One of the most delightful aspects of Gary Larson’s renowned Far Side comics is the diversity of fan favorites. With such a distinctive and quirky sense of humor, Larson’s work invites a broad range of interpretations, making it unsurprising that what one reader finds unenjoyable, another might revere as a classic. However, the results from our recent poll seeking the ultimate cat comic from Larson showcase just how tight competition can be; the winner emerged with a mere single vote difference from the runner-up among over 1,100 submissions.
In July 2024, we launched an article titled “15 Far Side Comics That Prove Gary Larson Is Obsessed with Cats,”inviting enthusiasts to cast their votes for the best of Larson’s feline-themed humor. Throughout the years, Larson’s cats engage in various antics—from feuding with dogs to getting apprehended by authorities, even unraveling intricate scientific concepts. After an incredibly close race, the top comic clinched victory with 135 votes against 134. To witness the charm of the runners-up, check out the image gallery below.
The appealing nature of the runner-up comics resonated particularly with pet lovers. The comic depicting the level of understanding between dogs and cats secured fourth place, while a captionless strip featuring a cat eagerly anticipating hunting birds and rodents came in third. A clever play on the saying “curiosity killed the cat”held the second spot. Meanwhile, the ultimate winner (featured below following the complete poll results) offered a humorous take on the extreme consequences of a cat’s scratching behavior.
|
Far Side’s Funniest Cat Comic |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Subject |
Votes |
Percentage of Vote |
Position |
|
What to Do Today… |
25 |
2% |
#14 |
|
“Keep the Door Shut!” |
41 |
3% |
#13 |
|
If Pets Wore Hats |
51 |
4% |
#12 (Joint) |
|
Dog Threat Letters |
51 |
4% |
#12 (Joint) |
|
The Rothenbergs |
56 |
5% |
#11 |
|
“I Know Nothing” |
58 |
5% |
#10 |
|
Arrested |
71 |
6% |
#9 |
|
Wooden Leg |
80 |
7% |
#8 |
|
Trickery! Trickery! Trickery! |
86 |
7% |
#7 |
|
“Randy’s Goin’ Down!” |
92 |
8% |
#6 |
|
Cat Showers |
99 |
8% |
#5 |
|
What They Hear |
105 |
9% |
#4 |
|
Bob’s Assorted Rodents |
108 |
9% |
#3 |
|
Curiosity Killed the Cat…s |
134 |
11% |
#2 |
|
“Is He Friendly?” |
135 |
11% |
#1 |
Screen Rant Readers Crown This Far Side’s Funniest Cat Comic
Gary Larson’s ‘Curiosity Killed the Cat’ Joke Is a Close Runner-Up
In the poll decided by Screen Rant readers, the slimmest of margins separated the comic illustrating a family’s misfortunes due to their pet and Larson’s pun centered around “curiosity killed the cat.”The winning comic effectively juxtaposes the captured image of two visibly injured people alongside dialogue that reveals their predicament as victims of a cat’s fury.
In a 1987 interview, Larson was asked a thought-provoking question: “Would it be accurate to say that you have less respect for human beings than you do for animals?”His response, while humorous, hinted at deeper reflections on human-animal relationships. This showcases Larson’s ability to cleverly entwine commentary within his art, as the comic illustrates an oblivious guest failing to recognize the unfriendly nature of the cat, a testament to Larson’s understated yet impactful artistic style. This top comic highlights a recurring inquiry posed to Larson throughout his career—whether he genuinely preferred animals over humans.
Did Gary Larson Really Like Animals More Than Humans?
Far Side’s Original Title Hints at His Priorities
Gary Larson’s profound affinity for nature is evident through his charitable efforts aimed at conservation that were often tied to his Far Side animations. He initially pitched the series under the title “Nature’s Way,”which suggests a steadfast commitment to highlighting the animal world. While Larson’s humor tends toward the irreverent, it often showcases the supremacy of animal characters over humans, leading to questions about his views on the two. When asked about his respect for humans versus animals during a 1987 20/20 interview, Larson humorously acknowledged, “Yeah, I guess it would be,” but added a note of levity by stating, “I’ve never met an Irish Setter I didn’t like.”
Notably, Larson’s portrayal of animals also reveals the harsh realities of nature, depicting how cutthroat life in the wild can be, particularly for prey animals. Though he held a fondness for animals, this did not exempt his works from biting commentary directed at famous animal characters such as Snoopy and Garfield.
There’s One Cat That Larson Wasn’t Wild About – Garfield
Far Side Often Took Shots at Its Competitors
In a humorous twist, Larson’s comics often cast a negative light on characters from competing comic strips, primarily targeting those from Peanuts and Garfield. Larson’s clever references serve as playful jabs at his rivals, featuring scenes where a snake proudly displays its meal of Garfield, a WWI pilot shooting down Snoopy, and Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes confronting the tiger in a rather predatory manner.
In one especially notable meta comic, Larson portrays his characters eavesdropping on their comic strip counterparts, replete with tongue-in-cheek nuances aimed at rivals—even referencing iconic characters like Charlie Brown who seems to threaten Snoopy and Nancy wielding a machine gun.
Ultimately, the distinct flavor of Larson’s darker humor resonates deeply with audiences, a testament to his enduring legacy. As indicated by our poll results—where the top comic features a cat inflicting injury on its owner and the runner-up depicts the dangers of curiosity—it is evident that Larson’s work, which began in the 1980s and continues to captivate audiences today, thrives on maintaining an element of darkness, much appreciated by his readers.
Leave a Reply