Vote Results: Far Side’s Best War Comic Inspired by Gary Larson’s Childhood Experiences

Exploring the Dark Humor of Gary Larson’s The Far Side

While Gary Larson’s The Far Side remains a cherished comic strip across generations, it often delves into unsettling themes. From scenarios depicting animals feasting on humans to the looming dread of global thermonuclear conflict, the comic presents a unique fusion of humor and dark subject matter; war being a prevalent motif throughout Larson’s work. This exploration of war is deeply rooted in Larson’s formative experiences during his childhood.

Fan Favorites: The Funniest Comics About War

In June 2024, a reader poll titled ’15 Funniest Far Side Comics That Somehow Found the Funny Side of War’ was conducted, culminating in over 1,200 votes. Each comic received recognition, but one strip emerged as the clear fan favorite—one that reflects aspects of Larson’s own life. We invite you to appreciate the runners-up showcased in the image gallery below.

Top 15 Funniest Far Side Comics About War
Subject	Votes	Percentage of Vote	Position
What If We Gave a War…	25	2%	#15
Bomb Shelter	151	12%	#1

An Exploration of the Most Acclaimed War Comic

Nuclear War: The Central Theme in Larson’s Humor

Comic about a bomb shelter — Custom Image by Robert Wood (from Gary Larson)

At the forefront of this poll is Larson’s most acclaimed war comic: two individuals confined in a bomb shelter during a catastrophic nuclear event. The humorous twist reveals their predicament—due to forgetting a can opener, the food they’ve stashed away remains inedible. This comic exemplifies Larson’s talent for intertwining extreme circumstances with banal frustrations, capturing humanity’s smaller grievances amidst global chaos.

Influence of Historical Events on Larson’s Craft

Nuclear conflict emerges repeatedly in The Far Side, affecting various characters—from household pets to famous duos like Laurel and Hardy. Larson uses the haunting image of a mushroom cloud to convey absurdity amidst catastrophe, showcasing human nature’s indifferent response to calamity.

The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Defining Moment for Larson

Shaping Larson’s Unique Perspective on Humor

In a revealing 1987 interview, Larson discussed how living through the Cold War directly sculpted his irreverent and often morbid sense of humor, particularly influenced by the Cuban Missile Crisis—a historical event that brought humanity to the brink of nuclear war. He recounts his youthful fears:

It was going from Leave It To Beaver to bomb shelters. I remember sitting in my seventh-grade English class thinking that the world was going to end during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It made you look at the world a little bit askew.

These experiences underpin the darker narratives in The Far Side, where character fates intertwine with the absurd threats of existence.

Death: A Recurrent Element in Larson’s Satire

The Inevitable Punchline

The persistence of grim humor throughout Larson’s work can also be attributed to his childhood, marked by a constant awareness of mortality. Many Far Side gags allude to tragic outcomes for various characters, often culminating in their demise at the hands of nature or the universe itself. Larson’s rejection of creating recurring characters reflects his intent to craft a world devoid of safety, where chaos reigns.

An Intricate Blend of War and Wildlife in Larson’s Humor

Animals Reflecting the Brutality of Existence

Larson’s fascination with the animal kingdom complements his exploration of war, highlighting that death is an inescapable reality in nature. Readers have noted that The Far Side often favors its animal characters, and Larson’s nuanced perspective provides context for this sentiment, shaped by the constant fear induced by his historical backdrop.

The Far Side ingeniously captures a dark epoch in history, transforming anxiety and uncertainty into a source of comedy, while Larson’s commentary on conflict intricately blends the surreal with humor, navigating some of life’s most challenging themes.

Source & Images