10 Timeless Far Side Comics Celebrating 40 Years: Reasons for Our Enduring Fascination

The Far Side, Gary Larson’s iconic comic strip, concluded its run three decades ago. Yet, the journey to its zenith started even earlier, around 1985, when the series began to amass popularity and influence. Recently celebrating 40 years since its inception, this beloved cartoon has left an indelible mark on the comedic landscape, illustrating the traits that continue to captivate audiences today.

Larson’s genius lies in his ability to blend dark humor with clever wordplay, crafting unexpected punchlines that keep readers engaged. The year 1985 marked the dawn of a particularly prolific phase for The Far Side, showcasing Larson’s brilliance as he delivered one punchline after another.

10 One Of The Far Side’s Most Memorable “Not If I Have Anything To Say About It”Moments

First Published: February 5, 1985

Far Side, February 5, 1985, a vulture about to drop a piano on a man crawling toward water through a desert

Within this panel, Larson frequently featured vultures, showcasing their role as symbols of dark humor and absurdity. Unlike their traditional portrayal as scavengers, this comic flips their typical behavior on its head. A vulture, gripping a piano, embarks on a comically exaggerated mission to thwart a dying man’s desperate crawl towards an oasis.“Dang, I think he’s going to reach the water, ”remarks the vulture’s sidekick, prompting the piano-holding vulture to assert, “Oh no he’s not, ”as it prepares to intervene in spectacularly amusing fashion.

9 Sometimes, On The Far Side, A Bird’s Worst Enemy Was Its Own Self-Image

First Published: January 31, 1985

Far Side, January 31, 1985, a bird is agitated by its own reflection at a bar

In another unforgettable scenario, a parakeet named “Bobby Joe”engages in a confrontation at a bar, entirely unaware that he’s about to square off against his own reflection. This comedic twist highlights Larson’s hallmark technique—melding human experiences with animal characters to evoke humor. Readers can easily relate to the way small birds often react to their mirrors, prompting laughs as Larson spotlights both animal and human absurdities alike.

8 “Squid-Be-Gone”Remains One Of Gary Larson’s Most Beloved Far Side Businesses

First Published: January 28, 1985

Far Side, January 28, 1985, a woman calls 'Harry's Squid-be-gone'

The hilarity of “Squid-Be-Gone”arises not just from its imaginative premise but also from the absurdity of its existence in Larson’s universe. The casual demeanor of the woman making the call accentuates the whimsical nature of this bizarre enterprise, adding to the charm and humor that defines The Far Side.

7 For Some People, “Don’t Count Your Chickens”Is Metaphorical – But Not For Actual Chickens

First Published: January 25, 1985

Far Side, January 25, 1985, a chicken saying her husband doesn't like to count their eggs before they hatch

In this cartoon, a hen expresses her husband George’s advice about not counting their eggs before they hatch, capturing the essence of an idiom that resonates with many. Larson’s talent for literal interpretations shines here as he transforms a common saying into a tangible reality, all within a domestic human-like setting that amplifies the humor.

6 When Far Side Characters Were Forced To Make A Decision, It Was Usually The Wrong One

First Published: January 17, 1985

Far Side, January 17, 1985, a man on an inflatable life raft insists on bringing sharp objects on board

In classic Far Side fashion, characters are often depicted grappling with poor judgment. A shipwrecked man opens a crate on a lifeboat, declaring his intention to bring sharp objects aboard, including rusty nails and glass. This scenario not only highlights Larson’s penchant for folly but also delivers a laugh through sheer absurdity and the consequences of poor decision-making.

5 Gary Larson Reveals The Real Inspiration For One Of The Greatest Scientific Discoveries In History

First Published: January 14, 1985

Far Side, January 14, 1985, Einstein has a breakthrough thanks to the cleaning lady organizing his desk

This clever installment features a historically significant scientist, Albert Einstein, who experiences an epiphany thanks to the unexpected help of a cleaning lady. Her efforts to tidy up his cluttered work area lead to a breakthrough, humorously implying that inspiration can strike in the most unlikely circumstances.

4 This Instantly Iconic Far Side Chicken Joke Sets The Bar High For Gary Larson’s Humor

First Published: January 12, 1985

Far Side, January 12, 1985, a chicken reading a recipe side eyes her eggs in the other room

In a captivating scenario, a mother hen glances suspiciously at her eggs while following a cake recipe. The absence of a caption further emphasizes the implication that she may consider using her eggs, creating both intrigue and humor. This illustrates Larson’s artistic finesse in blending animal behaviors with human contexts, generating rich interpretations.

3 One Of The Far Side’s Most Underrated Anthropological Punchlines

First Published: January 9, 1985

Far Side, January 9, 1985, captioned 'how nature says do not touch'

Titled “How Nature Says, ‘Do Not Touch, ‘”this comic juxtaposes the natural world’s defensive behaviors with a whimsically chaotic human figure, showcasing the stark contrast between self-preservation in wildlife and absurdity in humanity. This sudden shift from realism to the ridiculous fosters laughter through contrast.

2 Of All The Far Side’s Depictions Of Heaven, This One Is Low-Key The Most Heartbreaking

First Published: January 4, 1985

Far Side, January 4, 1985, solitary man sitting on a cloud in heaven, wishing he brought a magazine.

In this poignant depiction, a man sitting on a cloud laments, “Wish I’d brought a magazine, ”offering a humorous yet melancholic glimpse into the afterlife. This comic hints at a deeper theological commentary, suggesting that attaining heaven may not equate to fulfillment, as boredom might plague even the most virtuous souls, reflecting a potential critique of spiritual isolation.

1 The Far Side’s Warped View Of Culture & Media Embodied In One Bizarre Comic

First Published: January 1, 1985

Far Side, January 1, 1985, a TV repairman at the home of a family with titled heads

This comically vibrant illustration showcases a TV repairman attempting to explain a broken television to the Schueler family, whose heads are all tilted at comical angles. It embodies Larson’s unique perspective on culture and media—viewing the world from an unconventional viewpoint that challenges societal norms and perspectives. The absurdity of this scenario encapsulates what made The Far Side a timeless classic, captivating audiences even years after its conclusion.

Source&Images