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Gary Larson’s comic strips often incorporate elements from existing fictional works. As such, fantasy fans can enjoy numerous issues of The Far Side. The inclusion of castles, dragons, and other associated items creates scenes recognizable to fans of the genre. Larson’s comedic stylings also ensure each illustration entertains readers with outstanding humor.
The Far Side samples multiple types of fantasy, including fairy tales, fictional novels, and iconic films, to name a few. Larson’s use of highly recognizable source material results in widely available gag-a-days. The exclusion of dark comedy also means the majority of these issues can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
An Indecisive Far Side Guard Crafts Sound Comedy
Publication Date: Aug. 7, 1988
Guarding a castle is rarely easy, but it’s an essential job. Those on duty are the first to see any suspicious activity. While it takes time to deliver a proper report when necessary, an amusing issue of The Far Side reveals that some incidents might not even be reported. If the soldier in Larson’s illustration can read, reporting the scene should be obvious.
The lack of reasoning behind the guard’s thought makes the joke effective. A crucial piece of support is found in the oversized nature of the box and bold text. Because of the ease in understanding the contents of the box, the obviousness of the situation proves humorous. The light colors employed by Larson also aid in the comic’s success by giving readers an aesthetically pleasing piece of artwork.
Young Far Side Dragons Behave Irresponsibly
Publication Date: Sep. 19, 1987
Children misbehaving when their parents are away isn’t uncommon. What is unusual is a group of young dragons acting dangerously, like those depicted in The Far Side. Lighting their sneezes looks quite hazardous. However, the excitement expressed in the scene creates comedy for a broad audience, primarily due to its recognizable elements.
The beds and confined atmosphere created by the ceiling and walls reveal the location without the need for further explanation. While the illusion of lighting around the fire isn’t Larson’s best work, shadows and additional shading give readers the appropriate feeling of flames lighting a dark room. The characters appear to be having a great time, but the likely chance of starting a fire means their behavior should definitely not be emulated.
Change Can Be Shocking In Far Side Fantasy
Publication Date: April 4, 1990
Change is rarely easy. Sometimes, it can even be shocking. A surprised Far Side wolf provides an excellent example. Returning home to find a pig-filled city of hay instead of the countryside, anyone would be taken aback. The fairy tale satire is hilarious thanks to the ideas it promotes. Multiple points of interest and the dual purpose of the hay buildings leave readers with plenty of humorous food for thought.
After the immediate viewing of the punch line, attention is drawn to the other text within. Both the sign and the delivery truck support the presented concept. Once the entire illustration has been digested, focus returns to the existence of the hay structures. Why are they made of hay and not sticks or bricks? Does that choice have a deeper meaning? These kinds of queries make the comic strip a worthwhile and memorable experience.
Dorothy Picks The Wrong Castle
Publication Date: April 9, 1980
Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein and the film, The Wizard of Oz, are both iconic works containing fantasy elements. Larson’s combination of the two proves unexpectedly entertaining in a few ways. Despite being one of Larson’s weird, early works, the joke amuses because it doesn’t rely on visual aids past character recognition. In this case, the caption’s punch line does all the heavy lifting.
Although awkward in appearance, the characters’ identities are immediately apparent. A prime reason is the memorable nature of the source materials. The inclusion of associated elements, like the monster’s bolts and Dorothy’s pigtails, is enough to make Larson’s intentions known and effective. The joke takes readers by surprise with an unanticipated connection.
A Fantastical Far Side Witch Deserves Congratulations
Publication Date: Aug. 1, 1990
The use of certain phrases can lead to miscommunication. Especially when those terms are associated with common events in the listener’s daily life. For two witches in The Far Side, a saying connected to cooking habits nearly causes confusion. Fortunately, the captions humorously reveal an understanding of the situation. The explanation entertains with its use of figurative language connected to a typically literal scenario.
