12 Iconic Far Side Comics from 1980 That Will Leave You Exclaiming, “My God!”

The Far Side has cemented its place in the world of comics not merely by evoking laughter but by surprising, and at times shocking, its audience. Creator Gary Larson’s unique approach involved tapping into a spectrum of emotions to elicit strong reactions from readers. As he describes in The Complete Far Side, Larson aimed for his work to provoke feelings that go beyond the expected chuckle—targeting what he referred to as the “What the?” and “My God!” reflexes.

This immediate, visceral reaction was the hallmark of Larson’s craft. He envisioned fans’ responses to his most peculiar and provocative cartoons as instantaneous physical sensations, akin to the spontaneous laughter that a truly funny joke would invoke.

The Far Side Established Gary Larson’s Dark Sense of Humor

First Published: January 11, 1980

Far Side, January 11, 1980, a man who murdered his wife is snitched on by his pet bird

Among the very first ten strips, this particular comic made a notable impact by introducing murder into Larson’s eclectic repertoire. Here, a man’s pet parrot reveals his heinous crime of killing his wife while the police are present—setting a grim precedent for the series and showcasing Larson’s boldness in tackling audacious themes.

The “My God!” response elicited by such dark humor can often coexist with laughter, creating an uncomfortable yet engaging experience. Whether one laughs amidst their disbelief or merely feels a sense of moral outrage, Larson successfully provokes thought and emotion with his storytelling.

Gary Larson’s Use of Visceral Imagery

First Published: February 22, 1980

Far Side, distorted looking men by a dumpster ask another man not to smoke.

This cartoon exemplifies the overlap between the “What the?” and “My God!” reactions that Larson frequently achieved. In this surreal panel, men who appear grotesquely distorted plead with another man not to smoke. The humor evokes irony that unfolds as readers digest the jarring imagery and its implications.

Larson’s ability to make his audience feel uneasy reflects a clever creative decision that synthesizes humor and shock, leaving readers thinking even after the initial reaction subsides.

The Far Side’s Subversion of Fairy Tales

First Published: March 20, 1980

Far Side, March 20, 1980, a realtor shows potential buyers the witch's gingerbread house

This specific cartoon showcases Larson’s talent for reimagining familiar fairy tales. Here, a realtor presents the gingerbread house from the story of “Hansel and Gretel,”lamenting that local delinquents “vandalized the place and cooked the owner.” This reshaping of established narratives sparks a moment of shock and reflection from the audience.

Readers are left contemplating the grim retelling, often leading to that characteristic “My God!” reaction as the joviality of the original tale is inverted into something darker.

Exploring Taboo Topics

First Published: April 16, 1980

Far Side, April 16, 1980, a woman's houseplant hangs itself

In its humor, The Far Side has been confrontational, shining a light on social taboos that many comics of its time would shy away from. This particular panel depicts a woman mourning her recently deceased houseplant, which brings forth issues like suicide in a manner that many readers might find cringe-worthy or amusing.

Here, Larson successfully provokes readers, prompting their reactions, whether it be laughter, shock, or even outrage.

The Perils of Everyday Life

First Published: May 15, 1980

Far Side, May 15, 1980, a woman opens her windows and sends a window washer plummeting

This caption-less comic highlights the humor found in abrupt tragedies that punctuate ordinary life. A woman happily opens her apartment windows, inadvertently causing a window washer to plummet to his doom. Here, death is portrayed as a sudden visitor, echoing the constant theme of mortality throughout Larson’s work.

A Reminder to Be Cautious

First Published: June 3, 1980

Known for providing fresh perspectives on common scenarios, Larson sometimes utilizes animals to reveal the absurdities of human life. In this strip, a scorpion confronts the horror of having its peaceful slumber disrupted by a foot, implied to be fatal. The anthropomorphic portrayal creates a mix of humor and horror, accurately reflecting the unpredictability of life.

The Dangers of Nature Appreciation

First Published: July 22, 1980

Far Side, July 22, 1980, a rock climber shouts and causes a rockslide that buries him

In this mute comic, a climber yells “helloooooooo”in awe of nature, only to trigger a fatal rockslide. The humor lies in the abruptness of his demise, expertly crafted by Larson to elicit “My God!” reactions. The panel exemplifies Larson’s approach of capturing the bizarre collision of wonder and mortality.

Exploring Unconventional Relationships

First Published: August 12, 1980

Far Side, August 12, 1980, a human woman and a porcupine break up over drinks

This strip features a woman and a porcupine amidst a breakup, humorously encapsulated by her welts as evidence of the animal’s sharp quills. Larson’s illustration draws an immediate “My God!” response by presenting the awkwardness of their relationship while cleverly addressing an unconventional theme.

A Favorite Among Bears

First Published: September 3, 1980

Far Side, September 3, 1980, a bear shakes a human out of a tree to feed her cubs

Bears frequently appeared in The Far Side, often in scenarios where they devoured humans. In this cartoon, a fearful man is shaken from a tree by a mama bear, who humorously queries her cubs about their preferences for dinner. The stark contrast between the bear’s delight and the man’s dread evokes an instant reaction of horror combined with hilarity.

The Humor Surrounding Execution

First Published: October 9, 1980

Far Side, October 9, 1980, a man nervously awaits execution in the electric chair

Larson often explored the moments leading to a character’s shocking end. In this instance, a man nervously awaits execution in the electric chair, only for the officials to fumble the process. The humor lies in their nonchalance contrasted with the condemned man’s escalating anxiety, provoking a mix of empathy and discomfort from readers.

One of the Darkest Comics in The Far Side History

First Published: November 10, 1980

Far Side, November 10, 1980, an overcaffeinated man accidentally shoots his dinner guests

This cartoon portrays a man, aghast and holding a smoking shotgun, who has unintentionally shot his dinner guests. The absurdity and shock of this scenario encapsulate Larson’s penchant for dark humor that straddles the line of offensiveness while still providing potent comedic energy.

Navigating the Edge of Offensive Humor

First Published: December 27, 1980

Far Side, December 27, 1980, woman calls 911 because a kangeroo is about to jump off a ledge

While The Far Side often ruffled feathers with its edgy humor, it cleverly navigated sensitive subjects through layers of absurdity. This strip features a woman calling 911 about a kangaroo poised to jump off her apartment ledge, prompting both disbelief and laughter. Larson’s calculated risk to tackle serious subjects with a humorous lens has contributed to the comic’s enduring legacy.

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