10 funniest dad jokes in the Far Side comics

I love a good "dad" joke. But that's probably because I'm a dad myself. Still, a good pun makes me laugh uncontrollably. And I know that it's lazy, and I know that they are easy. But they directly target the funny bone in a way that works better than most. Especially when they are delivered with the style and wit of Gary Larson in his Far Side comics.

In the following 10 comics, Larson provides multiple amusing examples of the best Dad jokes found in The Far Side. Unlike some artists, Larson is willing to explore how his unique style can be incorporated into this kind of gag. The result of his efforts is a collection of comic strips that reveal that dad jokes can be funny, too.

A Far Side Parody Results In a Dad Joke

Publication Date: May 10, 1990

Some dad jokes are defined by the use of an obscure reference. Such is the case in The Far Side’s satire of an aging film. Despite the movie’s popularity and iconic nature, The Wizard of Oz has started to fade from the minds of the masses. As recognition of this type of parody comes from an older crowd, the gag falls into the realm of dad jokes.

Although among the lower forms of comedy, there is still humor to be found in the strip. A great deal of the entertainment value stems from the man’s footwear. Thoughts promoted by the red slippers prove highly amusing. Their existence in the scene implies that the man was already wearing them when he became stranded. That being the case, considerations concerning the man’s mismatching attire provide readers with a memorable experience.

Dad Jokes Can Be Literal In The Far Side

Publication Date: Jan. 2, 1987

Literal interpretations can sometimes fall into the category of dad jokes. Especially those of old phrases no longer in common use. A prime example is found in The Far Side. The critique of an artistic chimpanzee provides comical irony, albeit in a dad joke manner. A primary reason for the gag’s classification is that a younger audience has little exposure to the employed saying.

Even without understanding the reference, the gag inspires laughter. There is something indescribably funny about anthropomorphism in comic strips. Human traits given to the animals help readers find the situation relatable. The depicted messy painting also supports the gag well. The combination of these elements goes to show that dad jokes can still be funny.

Competing Canines In The Far Side Provide Dad Joke Humor

Publication Date: Sep. 5, 1991

Another literal interpretation from The Far Side that uses a dad joke style but remains humorous involves talking canines, a theme reused by Larson on multiple occasions. In this instance, the close association of the chosen term proves comical. As with other strips in the series, Larson uses additional literary and artistic devices to increase the gag’s appeal.

Visual elements present multiple points of support. The stance and expressions of the competitors create an appropriately serious atmosphere, reinforced by the commentary provided in the caption. With so many human qualities in the scene, the dogs shaking off water in the background give readers an encore laugh to the core gag. Larson’s dad joke is certainly corny, but also strangely delightful and available to a broad audience.

Some Pranks Are Dad Joke Material

Publication Date: June 13, 1990

One of Larson’s most-used themes involves giving farm animals human traits. Especially cows. Larson really, really likes cows and chickens. Fortunately, his creative ideas on the subject prove humorous time and time again. These issues sometimes fall into the realm of dad jokes, but consistently remain entertaining. A sound example gives readers laughs through unexpected means.

Artistic elements are key to the strip's success. The lack of color in the comic adds to the environment and depicts time. Larson’s shading creates a clear contrast between the night sky, natural shadows, and those created by artificial light. These aspects help what would normally be a flat dad joke still deliver the intended comedy. The literal open barn door behind the animals is a nice touch.

Dad Jokes In The Far Side Don't Always Need Captions

Publication Date: April 13, 1988

Many installments of The Far Side require no captions. Very few of these could be considered dad jokes, but the handful that are remain hilarious. Like the musicians hiking through an avalanche area. The body language of the characters and the warning sign tell an amusing story that needs no further explanation. While the blunt and simple nature of the material makes it a gag joke, there are many alternative forms of entertainment for fans.

Larson’s artistic stylings are nothing short of beautiful. His snowy environment comes to life with the use of multiple colors not typically found in comic strip depictions of snow. The backdrop gives the appearance of fading light, indicating an already long day for the travelers. Larson’s visual wonders keep the reader's attention, allowing the dad joke to better sink in and create comedy.

Aliens In The Far Side Enjoy Dad Jokes Too

Publication Date: Aug. 26, 1991

Larson’s unique point of view often adds an extra element of creativity in his installments of The Far Side. This not only includes dad jokes, but often proves the key component in ensuring they can still make readers laugh. Henry’s odd encounter with an alien and the ensuing, Larson-style interpretation present a solid example of this concept at work.

Although the saying referenced is still in common use, using it as a comedic device could come off as corny and, thus, a dad joke. However, because of Larson’s one-of-a-kind perspective and literary skillset, the gag delivers sound comedy. The use of six panels to draw out the story is critical to the joke’s effectiveness. Another important point is that Larson’s illusion of motion throughout draws attention, allowing readers to take in the caption after a complete viewing.

The Far Side Creates Humor In Unexpected Ways

Publication Date: May 10, 1988

Dad jokes often use extensions to create cheesy humor. The Far Side’s addition to Aladdin’s lamp is the perfect example. Larson’s colorful illustration draws humor from the addition of basic items to a legendary object. The well-known reference makes the comic strip available globally, although some might question the legitimacy of the laughter inspired by such a simple joke.

Larson could have just as easily used “King Arthur’s Holy Grail, chair, and kitchen table” to achieve his desired effect. Anything along those lines would have worked, so long as the reference wasn’t obscure. This fact makes readers ponder Larson’s abilities as a cartoonist, but it is in the visual delivery of comedy that this dad joke redeems itself and remains hilarious.

Another Literal Interpretation Makes a Hilarious Dad Joke

Publication Date: Feb. 3, 1987

There is yet another literal interpretation from The Far Side that gives readers an enjoyable dad joke. One of Larson’s many recurring themes, apparently. This time, when being “straightened out” is needed in a literal sense, readers are given humor through both the visual appearance of the children and the lack of context surrounding what might have happened. What the kids might have been doing to get in trouble is anyone’s guess.

The gag is, beyond a doubt, dad joke material. Once again, Larson’s perception of possibility saves the day. His depiction of the children is wholly unique, using fluid curvature in a spiral effect. The characters differ so greatly from others that they stand out and demand attention. The more a reader views the material, the more the situational humor takes hold. The joke might be a bit lame, but its delivery is outstanding.

Clowns In The Far Side Are Perfect For Dad Jokes

Publication Date: July 18, 1990

A practical joke can be a fun distraction in a stressful situation. It can also result in a dad joke when involving the elements found in this humorous issue of The Far Side. The simplicity and content of the clown’s prank is dad joke material, but the man’s reaction is comedy gold. Larson’s use of exaggeration and exclamation proves hilarious for readers.

The fact that these characters are lost at sea implies the man would know full well the nature of the clown behind him, if only due to the time already spent together. Not making the clown a consideration in his situation provides an obvious irony that a broad audience can enjoy. The overreacting individual shows that even the lamest of dad jokes can provide exceptional entertainment.

Student Drivers In The Far Side Are Dangerous

Publication Date: April 24, 1988

Many dad jokes focus on student drivers. One of the funniest exists in the odd world of The Far Side. The situational humor needs no further explanation to be found hilarious. In fact, not knowing what happened is the driving force of comedy in this Larson dad joke. The exaggeration of a well-known scenario inspires many humorous thoughts.

Larson’s depiction of the ocean is a focal point due to his illusion of depth and reflection. The vivid nature of the comic holds the reader’s attention, letting them take in the scene in its entirety. Because the strip is elongated, a feeling of great distance is created. This adds to the laughter inspired by questions concerning the “how” of this imaginative student driver joke.