The Far Side, created by Gary Larson, has consistently explored military themes through its distinctive and often absurd lens. The comic strips present soldiers and wartime scenarios in unconventional and humorous ways, injecting elements like aliens and childish antics into serious topics. This artistic choice aptly illustrates that the characters in Larson’s universe do not adhere to the archetype of model recruits.
While the humor in The Far Side often veers towards the silly, it also incorporates a darker form of comedy, particularly in its military-related strips. Larson’s fascination with historical wars is evident, as he depicts various conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, resulting in an extensive catalog of soldier-themed comic strips.
11 “Crash Collision”
September 7th, 1986
In a hilariously odd scenario, a soldier parachutes from a fighter plane just as a UFO collides with it, resulting in a comical descent alongside an alien. This surreal clash magnificently showcases Larson’s ability to merge unexpected elements within a single frame, emphasizing the unique creativity that defines The Far Side.
It’s not every day that one envisions a soldier needing to watch out for extraterrestrials during their missions, yet this comic juxtaposes the ordinary with the bizarre, perfectly encapsulating the essence of The Far Side.
10 “Charles ‘Bugeyed’ Bingham”
August 26th, 1994
Set during the American Revolutionary War, a genetically altered soldier named Charles “Bugeyed”Bingham is humorously depicted as a hazard to his platoon. His extremely prominent eyes make it impossible for the opposing general to follow orders to withhold fire until they see their enemies’ whites of their eyes. This accidental advantage for the American forces cleverly plays on historical references while offering a humorous twist on the battlefield’s tension.
9 “Get That Cursed Bugle Fixed”
March 25th, 1981
This comic illustrates a chaotic cavalry scene where one exasperated soldier criticizes his comrade for playing an accordion instead of a bugle. The absurdity lies in the contrast between the expected martial sound of a bugle and the comic’s preference for an accordion, demonstrating how Larson whimsically diverges from traditions associated with military life. A fun twist where musical etiquette meets sheer ridiculousness leads to classic Far Side humor.
8 “Henderson Is Doing It Again!”
At a missile launch radar facility, one soldier engages in antics that are less than appropriate for such a sensitive environment. His colleague, unimpressed and concerned, contemplates reporting him. This amusing slice of life turns on its head the gravity of military responsibilities, as both characters hilariously miss a crucial launch alert due to their childish distraction—which could be seen as a precursor to the darker themes of nuclear disasters present in other strips.
7 “A Reflective Moment”
December 16th, 1981
Against the backdrop of the historically significant Battle of Gettysburg, a rather humorous scenario unfolds as one soldier tries to lighten the mood by making bunny ears over his comrade’s head during a serious moment. This juxtaposition of timeless conflict with humor perfectly captures how laughter can persist even in dire circumstances—though it’s likely that a superior officer would not have appreciated such levity during warfare.
6 “Washington Crossing the Street”
October 15th, 1986
This comic offers a humorous reinterpretation of the famous painting “Washington Crossing the Delaware,”where George Washington and his troops are depicted crossing a modern street intersection instead of the historical river. This clever play on imagery takes the iconic portrayal and transforms it into an entirely absurd yet amusing scenario. Larson’s knack for parody shines through as he humorously recontextualizes noteworthy historical events.
5 “Heads!”
August 18th, 1980
Inside the trenches, a less-than-bright soldier prepares to throw a grenade but ignorantly alerts the enemy by shouting “heads!”His superior’s disbelief suggests this is a repetitive mistake, heightening the comic absurdity. This scenario pokes fun at the idea that not all combatants are sharp, reflecting Larson’s tongue-in-cheek approach to military competence.
4 “I Hate Sidewinders”
December 14th, 1994
With a tongue-in-cheek nod to snake enthusiasts, this comic introduces sidewinder snakes as soldiers in a sandy formation. The humor emerges from Soldier Johnson, a sidewinder, who disrupts the formation with his diagonal movements, much to his sergeant’s frustration. This visual gag cleverly highlights the absurdity of military precision through the lens of nature, showcasing Larson’s unique wit.
3 “Shirts! Mugs! Mementos!”
March 21st, 1987
Set during the pivotal Battle of the Alamo, a confident souvenir vendor remains optimistic about victory, despite the crumbling situation around him. His obliviousness to the battlefield chaos humorously illustrates a stark contrast between hope and reality, raising questions about the market for mementos from a losing side. This comic cleverly merges modern retail practices with historical context, providing both humor and commentary.
2 “Knock Off These Water Fights”
August 3rd, 1983
In this comic, a squad leader is visibly frustrated with his troops as two soldiers engage in a silly water fight in the harsh desert environment. The juxtaposition of military discipline against childlike frivolity humorously highlights that even in the face of serious situations, these characters embrace their playful sides. Larson’s trademark humor shines through, celebrating the trivial amid the serious nature of military life.
1 “The Flying Ace”
1980
This strip features a crossover with Snoopy’s famed persona as the World War I Flying Ace, cleverly integrated into a storyline depicting fighter planes. The humorous shadow of Snoopy’s doghouse as a fighter plane adds a whimsical touch to a soldier’s scenario. This blend of nostalgia and humor is indicative of Larson’s skill at merging pop culture with military themes. Notably, Snoopy was even used as a squadron mascot during the Vietnam War, further cementing his status as a cultural icon in military lore.
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