Witches are known to enjoy gobbling up little ones, so the speaker’s initial misunderstanding is understandable. Unlike some of Larson’s other comics, the joke relies on a perfect collaboration between visual and textual elements. Readers must immediately recognize the environment for the gag to function properly. Larson fulfills this requirement with an abundance of associated objects, such as the broom, cobwebs, and the atypical appearance of the characters.
A Disney Princess Parody Gives Readers a Memorable Fantasy Experience
Publication Date: May 24, 1987
Larson has used Disney references multiple times in The Far Side, each with great success. His princess parodies are especially entertaining due to the situational humor and irony involved. Larson’s Snow White satire is a fine example and perfect for fantasy fans. The artistic design is visually engaging thanks to a wide range of colors. From the dark forest to the brightly hued birds and sky, the comic strip pulls readers in.
The additional viewing time bought by Larson’s artistic techniques allows readers to think critically about the situation and possible follow-up. While the implications are a bit dark, the humor created proves memorable. Two pieces of support prove essential in this regard. The lightly colored environment helps express Snow White’s joy. In perfect contrast, the deep darkness of the forest hints at the event’s future.
The Far Side Tells Fairy Tales Differently
Publication Date: Aug. 4, 1980
The race between the tortoise and the hare is a widely known fairy tale that teaches a valuable lesson. As told by The Far Side, the story has a much different and less meaningful message. Fortunately, Larson’s comic strip comes with an astounding amount of entertainment. The cartoonish nature of the illustration creates sound comedy. Thanks to a creative use of techniques, the material is widely accessible.
By making the tortoise and hare flat and stretched, the scene resembles a moment from a cartoon. Expressive eyes given to the onlooking animals add to the intended atmosphere, as does the light-toned palette employed by Larson. Because the next scene in an animated show would likely entail the characters popping back up, fine and dandy, the comic properly ensures the implications aren’t too morbid.
A Beloved Fantasy Coast May Never Be The Same
Publication Date: Jan. 13, 1993
Many readers know and adore the fantastical, fictional dragon that lives off the parodied coast. An unexpected event in The Far Side brings the popular character’s future into question. When a boat sinks, leaking oil into the water, the result is a tragic yet hilarious scene. A key to the joke’s success is the dragon’s typical use of invisibility. Dark in nature, but surely this magical creature will pull through. Probably.
Larson’s use of pop-culture references is always amusing. In this case, the audience is more limited, but the gag is easy to understand and incredibly effective. Use of the word “tragedy” in the captions adds to the intended atmosphere, as does the inclusion of small birds. What finishes pulling the scene together is the bright colors that contrast with the oil and create the appropriate focal point.
Hopefully, Lightning Doesn't Strike Twice In The Far Side
Publication Date: July 31, 1980
Some pictures are worth a thousand words. Such is the case in the comic featuring an unlucky knight. No further explanation is necessary as the scene speaks for itself. Despite lacking color, the illustration draws in readers with Larson’s attention to minor details. The horses, shields, weapons, and representation of weather are crafted masterfully, especially concerning depth and shading.
A primary contributing factor to the timeless and entertaining nature of the gag is the exclusion of captions. This is possible thanks to the two key points of focus. The bright lightning and exaggerated eyes draw attention and deliver the punch line. Thanks to these elements, the comic is easily accessible and will remain a sound source of comedy for generations to come.
Far Side Children Take Odd Things to School
Publication Date: March 22, 1987
When the children of a Far Side soldier take his helmet to school, he must improvise going into the upcoming battle. The object he selects is better than nothing but only poses an advantage to readers. The unexpected and suggestive aspects of the strip prove wildly amusing. Because the eyes are first drawn to the speech bubble, viewers can fully appreciate the punch line below.
Larson’s illustration is packed with the illusion of action and contains plenty to hold attention. The many characters are drawn expressively, and the protagonist’s exaggerated features depict the proper amount of concern. From the looks of the scene, it’s hard to tell who’s winning. One thing is for sure: if the man makes it home in one piece, he will certainly have a few choice words for his children.
