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Humor should be timeless. The best jokes, for example, tend to be so universal that they would work 30 years from now as well as they work today. They typically speak to an issue almost anyone can relate with, helping us all to see the humor in a given situation.
Gary Larson remains one of the best at this type of humor. His incredible initial run of The Far Side comic strips lasted well over a decade, and the unique and often surreal material that he put into his strips continued entertaining, promoting thought, and inspiring laughter.
Some of the latter works in the series are now officially thirty years old, and prove just as enjoyable now as they were in their original release. While The Far Side comics often present as much confusion as humor, the best strips that recently turned thirty are understandable to a broad audience while still promoting critical thought. These strips' variety of artistic and comedic stylings ensures they will continue to bring amusement for years to come.
Some Clowns Have it Rough in The Far Side
Publication Date: Dec. 26, 1994
Creating humor by illustrating well-known figurative phrases in a literal sense is a technique in which Larson excels. In a strip that recently turned thirty, Larson turns the saying, “wipe that smile off your face,” literal. The clown’s face contradicting the seriousness of the situation creates exceptional comedy. Whatever the reason behind the clown’s predicament, the scenario provides humor and inspires thought in typical Larson fashion.
Because the scene presents comedy through illustration, the material is accessible to a wide audience. Even if the reader isn’t aware of the referenced phrase, the situation still proves humorous due to the unexpected nature of the clown’s inclusion and appearance. Questions raised maintain attention long enough to appreciate the time-consuming detail put into the work. The broad accessibility and showcase of artistic skills find this comical entry a spot in the rankings.
One Woman's Pet Pampering Could Prove Life-Saving
Publication Date: Feb. 21, 1994
Larson has long been known to employ concepts many would consider morbid. While falling into a darker category of comedy, these aging installments of The Far Side are comical nonetheless. A sound example comes when three poodles discuss getting rid of their owner. A plan that is not yet set in stone due to the expressed concerns of Fluffy. Primarily, the poodle’s pampering proves a valued part of its routine.
Most of the strip’s comedy relies on the dialogue. The unanticipated implications of the text create effective dark humor. Each facial expression among the dogs informs the readers which one is speaking and which poses the concern. The contradiction between the suggested action and the cuteness of the animals supports the comedy well in Larson’s dark gag.
Dogs and Alcohol Don't Mix Well
Publication Date: Nov. 28, 1994
Most dogs are known to chase cats. That said, the felines are usually smaller in stature, which is a likely factor in their behavior. A larger cat might be found intimidating, provided inhibitions are in place. Unfortunately, those inhibitions have been removed for one dog in The Far Side. His companions prompting him into making a decision that will likely prove fatal, while amusing, shows they aren’t supportive friends.
Once again, Larson presents readers with a morbidly suggestive joke. The excited mannerisms of Sam’s drinking buddies and the obvious outcome prove hilarious. Empty bottles on the ground support the comedy and the text’s explanation of the scenario. They also provide a visual representation of intoxication that is not well represented in character motion.
A Duck in The Far Side Owes His Wife an Explanation
Publication Date: Dec. 27, 1994
Sometimes, moments of weakness can lead to awkward situations. In The Far Side, they can result in pain and near-death experiences. This fact is revealed by a wounded duck speaking with his friend. A frantic explanation accompanied by visual support provides sound comedy. The admission of guilt and troubled expression indicates feelings of remorse. Feelings that will likely hold zero meaning if his wife discovers the cause of his injuries.
On the off chance the gag within the text isn’t understood, the situation still holds humor. The personification of talking ducks in a bar is amusing, thanks to the element of surprise. A well-trafficked bar, as implied by the duck walking off the scene. With the protagonist’s wounds suggesting hunting season, an increase in bar patrons does make sense.
Sometimes It Feels Good to Stand Ground
Publication Date: Aug. 29, 1994
There are times in life when fight or flight choices must be made. In nature, these decisions come often. When approached by predators, animals typically choose to follow their instincts and run. However, one antelope in The Far Side goes against his baser urges and stands his ground against two large carnivores. A decision that he may or may not soon come to regret.
