Gary Larson Surprised by The Far Side’s Most Controversial Comics Pushing Boundaries

Gary Larson, creator of the iconic comic strip The Far Side, has always been adventurous with his humor. However, there was one particular strip that he expected to stir controversy but instead received no backlash at all. Not one to shy away from dark humor, Larson was taken aback by the lack of reaction to this specific joke, which seemed to tread into taboo territory.

In a 2020 piece on Medium, writer Ignio Figuracion explored Larson’s return to The Far Side amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Figuracion previously interviewed Larson for an exhibition at the National Museum of Los Angeles County, where Larson discussed how his scientific background has informed his unique brand of humor.

“I did a cartoon of a little kid at show-and-tell…He had a head in a jar he found at the beach. I thought it was kind of scary when it came out. But we didn’t get any feedback on that at all.”

When asked whether he ever tested the boundaries with controversial content, Larson recalled a particular Far Side strip about a boy who discovers a severed head on the beach. He anticipated pushback on this gag, certain it would push the limits of acceptable humor.

The Severed Head Gag: Surprising Acceptance

Larson Finds Discomforting Humor to Be Acceptable

A cartoon featuring a head in a jar by Gary Larson

While The Far Side is not strictly an adult comic, Larson was known to inject more risqué elements into his work. The series has touched on weighty topics like murder, substance abuse, and even cannibalism, all presented with an offbeat perspective that kept the tone light and humorous. Exploring such subjects might surprise some readers, yet Larson skillfully maintained a balance, ensuring that these elements felt more whimsical than grim.

It’s not unusual for creators to probe the limits of acceptability, especially in comedy. Given the oft-morbid themes within The Far Side, it was only natural for Larson to test whether there was a line he could not cross. His expectation was that the severed head gag would be deemed overly inappropriate. Nevertheless, to his astonishment, it gained the standard approval like his other comics, indicating his mastery over the craft.

Gary Larson’s Most Provocative Strip Highlights His Artistic Growth

Risk-Taking Enhances Artistic Expression

A comic strip depicting a child devoured by a saxophone

While Larson never intended for The Far Side to shock audiences, he harbored a desire to experiment with what was permissible. This endeavor paid off, revealing that his boundary-pushing humor resonated with a broader audience than he expected. It was through these intentional risks that Larson further honed his artistic expression and tapped into the potential of his comedic voice. His willingness to challenge both himself and his editors ultimately delivered the public a memorable Far Side strip that continues to elicit laughter.

For further exploration of Larson’s insights and experiences, visit Medium.

Source: Screen Rant