Celebrating 30 Years of Humor: The Far Side’s November 1994 Comics
Marking its thirtieth anniversary, the The Far Side comics from November 1994 continue to capture the hearts of both longtime fans and new readers alike. Created by Gary Larson, these iconic strips maintain their appeal through a unique blend of bizarre and irreverent humor that transcends decades, attracting a fresh audience each year.
Despite the passing of time and significant changes in the world, the comic’s charm remains undeterred. The absence of recurring characters and the wide array of topics and creatures featured in the November 1994 comics showcase Larson’s distinctive perspective, ensuring that each strip is not only varied but also humorously insightful.
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“His Arrival Was Unexpected”
November 1994
In this cleverly crafted strip, Spunky, a dog, enters the kitchen only to discover that his breakfast bowl has been devoured by his owner. The man attempts to downplay the situation by pretending to read the newspaper, making for an amusing yet unsettling image—especially for Spunky, who sees his food consumed by a human.
As typical of many The Far Side comics, the dog exhibits a level of intelligence that surpasses that of his human counterpart, immediately grasping the absurdity of the situation. Larson frequently assigns animals a more astute demeanor than humans, making Spunky no exception in this humorous tableau.
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“I Also Want My Own Identity”
November 1994
Another striking entry presents a marriage counseling session for an M&M couple. One of the candies, frustrated by the lack of individual recognition, voices the universal struggle for identity within a partnership. This relatable theme cleverly parallels the complex dynamics faced by many couples, illustrating Larson’s knack for anthropomorphizing everyday objects in captivating ways.
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“A Great Ape”
November 15th, 1994
In a humorous tale of unexpected assistance, two explorers suffer a flat tire in the jungle, only to be aided by a helpful ape. The explorers aptly dub the primate “a great ape,”playing on the dual meanings of the term. Larson’s clever wordplay not only provides a chuckle but also showcases the character’s surprising intelligence.
7
“Leonard Painted That”
November 18th, 1994
In a meta twist, this comic plays on the notion that “art imitates life.”Depicting a couple seated on a couch while admiring a portrait of themselves on the same piece of furniture, the ominous presence of Leonard—a figure holding a tool—suggests potential trouble. This particular strip epitomizes Larson’s tendency to evoke curiosity with absurd scenarios, leaving readers speculating about Leonard’s intentions.
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“The New ACME Wingbaby”
November 24th, 1994
Delving into dark humor, this strip introduces the fictional ACME Wingbaby—a contraption designed to silence crying children on flights by creating the illusion of a child being dragged by an airplane. This satirical take on parenting strategies is both shocking and hilarious, reflecting Larson’s penchant for pushing comedic boundaries.
5
“Problem Solved!”
November 1994
This Far Side strip captures a comical scene where Geppetto appears just in time to provide a scratching post for Pinocchio, who has been subjected to the cat’s playful claws. This twist on a classic fairytale humorously reveals the darker side of being a wooden puppet, showcasing Larson’s clever reimagining of beloved stories.
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“Dogs and Alcohol”
November 28th, 1994
This comic strip illustrates the foolishness often associated with drunken behavior. Here, dogs have indulged and attempted to invade a cheetah’s enclosure, reflecting their occasionally reckless nature. By attributing anthropomorphic behavior to these canines, Larson cleverly showcases both the ridiculous and relatable aspects of dog-related mischief.
3
“I’m Gonna Steer”
November 1994
A strip depicting a wayward cowboy who drives his horse directly into a cactus paints a hilarious image of frustration. The horse’s desire to take control after such a blunder showcases the absurdity of the situation, emphasizing the comedic tension between rider and steed in this wild frontier setting.
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“Preserves”
November 1st, 1994
Irony reigns supreme in this strip as a truckload of fruit preserves crashes into the La Brea Tar Pits. The concept of preservation—both in terms of jam and historical remains—adds a clever layer to the humor that Larson is known for. The dual meanings of “preserve”provide a classic example of his wordplay and wit.
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“Mad Scientist’s Block”
November 8th, 1994
Even the most eccentric of personalities are not immune to writer’s block, as illustrated by a mad scientist’s struggles in this strip. After brainstorming various outlandish concepts—including an idea involving a giant squid—he finds himself stumped. This comic cleverly represents the often-hidden frustration of creativity, even in the most outlandish environments.
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