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Gary Larson earned a name for himself in the comics game by taking jokes certain jokes too far in The Far Side comics. By pushing his content over the line from time to time, Larson earned more than a few angry letters from readers. At the same time, some of the most offensive jokes didn’t make sense to most viewers. Either way, multiple comics in this category prove worthy of a deeper examination.
At times, The Far Side comics that go too far still present humor. Some of these strips promote critical thought on important issues relevant to the intended audience. While occasionally perceived as distasteful, Larson’s often macabre style of social commentary effectively brings attention to topics not commonly covered by other cartoonists.
A Far Side Satire Accidently Goes Too Far
Publication Date: Nov. 1, 1987
On occasion, Larson takes a joke too far completely by accident. Such is the case in an issue of The Far Side, seemingly meant for children. Intended as a lighthearted scavenger hunt parody, the strip had unforeseen consequences. Numerous parents wrote letters to complain about the confusion created for their children by the comic.
The false answer provided is intended as a gag supported by the obvious placement of objects in the scene. Unfortunately, it was viewed as a challenge, not a joke. A primary cause of the misunderstanding stems from the focus on “kids” in the text. When paired with other employed techniques, the focal point creates an unintended implication that results in this joke from The Far Side going too far.
The Far Side Takes Pop Culture Parody Too Far
Publication Date: Feb. 26, 1991
Like most comic strips, The Far Sidecontains multiple pop culture references. Most of Larson’s work in the area is hilarious, but some issues take the joke too far. A sound example features a morbid satire involving the star of a beloved children’s show. The punchline provides dark humor that is available to a broad audience. However, many readers voiced their opinions, believing Larson took the joke too far.
Due to the prime source of publication for The Far Side being newspapers, a younger crowd would be exposed to the illustration. Because the depicted character is well-known to children, many viewed the material as inappropriate. While comedy can be found in the simplistic gag, the reader's response concerning the comic’s possible consequences proved well-founded.
Larson Gives Getting Ahead In The Far Side A New Meaning
Publication Date: Jan. 10, 1987
A scene doesn’t have to be gory or gruesome to be found disturbing. This is a fact Larson proves time and again in The Far Side. One of his most successful comics in this aspect features an offensive but thought-provoking element. The decapitated head inspires more intriguing questions than comedy. This factor had a heavy influence on the negative reader response.
What the comic lacks in humor, it makes up for with artistic detail. If there is a point of defense for the off-putting material, it is the incredible detail and hard work Larson put into the visual elements of the illustration. From the television set to the immaculately constructed paintings on the wall, Larson’s vivid work brings the scene to life.
A Dinosaur Extinction Gag Takes Things Too Far
Publication Date: Sep. 6, 1984
The Far Side comics contain numerous hilarious issues featuring dinosaurs. Although many present Larson’s typical form of dark humor, only one takes the joke way too far. The Far Side often visits the concept of the dinosaurs’ extinction with comedic effect. However, a strip on the subject featuring a lone child proves too somber to be funny.
The use of children’s toys in the scene hinders the intended creation of comedy. Larson’s style of personification results in a negative reader response. Most readers feel empathetic instead of amused because the character is reminiscent of a child. An adult in a similar situation might prove humorous, but one so young takes the joke too far.
Some Cow Jokes Go Too Far In The Far Side
Publication Date: July 22, 1987
Cows are a regularly used animal in The Far Side. Larson’s unique creativity with the creatures often results in hilarity. Because of the different comedic devices and scenarios used to keep the material from becoming stale, a cow joke going too far was almost inevitable. As it happens, the event comes with a cow grilling hamburgers that create a morbidly suggestive humor.
As amusing as the strip is, the cannibal factor takes the joke too far. The result of Larson’s gag is a guilty pleasure because many readers feel that laughing at the joke is inappropriate. Cannibalism is taboo and illegal for numerous sensible reasons. Because of how society perceives the act, the strip lands outside acceptable topics for satire.
Murder Was The Dog's Case In The Far Side
Publication Date: Dec. 21, 1994
Sometimes, jokes that go too far in The Far Side are still hilarious. A prime example comes when a dog is arrested for murder using heavy machinery. The content crosses a line, but its dark humor inspires laughter. Artistic techniques employed by Larson effectively draw attention from the deceased, which helps understate the event and allows the gag to land.
The illustration is effective in telling the story without much explanation. As such, the text adds tremendously to the humor by providing further context like motive. The abundance of objects and people within the scene promotes an extended viewing that leaves a lasting impression. While the source of the humor is distasteful, the comic promotes thoughts that are not soon forgotten.
Snow White Has An Unexpected Visitor
Publication Date: May 24, 1987
Children’s icons seem to be a running theme among jokes in The Far Side that go too far. Among the strips parodying these characters, one of the most recognizable is also one of the more unsettling. The mortal implications of the snake’s appearance go too far for a young audience. The material is found wanting even for a more mature group of viewers due to its lack of comedy.
As with similar strips from The Far Side, the comic is visually appealing. Despite the lack of humor and the intended gag going too far, there is still entertainment to be garnered from Larson’s exceptional art. The palette employed is appropriate and full of variety. Depth, shading, and attention to detail help bring the scene to life. The humor might fall flat, but the strip’s aesthetics merit a return visit.
Not All Chickens Are Well-Behaved In The Far Side
Publication Date: March 28, 1988
Chickens make recurring appearances in The Far Side and are the source of much hilarity. Larson uses flightless birds in many ways, such as in physical and situational comedy. Irony and personification are typically driving forces in creating humor. The Far Side chicken joke that goes miles past the line is no exception.
A chicken in prison isn’t all that disturbing. What the character says is another matter altogether. The lack of subtlety in the chicken’s statement goes too far for most readers. The murder committed by the chicken being directly mentioned instead of implied is a primary reason the gag is too much. Had allusion been used in describing the source of imprisonment, the audience might have better received a more suggestive element.
Life Isn't Precious In The Far Side
Publication Date: Jan. 28, 1988
Few comics take a joke as far as The Far Side issue featuring a child’s disturbing threat. The dialogue and visual accompaniment present a gag far too dark for most readers. Larson’s use of children in the comic is a key reason for the response. While the same joke wouldn’t work with older characters, all the same, having children discuss a topic as morbid as suicide didn’t come off as funny to most viewers.
The angles used by Larson create an illusion of height that supports the intended gag. In typical fashion, the artwork is brilliant and tells the tale well visually. The success of this allows the text to provide an understandable punchline. Unfortunately, in this case, the joke proves offensive and goes too far for most.
Some Things Shouldn't Be Bottled, Even In The Far Side
Publication Date: Feb. 12, 1988
It should come as little surprise that the most disturbing issue of The Far Side that takes a joke too far involves an infant. Unsettling material with babies usually gets a negative response fairly quickly. The mere sight of a baby in a bottle inspires an emotional reaction. No amount of textual explanation could have prevented the bombardment of angry letters aimed at publishers.
Considering the lack of comedy in the gag, the level of artistic detail in the illustration is surprising. The shadowing is especially effective, providing the appropriate illusion of dim light. What message Larson might have been attempting to express is unknown. While well-illustrated, this installment of The Far Side takes its joke way too far.
