10 Funniest Role Reversals in Far Side Comics, Ranked

Over three decades after the series finale, The Far Side continues to delight readers with its amusing and timeless gags. Gary Larson’s combinations of artistic and literary devices are unlike any found in other comic strips. A revisited theme that soundly supports this claim involves role reversals.

In the use of role reversal, Larson incorporates different artistic styles and comedic techniques to make each work unique. Most are light-hearted and contain recognizable locations and events. As such, these issues are largely accessible, making the most hilarious role-reversal comics from The Far Side available to a broad audience.

Role Reversals In The Far Side Can Be Frustrating But Funny

Having a dog or other wild animal rummage through the trash can be a hassle. Between the noise and the mess, it’s an aggravating disturbance. A scene from The Far Side reveals that if the roles were reversed, the situation would remain unchanged. Although it would be far more amusing for witnesses. The carefree demeanor of the man is a humorous contrast to the serious canine.

Due to the lack of captions, Larson’s role reversal relies on artistic techniques. One of the most important is the use of curvature. Additional curves in the sidewalk, land, and sky help the running man’s vertical and diagonal lines create a focal point. The character’s base design also creates a subtle suggestion of an easygoing attitude. This reflection of reality in Larson’s role reversal helps it find a spot in the rankings.

"Beware of Doug"

Another role reversal featuring canine activities employs a humorous concept within an interesting pun. The phonetic resemblance between “Dog” and “Doug” creates sound comedy thanks to Larson’s comprehensive illustration. A simple but effective design lets readers quickly assess the scene as they read the text. Add to that the dual dominance of the sign and Doug, and the result is a widely available and entertaining comic strip.

A key to the gag’s success is the extra humor garnered from the scene’s possible outcomes. As with most dogs in the situation, the salesperson has no idea how Doug will react. The warning implies he might be aggressive, but other factors could be at play. Either way, thoughts involving the next event provide readers with additional physical comedy.

The Far Side Reveals Humor In a Tragic Historical Role Reversal

The fate of Marie Antoinette is one of the most impactful role reversals in history. Larson’s parody of the event gives his audience an opportunity to laugh at an otherwise somber moment. The recognizable intent and word association in the dialogue are hilarious. Provided the context and reference are understood, the comic strip provides exceptional comedy using another creative pun.

A vibrant and diverse palette holds viewers' attention for an extended period. Numerous details, like the objects held, Marie’s appearance, and the crowd’s expressive body language, tell a tale that takes time to unfold. The effective visual relation of the story makes the captions' only purpose to explain to those lacking the necessary information. So long as the source material remains a widely known historical event, this issue of The Far Side will continue to entertain.

Far Side Monsters Have Fears Too

Many children have fears about monsters hiding in their rooms. Whether under beds or in closets, any dark space presents an area of suspicion. An amusing scene from The Far Side explores what the situation might be like if the roles were reversed. Even though humans can be creepy, the irony of the joke proves comical. Few would expect a monster to display the fear seen in the illustration.

Because the comedy relies on the concept depicted and its inspiration of thought, a grand design isn’t required. Larson’s simplistic drawing helps readers focus on the idea, as opposed to visual elements. Withholding detail from the scene brings attention to the captions. The punch line finds success by mimicking the expected response.

Animals In The Far Side Defend Themselves Well

Trapping was a reliable source of income for some time. Maybe too reliable, as multiple species became overhunted. A humorous role reversal shows how animals in The Far Side handled the situation. The comic crafts sound comedy using cartoonish irony. With the depicted scene in mind, it’s unlikely Far Side critters suffered as much as their counterparts.

Despite containing a deceased individual, Larson’s artistic stylings keep the joke from going too far. The skeleton is reminiscent of older cartoons, such as Looney Tunes or Tom and Jerry. Larson's use of bright colors and light shading similarly offsets possible morbid interpretations. Thanks to these visual aspects and the clarity of the in-scene text, a broad audience can find entertainment in the unexpected role reversal.

Picking Flowers Isn't Wise In The Far Side

Picking flowers and pulling their petals is a universal pastime. Many use the activity as a game associated with romance. However, The Far Side reveals a dangerous flipside by reversing the roles. Attention is immediately drawn to the human due to his contrasting attire. The unfortunate man in the illustration is about to learn that picking flowers isn’t an activity to be taken lightly.

Multiple devices work in tandem to support the gag. Within the captions, emphasis is placed on “we’re,” which reinforces the use of role reversal, as does the repetition. Facial expressions of each character properly express emotion while supporting the joke’s allusion to coming events. In combination with the brilliant use of color as an identifier, the comic inspires an amusing line of thought that finds this entry a comfortable spot in the rankings.

A Far Side Cat Finds Itself In a Frightening Role Reversal

Cats are typically helpful when it comes to getting rid of rodents. Of course, mice and the like are usually smaller than an average feline. An early comic from The Far Side displays the importance of that difference in mass. In this case, the exaggeration used in the reversal of hunter and prey is hilarious. The enormous size of the mechanical mouse leaves no room for doubt concerning the cat’s dire situation.

An essential artistic element that helps promote laughter is the contrast in shading. The lighter appearance of the right side presents an initial focal point. Thanks to this, the darkness of the hallway is able to effectively deliver the joke while creating a supportive atmosphere. There is one upside for the unlucky cat. The mouse might be big, but it appears slow and difficult to maneuver, making quick escape an option.

The Far Side Reveals a New Perspective Through Role Reversal

Telling ghost stories can be a fun activity, especially when camping. Some become so memorable that they are passed down to the next generation. One such tale involves a man with a hook for a hand who terrorizes teenagers. When The Far Side explores a reversal of roles in the story, an interesting question presents itself: What if the man had merely been looking for help?

There are multiple points of interest within the illustration. A primary reason is that each object and person in the scene stands out from the rest. This helps promote an extended viewing that inspires humorous thoughts. Most of which stem from the comic’s suggestive elements. A prime example is how the facial expressions hilariously flip the story’s roles. Considering the man’s perspective, it’s no wonder he has a shelf lined with extra hooks.

Far Side Children Are Downright Scary

Speaking of facial expressions, the appearance of a terrified character from The Far Side provides a solid foundation for comedy in an unexpected role reversal. Spotting a mysterious creature peering into one’s window is a shocking experience. Larson shows how switching roles in the situation can be humorous. The implausibility of the woman’s frightened reaction creates an entertaining gag.

The illusion of lighting and deep darkness creates the intended atmosphere. Larson also uses the effect to corner the character, thus providing additional support through the position's association with fear. The full moon adds another connection, as does the reflection from the television. This successful combination of techniques helps make the comic an enjoyable experience for readers of all ages.

A Far Side Monster Unknowingly Switches Roles

Some situations are hilarious at first sight. A fine example comes from The Far Side when a human hand reaches toward a driving monster. The scene requires no captions or further explanation for readers to understand the intended joke. Despite the altered features, the driver’s calm demeanor humanizes the character, while the arm’s sinister pose implies a frightful antagonist.

Larson’s role reversal paints a clear and recognizable picture. A broad audience can appreciate the humor thanks to the use of a familiar scenario. In this case, despite the removal of an intimidation factor, readers still expect the driver to react accordingly. The resulting line of thought is amusing from all angles thanks to an abundance of ironic possibilities. This entry’s widely accessible humor nets it the top spot in the rankings.