scene.
This comic cleverly plays on the belief that as the all-knowing deity, God would have no trouble winning a trivia contest. Norman, unable to score even a single point, faces the bleak reality of competing against omniscience, embodying a humorous interpretation of divine knowledge.
9 God’s Smiting is Surprisingly High-Tech in The Far Side
Divine Smiting, Tech Style
In another comic, a man walking under a piano unknowingly triggers God’s gaze. However, instead of projecting His divine oversight, God is humorously depicted using a desktop computer, complete with a “smite”button. As the man strolls below, the anticipation builds that God’s high-tech capabilities have dire consequences for him.
This playful twist on divine intervention presents the idea that even God can rely on technology for judgment, adding an unexpected and humorous element to the concept of divine power.
8 The Far Side Confirms Humans Were Meant to Stay in Heaven
Heaven’s Human Limitation
In this thoughtful comic reflection, the absurdity of humanity’s role on Earth is highlighted as God watches humans tumble from heaven, seemingly affirming the notion that humans may be unwelcome intruders on the planet. The comic effectively captures the sentiment of humanity being the source of ecological disruption, echoing a controversial theme throughout the series.
7 Heaven Has a Hysterically Absurd Prerequisite for Entering in The Far Side
Heavenly Entrance Exam
This comic presents an absurd twist on the criteria for entering heaven: applicants must possess superior math skills. A hapless character faces a complicated word problem that suggests failure to solve it could result in eternal damnation.
The implication that arithmetic takes precedence over moral character is a humorous commentary on conventional beliefs surrounding the afterlife, making this setup both laughable and thought-provoking.
6 The Far Side Takes ‘Acts of God’ Hilariously Literally
Literal Acts of God
In a rare multi-panel comic, readers are treated to a series of theatrical performances by God, humorously misinterpreting the term “acts of God.”Instead of natural disasters, readers see God juggling, dancing, performing musical numbers, and even launching from a cannon—all for an angelic audience.
This reinterpretation turns a term commonly associated with calamity into a showcase of divine entertainment, cementing Larson’s reputation for comedic creativity.
5 The Far Side Offers a Very Different Interpretation of God: Chicken God
Chicken God’s Dominion
A provocative comic features Colonel Sanders standing before the Pearly Gates, greeted not by a traditional representation of God but rather by a deity resembling a chicken. Given Sanders’ controversial history with chickens, this depiction sets the stage for an awkward and irreverent afterlife moment.
This unexpected portrayal challenges conventional perceptions of divinity, reminding readers that laughter can stem from the most unexpected places.
4 The Far Side Reveals the Main Difference Between Heaven and Hell
Heaven vs. Hell, Far Side
Highlighting the amusing contrast between heaven and hell, one comic frames the situation around musical instruments: the incessant sounds of accordions represent hell, while the soothing sounds of harps symbolize heaven. This stark contrast delivers a humorous punchline regarding the subjective experiences of both afterlives.
3 God is Hilariously Heartless with His Creations in The Far Side
God’s Heartless Humor
In a comic depicting the creation of life, God stands proudly before His newly created animals before deciding they require a new purpose: becoming food for other creatures. Expressed with a disheartening nonchalance, this moment strikes humorous irony as the innocent creatures grapple with their grim fate.
This dark twist underscores the often-overlooked aspects of creation while invoking laughter through its sheer absurdity.
2 The Far Side Reveals Why God Created “Jerks”
The Purpose of Jerks
In a satirical portrayal of creation, God is depicted adding the final touches to a recipe for humanity by including “jerks”as a spice, commenting to Himself, “And just to make it interesting…” This tongue-in-cheek observation brings humor to the often frustrating experiences of dealing with difficult personalities.
The absurd notion that jerks serve a divine purpose enhances the comic’s effectiveness, prompting laughter amid a relatable truth.
1 The Far Side Has an Interesting Reimagining of the Story of Creation
Creation, Reimagined
A different perspective on creation is offered in this comic, where God humorously pulls the Earth out of a giant oven, calling it “half-baked.”This cheeky approach not only elicits laughter but also offers a unique critique of humanity by likening it to an undercooked dish.
This striking visual pun highlights Larson’s genius for blending comedy with thought-provoking themes, securing its place as a memorable entry among The Far Side’s exploration of divine and celestial themes.
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