10 Funniest Early Inventions in Far Side Comics, Ranked

Gary Larson revisits many humorous concepts in his comic strip series, The Far Side. One that comes with a variety of uses involves the lives of neanderthals. From depictions of daily life to probable struggles, Larson’s creative take on the subject is always a sound source of comedy.

One particularly amusing theme associated with the topic concerns early inventions. Larson illustrates numerous comics that center on this idea, each with a unique combination of artistic and comedic devices. The best comics from The Far Side featuring early inventions are hilarious experiences that shouldn’t be missed.

The Knife Proves an Essential Early Invention

Necessity is the mother of many inventions. A creative neanderthal in The Far Side presents a prime example of this idea at work when inventing the first knife. The attire worn by his attentive audience sets up the joke well by creating reader expectations. An effective technique, as evidenced by the punch line’s successful delivery and creation of comedy.

The comic entertains readers with the gag presented while giving a reason for closer examination. One additional point of interest is the dominance of the bear’s expression. Another is the odd inclusion of a porcupine. The visual appeal and extra detail inspire an extended viewing. The timeless nature of the strip finds it a place in the rankings.

Early Far Side Bird Feeders Were Incredibly Entertaining

Neanderthals had little in the form of entertainment. A primitive Far Side couple shows how this lack of extra activities could make simple hobbies highly enjoyable. The simple but effective style employed by Larson is successful due to the masterful manipulation of a key visual element. Each character’s facial expression tells a humorous story. These pieces of suggestion make the text unnecessary, although it does add to the humor.

With the facial features accomplishing the required goals, a vibrant environment isn’t needed. The amount of negative space helps offset the use of multiple focal points. Providing further detail to the illustration could overwhelm readers, making the simplistic style a key to the comic’s success. While somewhat dark, the joke’s use of a familiar situation keeps it available to a broad audience.

Some Far Side Inventions Came Too Early

Some inventions come ahead of their time. One such early breakthrough is found in The Far Side. When a neanderthal creates the toaster, he sets himself up for disappointment. Without electricity, the appliance would be unusable. Thanks to the inclusion of an important item, the gag functions properly through implication. Specifically, thoughts inspired by the toaster’s cord prove hilarious.

Despite the bland nature of the design, the comic still works due to the focus placed on the electric cord. Between the item being made of stone and the fact that the inventor lacks access to power, readers are given an abundance of amusing food for thought. Possible motivations for his creation are also amusing, and help make this comic strip a memorable piece of visual entertainment.

The Gun Rack Had an Amusing Precursor In The Far Side

Many truck owners value the convenience of a gun rack. Easier access and visibility are always a plus. The Far Side reveals a possible precursor to the invention when a neanderthal takes a drive. A hanging spear is the last thing one would expect to see under the circumstances. The stark contrast in technology creates sound comedy.

Much of the comedy stems from the nonsensical nature of the scene. Not much makes sense, considering neanderthals aren’t commonly associated with vehicles or driving. The illustration raises multiple questions, such as how he has a truck and why he would still need a spear. Taking the audience off guard is a device often employed by cartoonists. In this case, it proves the foundation for an effective gag.

Some Far Side Early Inventions Have But One Purpose

Washing clothes has long been a difficult chore. The first washing board helped, but didn’t make the task any more enjoyable. In The Far Side, a simple, early invention involved smashing wet clothes with rocks. The hard-working characters reveal how the technique is effective for cleaning articles of clothing. However, their conversation suggests it shouldn’t be applied to other sources of dirt, like pets.

Diction within the captions reveals a dark joke that isn’t appropriate for everyone. The use of “learned” comes with morbid implications that aren’t widely appealing. Despite this fact, the outstanding humor of the gag makes the comic exceptionally entertaining for those of the right age and comedic taste. After all, as the creator would likely bring to light, it’s just a joke.

The First Microscope Wasn't Very Helpful

Some inventions don’t catch on right away. Whether ahead of their time or in need of improvement, certain creations wind up unmarketable. An early invention from The Far Side gives readers valid supporting evidence for this concept. In this case, the advent of the first microscope wasn’t as well-received as anticipated. Not a huge surprise, as its obvious lack of functionality proves hilarious.

Larson’s illustration is artistically vibrant and detailed. Shading, depth, and environment complement each other, with no single element drawing too much attention. Readers can digest the material at their leisure. The use of a large sky for negative space also works well because of the vast difference in hue. The joke’s effectiveness and beautiful design earn it a comfortable position in the rankings.

Early Far Side Fishing Inventions Were Downright Frightening

Not all early inventions in The Far Side can be easily explained. On occasion, only the creator understands the intended purpose. An example is Grog’s fishing tool. Only he would know how pulling an individual his size out of the water with one hand is supposed to work. The line may be just a precaution, but considering the size of their prey, Grog’s hesitation does not bode well.

The difference in size and lack of space between the fish and human bait support the intended gag by creating expectations. Paired with the captions, the artistic design crafts sound suggestive and situational humor. Because readers understand that even if Grog throws the spear, it might not be effective, thoughts of possible outcomes prove comical.

The Swiss Army Rock Was Quite Popular

Much like the Swiss Army Knife, the Swiss Army Rock was a huge hit. The early Far Side invention was the envy of neanderthals far and wide, as evidenced by Danook when showing his Swiss Army Rock off to friends. The exaggerated reactions create comedy for a broad audience. Readers of all ages can appreciate the simple but effective joke because of the clarity provided.

The scene is an easily recognizable scenario for children and adults alike. Bragging exists in many cultures and occurs often. Especially within capitalist systems. Considering common social practices and expectations, the simplicity of the showcased invention also raises some humorous questions. For instance, are Danook’s friends truly that impressed, or are they merely overacting? Either way, their comical features inspire laughter.

Neanderthals In The Far Side Are More Creative Than Most

Larson’s ability to craft multiple frames from a single panel is second to none. When using the technique in presenting an early invention, the result is a story with a cohesive plot, suspense, and an incredible punch line. The continual change of the object implies motion throughout, with action lines and onomatopoeia repetition forming the intended illusion in the finale. The punch line incites laughter due to Larson’s lengthy setup.

The comic’s style of build requires extra reading time, which helps add to the joke’s impact by creating anticipation. Repeated head banging in the final frame is represented well by the text, and makes the captions unnecessary. Despite his seeming failure, the inventor can take pride in one fact. While he might not know what to do with it, at least his invention works.

Primitive Far Side Scientists Were Literally Ahead of Their Time

Some inventions might have come ahead of their time, but primitive scientists Thak and Gork take this expression a step further. Using their new “time log,” the two take an unforgettable trip into the future. Not surprisingly, bystanders are awestruck at the strange sight. Neither scientist nor pedestrian will have an easy time explaining the oddities witnessed.

The concept alone is hilarious and requires little support. That said, Larson provides an abundance of details that add value to the comic. Among his works in black and white, this is by far one of the finest, artistically speaking. Each object is treated with care and made to appear unique, from the people to the vehicles. Larson even adds a humorous subheading to the truck’s text. The comedic and artistic value make the comic a worthwhile experience and put this entry at the top of the rankings.