10 Dark Comics from The Far Side That Showcase Its Fun Yet Sinister Humor

The Far Side has rightfully established itself as a classic in the realm of dark humor, a testament supported by the diverse array of cartoons collected within its archives. However, it’s essential to remember that Gary Larson’s comedic style often teetered between absurdity and shock, creating an unpredictable blend that defined the uniqueness of The Far Side.

Readers of newspapers would eagerly turn to the comic section on any given Monday, only to encounter a portrayal of violence in a Larsonian satire one day, followed by a far more nonsensical and absurd wordplay the next. This dynamic interplay between different humor styles added to the whimsical unpredictability Larson was known for.

Moreover, some panels manage to blend these two humor strands, creating jokes that appear innocuous on the surface but reveal deeper, darker truths upon closer inspection. The following list showcases various examples, highlighting the legendary status of The Far Side.

10
The Far Side’s Humor Wasn’t Always “Edgy,”But Gary Larson Often Tread Where Other Cartoonists Wouldn’t

First Published: April 9, 1981

Far Side, April 9, 1981, a man falls past a bird's nest off a steep cliff, with a sign that says

In this memorable cartoon, a couple plunges from a cliff labeled “lover’s leap,”observed by a pair of birds saying, “There they go again… leaving the nest too early.” While not immediately evident, the darker undertone of this scenario suggests a regular occurrence of such tragic love stories. This type of humor exemplifies the layered nature of Larson’s work, inviting varying interpretations from readers.

9
There Was No Escaping Gary Larson’s Twisted Sense of Humor When It Came to The Far Side

First Published: July 21, 1981

Far Side, July 21, 1981, convicts tunneling out of prison don't realize they're underwater

This cartoon showcases three convicts tunneling out of prison, blissfully unaware they are directly beneath the ocean. The humor lies in the tragic irony as one convict exclaims, “We’re almost free!” even while calamity approaches. This stark contrast between their hope and impending doom encapsulates Larson’s capacity to evoke laughter while simultaneously confronting dark themes.

8
There Were Limits To What The Far Side Would Joke About – But Gary Larson Pushed Them

First Published: October 23, 1981

Far Side, October 23, 1981, a spider writing 'goodbye cruel world' in its web

This particular comic depicts a spider weaving a web that reads “goodbye cruel world,”suggesting themes surrounding suicide. These jokes can be jarring, especially to modern audiences, as they straddle the line between shock and humor. Despite this, Larson’s boundary-pushing approach contributes significantly to The Far Side‘s long-lasting legacy.

7
Disaster Was Fodder For Punchlines On The Far Side

First Published: June 10, 1985

Far Side, June 10, 1985, a bird watches news footage of a plane crash caused by another bird

This comic features a bird watching news footage of a plane crash, humorously reporting that the incident was caused by another bird. At first glance, the scene appears outwardly humorous, but a deeper inspection reveals a more tragic reality, prompting readers to grapple with the juxtaposition of comedy and disaster.

6
The Far Side’s Ability To Mix Absurdist Imagery With Existential Horror Concepts Is Underappreciated

First Published: March 20, 1986

Far Side, March 20, 1986, a cat gets a rat out of a gumball machine

In another odd yet thought-provoking cartoon, a cat retrieves a mouse from a gumball machine, amid a chorus of mice noting the unfortunate rat’s imminent doom. This scenario encapsulates Larson’s knack for expanding humor into philosophical territory, combating the absurdity of the situation with critical existential questions about life and fate.

5
The Far Side Was An Outlet For Gary Larson – But Also A Source Of Stress Itself

First Published: August 17, 1990

Far Side, August 17, 1990, a man is thrown out a window of a high rise building

While The Far Side served as a creative outlet for Larson, there was also an unfortunate burden that came with its success. The pressure of maintaining a rigorous production schedule often overshadowed the cathartic nature of his work, contributing to his retirement in 1995.

4
Don’t Let The Fur Fool You, This Lemming Father Is One Of The Far Side’s Darkest Characters

First Published: January 25, 1991

Far Side, January 25, 1991, a lemming father threatens to drive his family off a cliff

In this unsettling comic, a lemming father threatens to drive his family off a cliff in frustration. While the humor is derived from the absurdity of lemmings’ behavior juxtaposed with human parental frustration, the underlying dark message about family dynamics remains palpable.

3
Sticking Your Neck Out Was Never A Smart Move On The Far Side

First Published: March 18, 1991

Far Side, March 18, 1991, a farmer tries to decide which chicken to behead next

Here, a farmer contemplates which chicken to behead, humorously fixating on one with a particularly long neck. The straightforward humor belies the darker reality of livestock’s dependency on human whims, a characteristic trait of Larson’s work that blends comedy with poignant observations.

2
This Might Actually Be The Far Side’s Darkest Comic – But Also It’s Most Striking Social Critique

First Published: July 10, 1992

This wordless comic starkly critiques societal issues through the depiction of three delivery vans: one for guns featuring a rabbit in distress, another for ropes with a man hanging, and one for cigarettes. This powerful imagery serves as a potent commentary equating smoking to a slow demise, illustrating Larson’s capability to deliver socially relevant messages wrapped in dark humor.

1
Another Day, Another Hilarious Murder On The Far Side

First Published: September 22, 1992

Far Side, September 22, 1992, cops take away a woman after she shot her husband

This particular panel features a woman being apprehended by police after shooting her husband at the breakfast table. The comedic dialogue, coupled with the absurd circumstances of domestic tragedy, echoes Larson’s unflinching venture into the realm of dark domestic humor that has become synonymous with The Far Side.

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10 Dark Comics from The Far Side That Showcase Its Fun Yet Sinister Humor