10 funniest Far Side comics featuring birds, ranked

Gary Larson’s use of chickens in The Far Side is well documented. However, these weren’t the only feathered creatures he used for comedy. Larson also employed other birds quite often throughout the long run of the series. From ducks to vultures, fowls in flight are featured frequently to hilarious effect.

Larson employed multiple techniques when using birds. While the best known is his use of anthropomorphism, many of these comics from The Far Side find success through other means, such as irony and physical humor. Whichever device was incorporated, the funniest Far Side comics featuring birds are sure to please.

This Far Side Flock Needs a Double-Check

Publication Date: Dec. 21, 1993

Double-checking to make sure one is on the right flight is a common occurrence. For migrating flocks, this usually doesn’t come into play, unless it’s with birds in The Far Side. A group preparing for a migration to Antarctica shows that in Larson’s world, even birds are prone to mistakes. The fowl wearing a tropical shirt and shades is obviously out of place.

Larson’s beautifully illustrated comic draws in viewers with its depth and environmental realism. Combining this aspect with a familiar scenario results in the required reader comprehension. The comedic devices employed are only successful because of these believable elements. Although the joke itself isn’t the best of the bunch, the comic sneaks into the rankings thanks to its existing humor and availability to a broad audience.

Birds In The Far Side Enjoy Soap Operas

Publication Date: March 5, 1987

Soap operas have been around since the days of radio. After the genre’s introduction to television, it quickly took over daytime slots, with many shows in the category achieving outstanding ratings. Larson’s use of the genre in The Far Side comes in an unexpected way. The scene presents multiple points of comedic suggestion.

The first noticeable point of comedy is the obvious reference to soap operas and their perceived audience. This is a prime source of humor due to the common misconception associated with viewers. The ironing of feathers is also a point of comedy while simultaneously reinforcing the comic’s theme. Finally, the small space given to the nest adds a bit of amusement reminiscent of old cartoons like Tom and Jerry.

Far Side Birds Need Room For Construction

Publication Date: April 14, 1982

In The Far Side, construction sites aren’t limited to people. A sound and hilarious example comes from the issue featuring an elderly gentleman who has stopped to watch a bird build its nest at just such a scene. Larson’s diction once again comes in clutch, as the text on the sawhorse makes the situation apparent without a need for further explanation.

Larson’s use of exaggeration is key to the strip’s success. The scene inspires laughter because it is unnecessary. However, that isn’t the only bit of entertainment to be found in the comic. Due to the nest being near completion, fans are left to wonder just how long the bystander has been watching the bird work. Thoughts of someone engrossed for that long in something so trivial prove exceptionally hilarious.

This Far Side Duck Will Likely Have The Last Laugh

Publication Date: Feb. 10, 1988

Ducks make almost as many appearances as chickens in The Far Side. While most are comical, one stands out above the rest when it comes to strips starring birds. In a room of mirrors, a duck sets a trap for the man hunting it. What puts the strip over the top is the captions. Larson’s writing style is full of humor.

Larson covers every base in the captions. The ellipsis represents a pause at the perfect moment. Emphasis placed on the word “real” adds to the intended tone perceived by the audience. Finally, the use of a name, which is uncommon in The Far Side, indicates an intimate relationship with the hunter. A fact reinforced by the brilliant use of repetition.

Chickens Are Birds, Too, Though Readers Know This Already

Publication Date: Oct. 3, 1991

Well, this is The Far Side, so a chicken had to sneak its way in. What makes this one special is that it isn’t depicted as having chicken or human qualities, as is so often the case in Larson’s work. In fact, the creature isn’t really given any traits. The star of the show isn’t even in the scene, making this one of the strangest comics from The Far Side featuring a bird.

A chicken taking the place of a canary is already amusing, but what makes the strip truly hilarious is the empty apartment. With no character present, readers are left to ponder why the occupant would leave the music playing. Many possibilities come to mind, all of which are comical. Sometimes, it’s what the creator leaves out that makes the gag successful.

Alfred Hitchcock Influences The Far Side

Publication Date: Feb. 25, 1984

Alfred Hitchcock is one of the most well-known and influential directors of his time. Or any, for that matter. His films remain both popular and impactful. One of the more obvious influences comes in The Far Side when a bird brings up the famous movie, The Birds. For those unaware, the birds in the film turn violent and begin attacking people in droves. With Larson’s dark sense of humor, the use of the reference comes as no surprise.

What is unexpected in the comic is that most of the depicted birds have seen the movie, putting the odds against the woman’s favor. The number of raised wings inspires humorous thoughts about what might happen next. Possibly a joke, or maybe something more morbid. Either way, the simple but effective style of humor and use of a known reference gives this entry a nice spot in the rankings.

Atmosphere Is Important To Far Side Birds

Publication Date: March 24, 1980

Speaking of simple but effective, that title could be given to one of Larson’s early comics featuring birds. While not the best illustrated or most detailed strip in the series, the comic still incites laughter. The captions create humor by reflecting the reader’s thoughts. Not many would care to spend time in the open maw of a crocodile.

The look of surprise on the listening bird is intended to match the reader's response. On initial release, strips such as these could still garner some shock value. Oddly, the bird on the crocodile’s back also appears surprised. As it’s looking in their general direction, one could assume it overheard the conversation. Not exactly a point of comedy, but still interesting.

Birds In The Far Side Can Be Very Creative

Publication Date: June 24, 1980

Most people aware of the series know that anything is possible in The Far Side. Even so, there is a bird-focused issue that inspires a single, important question: How? The exclusion of an answer creates sound comedy. Whatever the means, thoughts surrounding the bird’s accomplishment prove hilarious. The flying critter’s obvious intellect and creativity far surpass the majority of other Far Side residents.

The colorful nature of Larson’s scene adds greatly to the reader's enjoyment. To note, many early installments of The Far Side lacked this aspect. The joke is also widely available, allowing readers of all ages to find humor in the comic. With Larson’s dark humor already apparent, this early strip reveals a more lighthearted side that many fans would come to hope for when opening their newspapers.

A Desperate Plea In The Far Side Proves Telling

Publication Date: Jan. 26, 1987

A lot can be said with a couple of single-syllable words. A bird in The Far Side gives solid support to this idea when it utters a desperate cry for help. There could be a number of reasons why the bird needs assistance. Whatever the case may be, the demand comes with somber implications. Because it’s Larson, the statement also provides the punch line to a hilarious gag.

Larson employs a couple of creative techniques critical to the strip's success. The two items that make the joke work properly are the build and text size. Splitting the panel into six frames allows Larson to create proper suspense. The difference between sizes in lettering does an excellent job informing readers of the bird’s loud volume without the existence of audio. In combination, the devices help entertain readers with a memorable comic.

Far Side Birds Are Great Babysitters

Publication Date: Oct. 10, 1981

Some birds in The Far Side are quite helpful. For example, when noticing a child is hungry, a bird in the park provides the baby with food. Unfortunately, it’s a bird, so the only thing it can think of to feed the kid is an abundance of worms. The child’s joy and the expressed amazement create exceptional entertainment. How the baby’s mom hasn’t yet noticed her new babysitter is anyone’s guess.

The smile on the child’s face is key to the gag’s success. After all, it wouldn’t feel appropriate to laugh at a crying baby. Despite his typical penchant for morbid humor, Larson again shows the ability to employ a more upbeat style. The availability to a broad audience and noteworthy comedy put this entry at the top of the rankings.