Gary Larson’s The Far Side boasts a rich tapestry of animal characters, and pigs feature prominently within this comedic universe. The artist, who has shown a deep appreciation for creatures of all shapes and sizes, often transforms these familiar barnyard beings into humorous and imaginative characters that resonate with his audience. Whether illustrating their anthropomorphic traits or poking fun at their more instinctual behaviors, pigs hold a special place in Larson’s heart and work.
In a manner akin to dogs and cats, pigs frequently grace the panels of The Far Side. Fans of pigs may believe they know everything about these easygoing animals, but Larson’s unique humor reveals unexpected perspectives on them, ensuring that readers always find something new and amusing.
10
“Went to Market”
August 29th, 1984
In this memorable strip, Larson draws inspiration from the nursery rhyme “This Little Piggy,”crafting a scene that takes a dark turn, far removed from the innocent nature of its origins. Here, the whimsical nature evident in children’s songs takes on an eerie twist, a hallmark of Larson’s storytelling style that often flips the expected on its head.
9
“Animal Liposuction”
January 29th, 1991
This comic presents a surreal take on beauty standards, with a pig showcasing the results of an unexpected liposuction procedure. Featuring a plastic surgeon proudly presenting the newly slimmed-down pig to its overjoyed farmer, it highlights the absurdity of applying human beauty norms to animals. In Larson’s world, this bizarre trend seems to be gaining traction among farmers, unwittingly commenting on society’s growing obsession with cosmetic surgery.
Despite the absurd premise, Larson’s work reflects cultural realities, making this strip a satirical observation rather than a straightforward joke.
8
“How’d You Like Your Nose Unflattened?”
June 5th, 1987
This comic features two pigs in a bar, ready for a showdown. One pig’s menacing line about unflattening the other’s nose offers a twist on the classic bullying trope, yet takes place among creatures typically considered non-aggressive. In this context, the humor stems from the juxtaposition of their harmless nature with a threatening demeanor, underscoring Larson’s genius at placing animals in human-like scenarios.
7
“I’ll Have the Ham and Eggs”
August 13th, 1985
A diner in a room filled predominantly with pigs and chickens makes the glaring mistake of ordering ham and eggs, much to the horror of his fellow diners. This scenario critiques the obliviousness humans often display in light-hearted yet pointed manners. Larson expertly captures those awkward social faux pas that can arise in everyday life, using a humorous twist.
6
“Hog Heaven”
November 9th, 1987
In this comic, Ernie finds himself in the peculiar situation of ending up in Hog Heaven, a promised paradise for pigs rather than the conventional vision of the afterlife. By literalizing the expression “hog heaven,” Larson delivers a clever pun that intertwines language and imagery beautifully. This innovative take expands the popular notion of heavenly realms to encompass all creatures, subverting traditional ideas about who gets to enjoy the afterlife.
5
“Orange Crush”
In this whimsical strip, a piglet is unexpectedly drinking Orange Crush soda instead of milk from its mother. This absurd twist defies logic and adds a layer of humor that invites readers to rethink animal behavior within a humanized context. By showcasing this unlikely situation, the comic engages the audience with its blend of fantasy and parody, revealing the unexpected in the mundane.
4
“We Don’t Want Trouble!”
August 2nd, 1982
In a comedic twist on the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs, unsuspecting humans George and Harriet Miller find themselves in a precarious position when the Big Bad Wolf appears. This misadventure highlights the tension between fairy tale narratives and reality, pushing comedic boundaries even further.
3
“A Walking Side of Ham”
September 28th, 1992
What happens after the story of The Three Little Pigs? In this clever spin, a pig stands trial for injuring the Big Bad Wolf, who attempted to force his way into its home. The juxtaposition of courtroom drama with a fairy tale underscores Larson’s skill in using humor to explore themes of justice and morality in a lighthearted manner.
2
“Spamshiners”
September 25th, 1992
In this unusual twist, rather than traditional moonshiners, Larson presents a pair of bootleggers transforming pigs into spam. This creative leap underscores the surreal world of The Far Side, where twisted humor and dark comedy interweave, resulting in unexpected situations that offer a critique on social issues regarding food production.
1
“Heavy Huffing and Puffing”
1981
This comic revisits the iconic tale of The Three Little Pigs, depicting them annoyed by an ominous phone call characterized by heavy huffing and puffing. This analogy cleverly conveys the underlying tension from their encounters with the Big Bad Wolf. The repetitive nature of their experience emphasizes the absurdity of being unable to escape from a well-known adversary, crafting a comedic continuation of their story.
Related Articles:
First Look: Wes Anderson’s ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Stuns at CinemaCon
4:46
‘Because I Knew You’: My Perspective After Watching ‘Wicked: For Good’ Footage
4:42
Cast of ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ Discusses Filming Challenges for Their New Dinosaur Adventure
23:47
Leave a Reply