The Far Side has garnered a reputation for its distinctive humor, often described by creator Gary Larson as “confusing, obtuse, esoteric, and strange.”Despite the passage of time, readers continue to find themselves both astonished and perplexed by his cartoons. Even seasoned fans may encounter panels that evoke the classic question: “What the?”This unique blend of humor fuels admiration and intrigue, inviting deeper exploration into Larson’s world.
The following selections exemplify how The Far Side has a knack for befuddling its audience. While some strips can be more readily understood, others retain their air of mystery and continue to baffle even the most adept aficionados. Such perplexity is, of course, part of the charm of Gary Larson’s comedic style, which fuses erudite references with whimsical scenarios, clever wordplay, and a dash of dark humor, resulting in surreal works that resonate with readers decades after their creation.
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The Far Side Often Led Readers Down An Uncertain Path
First Published: December 12, 1981
This pioneering Far Side cartoon uniquely lacks a caption, compelling readers to engage more actively with the humor. The panel depicts an indigenous warrior tracking what appears to be either hoof prints or duck tracks on a desolate landscape. Here, Larson intentionally obscures the underlying joke, leaving readers grappling with the humor’s elusive essence. Even if one identifies the prints, articulating a succinct punchline proves challenging.
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The Far Side Was A Product Of Gary Larson’s Knack For Finding Comedy In Tragedy And Mystery – And Sometimes Both
First Published: July 21, 1984
This entry can be viewed as the Far Side equivalent of a “locked room mystery.”It features a scene with a farmer collapsed on the floor amidst a scene of chaos, chickens slumped in their nests and an upturned basket of broken eggs at his feet. The absence of a caption serves to enhance the absurdity of the moment. While some of Larson’s caption-free panels are comprehensible, this particular one stands out for its inscrutability, leaving the viewer to ponder the underlying humor.
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The Far Side’s Confusing Was Often The Product Of Urgency – That Is, To Make Deadlines
First Published: August 24, 1985
This Far Side depiction delves into the humorous anticipation of a cow waiting its turn to be milked as it gestures frantically with its limbs. The farmer tells the cow to “just cross [its] legs and wait,”a straightforward sentiment. However, the chaotic presentation might initially mislead readers about the joke. As the comic became a fixture in numerous publications, Larson faced tight deadlines, sometimes sacrificing the meticulous quality of his creations, leading to uneven strips that might confuse audiences.
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This Far Side Therapy Group Christens One Member “Cured”
First Published: March 29, 1988
Some Far Side cartoons take a moment to resonate with readers, often due to the captivating imagery that captures attention before the caption can register. In this instance, an image of a woman being smacked on the head with a bottle by group members celebrating her “graduation”from therapy could generate laughter on its own. The caption humorously reveals that this is akin to a nautical christening, likening her send-off to that of a freshly commissioned ship.
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The Far Side Was A Product Of Its Time – Which Can Throw Contemporary Readers For A Loop
First Published: July 30, 1988
This cartoon features a now-dated reference to actor Karl Malden. Though at the time of release, he was well-known, the humor hinges on contemporary context, which may not resonate the same way with modern readers. As a result, the strip illustrates one of the confusing aspects of Larson’s work, as some jokes simply don’t age well and become obscure relics of their era.
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The Far Side Liked To Put Things Into Categories – But Its Methodology Was Sometimes Questionable
First Published: October 5, 1990
This comic humorously defines the “four basic personality types,”beginning with recognizable categories before veering into absurdity. The fourth character’s commentary, “Hey, I ordered a cheeseburger,”reveals the panel’s whimsical rejection of categorization, shining a light on human complexity and the pitfalls of overly simplistic labels.
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Sorting Out The Far Side’s Vision Of The Future
First Published: December 31, 1991
This panel highlights a futuristic cityscape where conventional vehicles have been replaced by flying crafts, yet it humorously features a marquee announcing George Burns’ performance. As Burns passed away in 1996, the cartoon reflects Larson’s commentary on the jest of longevity. However, the dated reference may puzzle contemporary audiences unacquainted with the comedian’s legacy, emphasizing how timely jokes grow more ambiguous over years.
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There Has To Be More To The Story Of The Far Side’s “Cactus Tamer”
First Published: August 31, 1992
Gary Larson once noted that certain Far Side cartoons had elaborate backstories. This particular panel introduces readers to “Andre Lafleur: cactus tamer,” who is depicted surrounded by cacti, armed with a chair and whip. The surreal angle is further underscored by the caption that he was “later killed in central Arizona.”Such quirky narratives echo Larson’s style; they’ll amuse many while raising questions about his tragic fate and profession.
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Far Side Readers Never Knew What Was Just Over The Horizon
First Published: August 16, 1993
This Far Side cartoon showcases a group of pioneers discovering a carnival ride as they crest a hill. Although the premise is simple, it draws upon the unexpected twists that define Larson’s humor. The image serves as a metaphor for the Far Side reading experience — just when you think you know what’s coming, Larson surprises you with the absurd.
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The Far Side Has Had A Life After “Death,”As Gary Larson’s Legacy Has Been Preserved Post-Retirement
First Published: September 20, 1993
In one of the final panels, the caption states that “zombies will often relax at a Western dead ranch,”offering a distinct take on the usual horror trope. The syntax feels twisted, turning the expected experience of reading the Far Side on its head — we often rely on clever captions to clarify ludicrous imagery, but here the witty nuance may be slightly obscured.
Ultimately, this cartoon exemplifies that Gary Larson’s legacy continues to thrive, even years after ending The Far Side. Confusing or not, Larson’s work strikes a chord with audiences both new and old, reminding us that delving into his peculiar brand of humor enriches our understanding of absurdity.
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