This November marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 40 years since the publication of Gary Larson’s iconic Far Side comics from November 1984. It’s remarkable how many beloved strips emerged from this single month, showcasing Larson’s knack for humor that transcends time. With uproarious trips to Hell, heartwarming scenes from the Serengeti, and quintessential cow jokes, Larson artfully captured the absurdities of life, just four years into the strip’s impressive 14-year journey.
In honor of this anniversary, we present ten of the funniest Far Side comics that debuted in November 1984. We invite you to share your favorites in the comments section, along with your thoughts on Larson’s best recurring themes.
10. Any Luck?
November 10, 1984 Comic
In this memorable strip, a spider inquires about a fisherman’s luck, cleverly drawing attention to the shared nature of their pursuits. Larson often adopts an animal’s perspective to provide a unique commentary on human behaviors, exemplifying this with his frequent depictions of fishing, which often culminate in death—a stark interpretation through the fish’s eyes. Check out more fishing-themed comics by Gary Larson in the gallery below:
Larson’s deep appreciation for nature heavily influenced The Far Side, which he initially pitched as “Nature’s Way.”Although that title was fitting for many comics, “The Far Side”perfectly encapsulates the surreal humor Larson infused into his work, ranging from whimsical animals to aliens and robots.
9. Remember Me?
November 24, 1984 Comic
8. Vending Machine
November 2, 1984 Comic
Contrasting the earlier theme of animal perspectives, Larson often humorously places typical human practices in the animal kingdom. Here, lions opt for the convenience of a vending machine for food—a comically unlikely source considering the size of the food within!
7. Get My Shotgun
November 7, 1984 Comic
Among Larson’s strengths as a humorist is his ability to connect seemingly unrelated concepts. In this strip, he combines the familiar trope of alien abductions—traditionally featuring cows—with a farmer defending his chickens against anotherworldly intruders. This absurdity underscores how Far Side’s characters, despite their surreal circumstances, maintain an unwavering determination to tackle any challenge, including alien threats with a shotgun.
Chickens are a recurring symbol in The Far Side, often portrayed in comically tragic circumstances as Larson amplifies their grim existence at the hands of hungry humans. As whimsically dismal as it is, for a Far Side chicken, a UFO encounter could indeed be considered a stroke of luck.
6. The Greatest Expressions
November 13, 1984 Comic
This strip takes the theme of animal behavior to a delightfully absurd level by showcasing leopards who find great amusement in the frightful reactions of their prey. Here, Larson cleverly mingles humor and horror, revealing that while leopards might find enjoyment in the chase, their victims rarely last long in the wild.
5. Aerobics in Hell
November 17, 1984 Comic
This widely recognized comic uniquely portrays Hell, revealing its inhabitants in a state of genuine suffering. In a stark contrast, many of Larson’s earlier strips depict a more playful, subversive take on the underworld. His depiction of Hell often parodies modern life rather than relying solely on classic horror tropes.
In a humorous anecdote, Larson once felt compelled to apologize regarding his comic, “Hell’s Video Store,”which featured “Ishtar”as the only available rental. Even though he had not seen the movie at that time and found it ultimately harmless, he recognized that his depiction might have misrepresented its perceived quality.
4. I’m Not Content
November 28, 1984 Comic
This surreal comic features a cow passionately declaring her dissatisfaction with her relationship, playfully echoing the melodrama of soap operas. Larson’s portrayal of cows often blends tragedy with comedy, and this gag cleverly references nostalgic advertisements for evaporated milk, which boasted of “contented cows.”
Larson’s deep connection with cows serves as a canvas for exploring dark humor by placing them in absurd situations, enhancing the comedic value of their tragic existence.
3. Be Cool, Man!
November 23, 1984 Comic
In a humorous twist, Larson illustrates anthropomorphic dogs that can ride bicycles yet also chase them down the street. This playful contradiction highlights the comedic overlap of their instincts and learned behaviors, showcasing Larson’s sharp wit.
2. King Kong
November 6, 1984 Comic
This comic depicts the iconic scene of King Kong tumbling from the Empire State Building, humorously revealing the unfortunate victim at its bottom. The punchline rests on the absurdity of the dog’s owner being crushed in this once-in-a-lifetime accident. Larson humorously addressed the public’s confusion over this gag, particularly in a letter from a group of Shell employees who felt it wasn’t quite clear.
We don’t feel that it can be as simple as “the gorilla fell on the dog’s master, so what is the dog going to do now?”We are assuming that the gorilla is King Kong, but why is he lying down?
This highlights the nuances inherent in Larson’s humor, reminding readers that some jokes may require a detailed caption to resonate fully.
Larson frequently revisits the themes of King Kong and Godzilla, cleverly exploring how these colossal figures can disrupt the world in a variety of humorous scenarios.
1. Organized Crime Informant
November 21, 1984 Comic
This standout Far Side comic showcases a mob informant accidentally revealing his identity live on TV, thanks to an oblivious janitor. Larson’s portrayal of organized crime often invokes elements of parody, depicting criminals as comically ineffectual.
In a darker twist, one comic imagines this informant facing a comically gruesome fate—being mimed to death—a playfully sinister consequence of being discovered.
We hope you enjoyed this journey through ten of the funniest Far Side comics that are now 40 years old. We encourage you to share your personal favorites in the comments section and stay tuned to Screen Rant for ongoing coverage of Gary Larson’s brilliant work.
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