It has been three decades since The Far Side concluded its groundbreaking run, and a remarkable forty-five years since its inception. Gary Larson’s comics have not merely endured the passage of time; they have, in many instances, become even wittier with age. This retrospective examines some of the most memorable panels that have gained admiration over the years, celebrating both the iconic and the overlooked gems of Larson’s work.
While certain topical references in The Far Side might have seemed either timely or obscure during their original publication, many of Larson’s jokes have matured splendidly. Analyzing these distinctions enhances our understanding of what has solidified The Far Side as a beloved classic and the reasons behind its continued acclaim long after Larson’s retirement from cartooning in 1995.
10
“My Couch! My Couch!”- A Slasher Laugh in Larson’s Late-Career Highlight
First Published: November 18, 1994
In a late burst of creativity during his career, this comic panel seamlessly embodies the essence of The Far Side. The humor cleverly combines dark wit and horror, demonstrating Larson’s artistic prowess. In this illustration, a woman casually discusses her son’s latest work, a painting titled “It’s My Couch! My Couch! Don’t they understand?“—which, amusingly, turns out to be a mirror reflecting a lurking “Leonard” armed with a knife. The ominous shadow of Leonard lurking in the corner completes the punchline, adding an eerie layer to the humor.
9
“God At His Computer”- Fate’s Dark Sense of Humor Preceding The Far Side
First Published: September 17, 1991
This memorable cartoon portrays God humorously engaged at his computer, casually activating the “Smite”button to drop a piano onto an unsuspecting man. Through this dark humor, Larson suggests a timeless theme: the universe possesses a wicked sense of humor far predating The Far Side. The visual composition, with God poised over the button and the piano swinging precariously, heightens the tension while eliciting laughter.
8
“That Big Button”- A Relatable Comic That Grows on You
First Published: February 19, 1988
The caption for this comic reveals, “One day, Irwin knew he was just going to have to push that big button,”while a man with a clipboard looms in the foreground, showing a control panel filled with buttons including an oversized one. The straightforwardness of this joke resonates with readers, illustrating that the most impactful jokes in The Far Side do not require elaborate setups. The humor lies in the relatable curiosity about the unknown, encapsulated perfectly in Irwin’s temptation.
7
“Michelangelo’s Father”- A Timeless Dad Joke with Universal Appeal
First Published: November 16, 1987
This charming comic portrays a relatable scenario: Michelangelo, in the midst of creating an iconic masterpiece, faces the familiar criticism of his father standing at the bottom of his ladder, remarking on his “flesh tones”and questioning the pay for his work. This joke resonates profoundly with anyone who has ever encountered an overly critical parent, ensuring its lasting appeal and relevance over time.
6
“What Kind of Monster Are You?”- Popeye’s Trial Comedy
First Published: November 10, 1987
In one of the quintessential pop culture references from The Far Side, Popeye finds himself on trial, where he forthrightly declares, “I yam what I yam“, amidst accusations of monstrous behavior. This comic remains humorously relevant as contemporary audiences still appreciate the comedic legacy of Popeye, showcasing how Larson masterfully captures and modernizes classic characters.
5
“Only Mack Went On To Fame”- Objects With Personalities
First Published: April 6, 1987
This particular panel takes readers on a humorous journey through anthropomorphism, presenting utensils like “Bob the Spoon”and “Ernie the Fork”lamenting their lack of fame in a rundown apartment. Inspired by the jazz classic “Mack the Knife,”this clever reference showcases Larson’s knack for turning inanimate objects into relatable characters, contributing to its lasting appeal even for those unfamiliar with the musical nod.
4
“Bedtime, Leroy”- A Pet Owner’s Witty Misstep
First Published: December 7, 1984
This comic portrays an elderly woman unintentionally tormenting her pet bird by covering its cage with a frightening blanket adorned with carnivorous animals. The humor here relies on the colorful artwork alongside the concept, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation. Larson frequently depicted problematic pet owners, and while the woman isn’t the most egregious, her misguided good intentions lead to hilarious results.
3
“I Was Struck By Lightning Twice Too!”- A Timeless Joke That Stings
First Published: September 8, 1981
This particular panel ranks among Larson’s most unforgettable comics, showcasing two men reveling in their bizarre luck of being struck by lightning not once, but twice. Just as they celebrate their improbable survival, a meteor descends to crush them, amplifying the theme of life’s unfairness. This mixture of visual storytelling and clever captioning epitomizes Larson’s brilliance, making it a top contender in the collective memory of The Far Side.
2
“I Think They’re Through”- A Profound Commentary on Insects’ Inheritance
First Published: November 19, 1980
This comic brilliantly captures one of Larson’s recurring themes: the dread of nuclear war. As two insects emerge from the rubble of “Main Street”under the ominous mushroom clouds, they remark, “I think they’re through,”humorously suggesting a turnover in Earth’s dominance post-catastrophe. Although rooted in its historical context, the message resonates with contemporary audiences amid ongoing global tensions surrounding humanity’s potential for self-destruction.
1
“Go”- A Hilarious Twist on a Classic Fable
First Published: August 4, 1980
This iconic The Far Side panel requires no caption to communicate its punchline effectively. As a tortoise and a hare prepare for their fabled race, Larson cleverly subverts the familiar lesson of the story with a moving truck speeding past, crushing both contestants. This darkly comedic twist encapsulates Larson’s trademark humor, ensuring this comic retains its status as one of the all-time greats and continues to elicit laughter years after its debut.
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