As the excitement of a new year draws near, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on Gary Larson’s Far Side, which has offered comedic insights about New Year’s Eve celebrations over its impressive 14-year run. Transitioning into a new year is often characterized by festivities, dancing, fireworks, and pledge-making, all of which are humorously captured through Larson’s imaginative lens, where the absurd reigns supreme.
This article explores the 12 most hilarious Far Side comics that are sure to make you reconsider the way you celebrate New Year’s Eve. Feel free to share your favorite Larson strips in the comments below!
12 Dick Clark
Far Side Takes on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
Since its inception in 1972, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve has provided a front-row seat to the iconic ball drop in Times Square. While Ryan Seacrest may now reign as the host, Clark’s shadow looms large over the celebration. In a memorable 1990 Far Side comic, Larson whimsically portrayed Clark aging 200 years from the weight of hosting such a monumental event annually. As viewers gear up for this year’s countdown, we can’t help but wonder if Seacrest may face a similar fate.
Larson had a knack for satirizing real-life figures, with appearances from legendary personalities like Albert Einstein and Madonna. While many embraced the humor, others, including Stephen King and Jane Goodall, contributed forewords to Far Side anthologies, showcasing their appreciation for Larson’s unique perspective. For instance, King remarked, “he sees what I could see if I could have his eyes,”while Goodall credited Larson’s wit for giving her “real fame at last.”
11 Our Party’s Total Chaos!
Far Side Knows Every Party Needs a Dog
The night of New Year’s Eve is filled with celebrations around the globe, but the Far Side prompts us to consider how a little organization could lead to more enjoyable experiences. In one comic, a group of sheep seems incapable of decision-making without a sheepdog to guide them, making a Border Collie the ultimate party companion. You might not forget this amusing strip when your overly enthusiastic planner arrives at the gathering!
10 Fireworks
Be Careful With Your Rockets This New Year’s Eve
Fireworks are a staple of New Year’s Eve festivities; however, they can also lead to significant mishaps. One Far Side comic hilariously depicts ants purchasing oversized fireworks with the vendor fully aware of the inevitable disaster that awaits. For those who have attempted unconventional pest control, you’ll agree that using fireworks to eliminate a hive certainly isn’t the safest bet.
Insects frequently star in Larson’s work, showcasing the fascination many entomologists have with his comics. In fact, Larson even has an insect named in his honor—the strigiphilus garylarsoni louse—reflecting the quirky yet insightful humor surrounding these tiny creatures.
9 Monster Party
Far Side Warns That Music Sets the Mood
No good party is complete without music, but Far Side reminds us that the soundtrack must cater to the crowd. In Larson’s whimsical universe, monster parties reach their peak excitement when children’s screams play on repeat, ensuring an unforgettable yet chilling atmosphere.
8 Here Come the Nelsons
Gary Larson Warns to Be Careful on the Dance Floor
The dance floor on New Year’s Eve can be treacherous, as Far Side humorously highlights. Caution is necessary, especially when oversized shoes make their entrance, leading to potential mishaps and comedic chaos.
7 Ivory Keyboard
Far Side Loves Taking Tarzan Down a Peg
Celebratory gatherings can easily devolve into arguments—an insight highlighted by Larson, especially in his recurring portrayals of Tarzan. The juxtaposition of the Lord of the Jungle engaging in relatable conflicts made for some of the comic’s most memorable moments, showcasing that even legends aren’t immune to awkward social situations.
6 Alien Firework Show
Far Side Can Make the End of the World Funny
Gaining perspective can change the way we view disastrous situations—like the moment Earth meets its end, which Larson turns into an entertaining fireworks display observed by aliens. This comic perfectly captures the humor in appreciating calamity from afar while highlighting the absurdity of our reactions to such events.
5 Sorry, Bob
Far Side’s Desert Island Is an Iconic Set-Up
The close of a year can provoke deep emotions as individuals reflect on their accomplishments. In one celebrated Far Side comic featuring castaways on a desert island, one character laments another wasted year without rescue, humorously taking aim at his friend’s role in their predicament. The recurring theme of stranded isolation highlights the nuances of human interaction even in dire circumstances.
4 Smoking Dinosaurs
Far Side Supports Your New Year’s Resolution
Amid all the revelry are the often-intimidating New Year’s resolutions. Among the most common is quitting smoking, humorously illustrated through a comic that suggests the real reason for the dinosaur extinction was their collective nicotine addiction rather than a meteor collision. This image has even made a notable cameo on The Simpsons, paying tribute to Larson’s profound impact on popular culture.
3 Gordon’s Attempt at Dieting
Far Side Knows Your New Year’s Diet Probably Won’t Last
Unlike the smoking comic, Larson’s depiction of diet resolutions took a more forgiving approach. One humorous strip shows a man’s stomach escaping his body to indulge in a snack, resonating with anyone who has struggled with sticking to their diet resolutions—an all-too-relatable situation for many during the New Year.
2 Bob Never Should’ve Been Allowed Out
Far Side Warns Not to Lose Track of Your Friends
In another cautionary tale about wandering dance floors, a team of scientists loses track of their mysterious subject ‘Bob’ amidst the celebration. The eerie implications of what might have escaped—coupled with the humor—reminds readers to keep an eye on that one unpredictable friend throughout the night.
1 The Wolverine Display
Far Side Knows There’s More Than One Way to Kill a Party
In our final evaluation, the Far Side delivers a clear message about potential party disasters. A single poor choice leads to chaos when a wolverine is improperly introduced into the festivities. Larson humorously subverts common accidents in his comics, prompting laughter through absurdity and cautioning against dubious party planning.
These twelve Far Side comics brilliantly encapsulate the spirit and unpredictability of New Year’s festivities, reminding us to appreciate the joys of the mundane and the absurd. So before diving into 2024, remember: cherish your safe, sane, and well-planned celebrations, free from Larson’s wonderfully chaotic universe.
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