The remarkable popularity of The Far Side comic series, created by Gary Larson, is hardly surprising given his penchant for crafting humor around unique animals like kangaroos. These marsupials, known for their distinct built-in pockets and remarkable ability to hop, provided Larson with fertile ground for comedic inspiration throughout the comic’s impressive 14-year span, from 1980 to 1994. A significant number of Larson’s strips featured kangaroos encased in bizarre and amusing scenarios, engaging readers with their whimsical charm.
10
If I’m Lucky…
Larson’s Bold Creative Choices
In one memorable comic, an injured kangaroo humorously discusses its accident with a fellow marsupial, humorously emphasizing the fact that a pogo stick has taken the place of a crutch. This comedic device effectively leverages the well-known traits of kangaroos—something Larson expertly employs across his body of work, regardless of whether he is poking fun at animals, notable figures, or pop culture phenomena.
Larson’s unwavering commitment to his edgy humor led to The Far Side becoming a comic strip phenomenon, with the understanding that readers would either laugh at or be perplexed by the injured characters who would not reappear.
9
Pickpocket
A Rare Treasure: The Wordless Far Side Strip
In this particular comic, the visual humor shines as a pickpocket stealthily lifts a wallet from the kangaroo’s pocket. In the surreal world of Far Side, where a kangaroo waiting at a crosswalk garners barely a glance from passersby, the sly thief feels utterly comfortable executing his heist amidst such disinterest.
While Larson is celebrated for his clever wordplay and puns, this comic highlights his exceptional talent as a visual humorist, capturing whimsy without a single word.
8
I Don’t Jump
Even Animals Face Dating Challenges
In a lighthearted strip, Larson illustrates a kangaroo awkwardly attempting to ask another to dance. The charming backdrop features a group of kangaroos enjoying a night out, complete with a disco ball—a brilliant detail that enhances the scene’s ambiance.
7
Kangaroo Nerds
Gary Larson’s Obsession with Nerd Culture
In a humorous twist, Larson portrays kangaroo nerds equipped with pocket protectors, preventing their pens from leaking in their pouches. This comedic trope, while a relic of bygone stereotypes, resonates in today’s pop culture landscape, illustrating Larsons’ timeless sense of humor.
Even within the playful yet morose context of The Far Side, Larson cleverly maximized the use of relatable character archetypes, portraying nerds of all kinds—be they animals, aliens, or cowboys—allowing readers to connect on various levels.
6
His Secret Pocket
Early Satire of Airport Security
This clever strip uses the kangaroo’s natural traits to craft a joke involving smuggling, as the marsupial is depicted executing a distraction through its pouch. This highlights Larson’s flair for blending humor with observational comedy.
5
You Might Be a Kangaroo…
Animal Life in the Bar Scene
In this hilarious strip, a kangaroo attempts to sidestep a boisterous drunk who is obliviously pontificating about marsupials. The humor escalates when he realizes with shock that he’s been addressing a kangaroo all along.
Larson frequently employs the classic ‘A walks into a bar’ structure, permitting a host of humorous interactions among various animals—frogs, peacocks, and even zebras—imbuing the comic with rich whimsicality.
4
Kangaroos and Wallabies
Adding a Unique Twist to Police Lineups
Introducing a delightfully absurd scenario, this comic highlights the challenge of distinguishing between wallabies and kangaroos. The humor lies in the victim’s struggle to even identify the species involved, pushing the boundaries of typical police lineup scenarios.
3
Hannibal’s First Attempt
Blending Historical Events with Humor
This comic is a playful reimagining of the historic event of Hannibal’s remarkable Alpine crossing, traditionally associated with elephants. Larson humorously posits a scenario where soldiers are instead hoisted into the fray by kangaroos, showcasing his talent for historical parody.
Larson’s engagement with real-life historical moments adds a layer of intellectual depth to The Far Side, demonstrating its reputation as one of the most astute comic strips.
2
Boomerang
An Outstanding Example of a Captionless Far Side Comic
This comic satirizes a tropic thriller scene where an unwitting character realizes they have become a target. The humor centers around the deadly boomerang—historically a hunting tool utilized by Aboriginal Australians—transforming the kangaroo into an unlikely victim of circumstance. The punchline cleverly rests solely on the object itself rather than any plot context.
1
Boing, Boing, Boing!
The Crown Jewel of Far Side’s Kangaroo Comics
In Larson’s collection, he emphasizes his respect for jokes that induce genuine laughter above all else. The whimsy in the image of a kangaroo exuberantly exclaiming “boing, boing, boing!”resonates, capturing a blissful and relatable joy akin to bouncing through life.
These ten kangaroo-themed comics represent some of Gary Larson’s finest work. Which of these exceptional Far Side comics do you believe deserves the title of the top favorite? Share your thoughts below!
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