The remaining antelope resembles a cowboy preparing for a shootout. Larson’s inclusion of a hat adds to the existing situational humor. The space separating the animals creates two points of focus. This division both helps readers fully absorb the material and implies a duel-like scenario. Considering the confidence exhibited by the antelope, which also adds to the comedy, he might stand a chance facing two fierce and unsuspecting predators.
Some Influences are Inevitable
Publication Date: Sep. 14, 1994
Working for a factory that employs a multitude of people comes with certain expectations. Some of these are social and include not disrupting the status quo or negatively affecting morale. This can sometimes be caused unintentionally through behavior or speech patterns, such as with Mr. Fudd in The Far Side. The material proves hilarious, given the proper context surrounding how Elmer Fudd typically speaks. A factor that proves both beneficial and hindering.
As with similar references, Mr. Fudd is drawn from the back, but who he is supposed to represent is still apparent. Objects and text within the environment help explain the situation. The giant screwdriver supports the main product, while the title on the door explains the location and speaker’s position. Although outstanding in the presentation of humor, the need for preexisting pop culture knowledge holds this entry back in the rankings.
If the Painting Doesn't Help, Nothing Will
Publication Date: Nov. 18, 1994
Company can bring enjoyable conversations and help break the monotony of daily routines. For some, temporary changes brought by guests can also be a source of frustration. An example comes during a strange and suggestive event in The Far Side. During a visit, a woman comments on a large, recently crafted painting hung above the television. Despite its disturbing nature, the woman seems quite proud, though the approaching shadow might soon change her mind.
The immense size of the painting draws the reader’s attention. A combination of suspense and witty dialogue brings lasting entertainment to this dark but humorous comic. The shadow in the lower corner mimicking the depiction in the painting comes with frightening implications. Leonard’s guests may have finally driven him too far. That, or he’s a bit too possessive of the couch.
A Werewolf, a Con Artist, and a Man Named Edgar
Publication Date: May 18, 1994
Another terrifying event in The Far Side that still provides comedy gold after turning thirty involves a werewolf. A werewolf who is also a talented con artist. Something one unlucky resident of The Far Side learns the hard way. The depicted realization creates comedy through shock and irony. If only Edgar had tested the bullets before relying on them, he might have escaped with his life.
Unlike other suggestive comic strips by Larson, this strip definitively reveals the fate of its characters. Providing information on Edgar’s future is necessary to ensure readers fully understand the gag. Knowing the bullets are ineffective is key in perceiving the intended irony. Although, there remains one mystery to the amusing work. Why was “obnoxious” the chosen adjective for the tie?
Don't Look Down
Publication Date: Dec. 6, 1994
One of the funniest comics among The Far Side that recently turned thirty is also one of the more morbid of its age. During a lunch break, one man reveals terrifying urges to his companion. These thoughts will likely have the other man watching his back for the rest of his shift. Fifty stories up would make for a long way down, and the man listening doesn’t look thrilled about the idea.
Due to the length of the text and its contents, readers come to expect an entirely different conclusion than the one they receive. Subverted expectations created by the slow build of the extended dialogue are a key element in the joke’s effectiveness. The stunned appearance of the listener matches the intended reader's response and builds upon the already abundant amount of humor in the strip.
The Far Side Finale is a Fitting and Memorable End
Publication Date: Jan. 1, 1995
Larson’s final installment of The Far Side to be printed in newspapers recently turned thirty and continues to entertain in multiple ways. The humorous parody, thoughtful reflection, and colorful cast perfectly epitomize The Far Side as a whole. It is a fitting conclusion for a long-running series of impactful comic strips. Like much of Larson’s work, the material presents an abundance of comedy and food for thought wrapped in a beautiful package.
This dual Wizard of Oz spoof contains many aesthetic and textual details that entertain readers far longer than an average gag-a-day. The abundance of creative characters and the switch from color to ink inspires a more focused viewing. Larson’s inclusion of personal thoughts on the series within the dialogue also promotes critical thought. The unique experience and amusement provided place this entry at the top of the rankings.
