Discover a New Perspective on Wicked with The Far Side’s Last Comic

For those unfamiliar with the closing strip of The Far Side, a fresh perspective on the iconic tales of The Wizard of Oz and its beloved musical counterpart, Wicked, awaits. Although it has been years since Gary Larson concluded his notable comic strip, he left behind a whimsical twist on a well-known ending.

In 1995, Larson published the final installment of “The Far Side.”The opening panel features a character named Gary standing before a woman, who whimsically wields a magic wand and tells him he has always possessed the power to return home. This setting is populated with various characters and animals that fans of the strip will instantly recognize.

The next panel depicts Gary in bed, reminiscent of Dorothy’s iconic scene from The Wizard of Oz. In this moment of reflection, Gary comments on his past adventures, noting that everyone around him resembles the quirky inhabitants of The Far Side.

A Unique Twist on a Classic Conclusion

Envisioning This Comedy in Wicked

Elphaba and Glinda singing during the one short day song in wicked

Almost everyone is familiar with the conclusion of The Wizard of Oz. From Dorothy’s memorable line “There’s no place like home”to the realization that her journey was intertwined with familiar faces, this ending has inspired countless creators. While the original tale has seen extensive adaptations—including Wicked, a remarkable musical based on Gregory Maguire’s reimagining—it continues to gain traction, especially with a new film adaptation invigorating its popularity globally.

At first glance, The Far Side’s last comic strip appears to be a light-hearted parody of a cherished classic, providing a humorous lens through which to view the eccentric universe Larson crafted. Although many adaptations have paid homage to this classic conclusion, Larson’s version stands out for its irreverence. Imagine how this comedic twist could alter the narrative of other Oz-inspired tales. In the context of Wicked, one might ponder the hilarity if Elphaba or Glinda were to awaken mid-show to find their magical journey nothing but a whimsical dream, thrusting them into the absurd reality reminiscent of Gary Larson’s unique artistry.

The Possibility of a Hilarious Crossover

The Quirky Side of the Rainbow

The Far Side strip: Geppetto bringing a scratching post for the cat who was scratching Pinocchio.

The charm of The Far Side lies in Gary Larson’s ability to prompt readers to view the world through a satirical lens. Conversely, Wicked offers a sincere reinterpretation of a classic narrative, embracing its emotional depth. However, after experiencing the final strip of The Far Side, one can easily envision how amusing it would be to merge these creatively distinct worlds, injecting a touch of irony and humor into Elphaba and Glinda’s heartfelt tale of friendship and self-exploration.

Regardless of the playful musings on crossover potential, it is undeniable that Wicked will continue to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.

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