10 Far Side comics about getting older that hit way too close to home

Getting older has many downfalls, the worst of which has to be the hourly reminders that we ARE getting older. The aches and pains, the gradual slowing down of our pace... if you don't laugh at it all, you are likely to go insane.

Thank goodness for Gary Larson and his legendary comic strip, The Far Side. Over the years, Larson has covered everything from family members and pets to air travel and prehistoric creatures. At his best, however, Larson commented on the absurdity he saw in our every day lives.

Sometimes, The Far Side depicts situations involving getting older that seem too familiar. Whatever the connection, these comics prove worth revisiting.

At Some Point, Braking Becomes Optional

Publication Date: Jan. 26, 1981

Driving is an activity that changes with age. Young drivers are excitable and worry too much but grow with experience. By middle age, the task seems almost a chore. On the other hand, older drivers just stop caring at some point. A fact that some adult readers might find too relatable. While the thought is amusing, the joke hits too close to home.

Larson’s illustration is simplistic and requires no text besides the bumper sticker. The result is an availability to a broad audience but a lack of reader enthusiasm for the material. The work is easily set aside and forgotten after a quick read and a giggle. This fact holds the entry back in the rankings despite its connection to the topic.

"You Can't Get Blood Out of a Turnip"

Publication Date: Aug. 11, 1980

Part of the aging process involves the slowing of blood flow. A fact that becomes a serious problem when bloodwork needs to be performed often. This knowledge is also employed in The Far Side with comical results. The vampire’s use of an old euphemism is humorous because of the reference. One that hits far too close to home for many aging readers.

Since the problem in question isn’t all that funny, many readers might take offense to a joke that’s a bit too relatable. Issues with blood flow apply to many, not just the elderly. Multiple diseases that afflict people of all ages cause similar symptoms. With that being the case, this particular installment of The Far Side is too relatable for many readers.

Feeding Birds Isn't Recommended In The Far Side

Publication Date: Feb. 5, 1981

Old age can come with frailty. This is a fact The Far Side reminds readers of in an unusual way. While feeding birds, an individual becomes engulfed, only to disappear. The implications hit home more than they amuse. Readers are sorely reminded that as they age, the body becomes subject to injury more easily. Not to mention the morbid concept of mortality.

The comic nearly incites laughter, but connections made by the reader to such morose concepts within the material instead inspire critical thoughts about death and human fragility. These are ideas that hit way too close to home for aging fans. Viewing a comic strip usually comes with the intention of finding laughter and entertainment, not a philosophical rabbit hole. However, the material does present just that for those interested.

Feeding Birds Still Isn't Recommended In The Far Side

Publication Date: Sep. 29, 1982

Another issue of The Far Side featuring bird feeding presents a similar look at mortality as the last. The primary difference involves the chosen timeframe. Whereas the prior focused on the immediate, this strip’s theme is long-term. The caption suggests that the man has seen the vultures many times, which means they might know something he doesn’t.

The Far Side is known for its morbid comedy, but this strip proves too relatable. Vultures often represent death and are seen as such. Larson also touches on the universal ideas of mortality and inevitability in his dark humor. The thought of impending death hits readers too close to home. As such, the reminder outweighs the amusement of the comic.

A Shopping Trip In The Far Side Hits Too Close To Home

Publication Date: June 5, 1980

Shopping is an activity that gets more difficult with age. The process begins to take longer, and patience wears thin easier. Forgetting items also becomes more probable. The Far Side reveals how much so in an amusing strip that hits too close to home. Larson creates humor by placing the final focal point on the man in the cart. While the gag is amusing, it is also reminiscent of a problem best forgotten.

Flat colors are used for the background, and the exclusion of additional objects pulls the reader's attention first to the green dress, then the blue, and finally to the bright red of the cart. By providing a linear form of viewing, readers focus solely on the substance of the material—Larson’s artistic techniques aid in adding value to an otherwise simple gag that's too relatable.

Spite Makes Sense at a Certain Age

Publication Date: Feb. 16, 1981

Fairs are a source of much pleasure and amusement for adults and children alike. However, once the aging process kicks into high gear, some aspects of the event once found enjoyable become annoying. A hilarious issue of The Far Side represents this idea well, even if it does hit too close to home. It just goes to show that, at some point, spite can make sense.

For those annoyed with children’s activities in similar situations, the gag provides an additional layer of relatable comedy. The recognition on the child’s face provides a humorous payoff. While the strip is comical, the relatable qualities can also hinder the intended delivery of entertainment. The amount of comedy and relatable nature of the comic give this entry a sound place in the rankings.

A Woman In The Far Side Forgets Something Important

Publication Date: Nov. 24, 1981

As previously mentioned, forgetfulness is a common part of growing older. Forgetting dates, phone numbers and the like can become a nuisance. The Far Side reveals how the problem can impact daily life. When a woman leaves a man behind in the car, many readers find the humorous idea too close to home. The comic provides a sound reminder that nothing is sacred to the mind concerning memory loss.

Why the man doesn’t get out himself is amusing at first—that is, until the sad possibilities make themselves clear—another painful reminder of the adverse effects of old age. In the end, the strip requires no captions to tell its story, a story that leaves many readers disheartened by the thoughts promoted and the relatable nature of the scenario.

Getting Lost In The Far Side Can Be Terrifying

Publication Date: May 22, 1984

Becoming lost is a legitimate concern that gets more worrisome with age. Anything can go wrong, and problems get harder to solve. A fact The Far Side reminds readers of in an out-of-this-world comic. The lost couple’s predicament is hilarious and relatable. It's a little too relatable for some. While no one has gotten quite that lost, many have found themselves far off the beaten path.

The comment about the Earth’s position adds humor through its implications. The emphasis placed on “now” suggests that they were previously closer. A fact that proves amusing because of its lack of meaning. Lost on the moon is lost on the moon, regardless of where. How they got there is anyone’s guess and highly amusing, but this strip lands too close to home.

Switching Coffee Hits Too Close To Home

Publication Date: Nov. 10, 1980

Switching to decaffeinated coffee is a change no drinker looks forward to. After all, caffeine is the best part. However, growing older commonly comes with these kinds of changes. Less of everything enjoyable and more fiber. Although the adjustment can be challenging, an issue of The Far Side shows why it might be a good idea.

An aging, over-caffeinated individual can be irritable. If they put a gun in their hands, the situation could look the same as in The Far Side. The joke is hilarious but hits too close to home. Larson’s gag reminds readers that they might have to relinquish multiple enjoyable items from their daily routines sometime in the not-so-distant future. No reader enjoys that reminder—especially coffee drinkers.

Even Superman Has Problems With Old Age In The Far Side

Publication Date: July 30, 1987

As mentioned, forgetfulness is a concern for anyone growing older. In The Far Side, even Superman must deal with this problem. Superman’s comment gives readers a sad reminder that hits too close to home. Coming from such a well-known character, the joke’s humor is overshadowed by its promotion of critical thought and nostalgia.

Many aspects of aging can seem downright cruel. Not remembering where they were going or what they were doing certainly falls into this category. The idea that even a fictional superhero is not immune to the aging process spurs thoughts of mortality and the downsides of growing older. The choice of source material closely connected to readers and the sullen reminder that hits home net this entry the top spot in the rankings.