The Far Side graced the pages of newspapers on a daily basis from 1980 until January 1, 1995. Among the variety of comic strips presented, fans eagerly anticipated a new Far Side cartoon every New Year’s Eve. This article compiles every cartoon penned by Gary Larson specifically featured on December 31 throughout the series’ run.
The distinctive humor of The Far Side remains largely unchanged through the years, yet it displays a gradual evolution that seasoned fans can discern upon closer inspection of Larson’s work.
12
This Far Side Panel Is Gary Larson Asking, “What’s The Use Hiding What I’m Doing?”
First Published: December 31, 1980
The inaugural New Year’s Eve cartoon features a pair of hunter-gatherers attempting—and failing—to disguise themselves as buffalo to capture one. The humor is heightened by one character advising the other that to “act nonchalant”prohibits any whistling, while a nearby bison casts a disapproving glance.
This closing cartoon of 1980 suggests Larson’s struggle, whether conscious or not, with the quirkiness of his humor. As readers quickly recognized, The Far Side was far from ordinary.
11
The Far Side’s Brutal Biblical Answer To The Question, “Why Don’t Unicorns Exist?”
First Published: December 31, 1981
Known for his ability to approach religious themes with humor, Larson capitalized on the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark in this cartoon. He presents a bloody yet comical explanation for the absence of unicorns: the other animals on the Ark devoured them, prompting Noah to declare all carnivores to “C”deck.
10
A Far Side Comic For Readers Who Feel Like The Last Year Crushed Them
First Published: December 31, 1982
In this cartoon, onlookers gather as King Kong collapses, narrowly missing a woman who only loses her groceries. Others are less fortunate, suggesting a comedic yet dark reflection on the crushing weight of life’s disappointments, making it relatable to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the past year.
9
The Far Side Ends The Year On A Quiet Note – Well, Sort Of
First Published: December 31, 1983
Famous for his ability to capture the absurdities of life, Larson portrays a family of praying mantises at the dinner table. One sibling complains about an incessant clicking sound, demonstrating how familiar familial annoyances transcend species.
8
A Far Side Comic For Readers Who Are Just Proud To Have Survived Another Year
First Published: December 31, 1984
This New Year’s Eve cartoon resonates with themes of life and mortality. It portrays a man unexpectedly brushing against the Grim Reaper in a bustling urban setting, serving as a humorous reflection on the precariousness of existence, which many readers might find relatable during this time of reflection.
7
This Far Side Comic Is All About Breaking With The Past To Get To The Future
First Published: December 31, 1985
This cartoon, featuring anthropologists smashing skulls to find fortunes inside, inadvertently captures the spirit of New Year’s nostalgia and hope for the future. One archeologist ponders a peculiar connection, possibly alluding to earlier characters in Larson’s universe, highlighting the comedic intersection of past and future themes.
6
A Far Side Comic For Anyone Who Wants To Get Smarter In The New Year
First Published: December 31, 1986
With a stark absence of captions, this comic may challenge readers to discern its humor. It shows two dim-witted patrons being ejected from a diner by a disgruntled cook, signaling a humorous yet straightforward critique of intellect that concludes another successful year of The Far Side.
5
A Far Side Comic For Anyone Trying To Get Dating Down To A Science In The New Year
First Published: December 31, 1987
This cartoon perfectly encapsulates the “new year, new love” sentiment with an amusing scene of scientists flirting at a party. Featuring pickup lines related to their profession, it pokes fun at the dating scene within academic circles, highlighting Larson’s ability to blend humor with relatable social situations.
4
Gary Larson’s Alien Jokes Reveal That He Was Waiting For The Truth To Shake Humanity To Its Foundations
First Published: December 31, 1990
In this extraterrestrial-themed cartoon, an image from the Hubble Space Telescope displays a wobbly UFO being piloted by a grinning alien. While not one of Larson’s best-known jokes, it suggests humanity’s fascination with alien life and humorously critiques our scientific capabilities and the profound implications of uncovering extraterrestrial life.
3
The Far Side’s Niche Way Of Saying “The More Things Change…”
First Published: December 31, 1991
In a nod to nostalgia, this cartoon places iconic comedian George Burns in a futuristic setting, delivering a reminder that some things remain constant despite the passage of time. While this premise may not resonate with everyone today, it undoubtedly reflects Larson’s clever commentary about the cyclical nature of entertainment.
2
A Far Side For Anyone Still Re-Litigating The Conflicts Of The Past
First Published: December 31, 1992
With a courtroom setting, this cartoon portrays Ichabod Crane facing off against the Headless Horseman, humorously capturing the absurdity of the legal process applied to a supernatural conflict. The integration of well-known tales showcases Larson’s talent for creating comedic scenarios through cultural references.
1
The Far Side Visits The Old West To Ring In The New Year
First Published: December 31, 1993
This peculiar cowboy-themed comic concludes the year with a light-hearted and seemingly mysterious scene where a cowboy named Zeke finds a chocolate mint left on his bedroll. While the source of the mint is left ambiguous, the humor prompts a whimsical response, encouraging readers to embrace the oddities in life.
Interestingly, The Far Side‘s final comic did not appear until January 1, 1995, and notably, no new cartoon was released on New Year’s Eve 1994, making December 31, 1993, the last opportunity for fans to enjoy the quirks of Larson’s signature style as the year closed.
This enduring appeal of The Far Side lies in its unpredictability, ensuring that each cartoon was a delightful surprise that resonated with readers, year after year.
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