12 Hilarious Far Side Comics That Will Make You Exclaim “My God!”

12 Hilarious Far Side Comics That Will Make You Exclaim “My God!”

Gary Larson, a masterful cartoonist, possessed an extraordinary talent for resonating with his audience through his iconic series, The Far Side. Over its impressive 15-year run, Larson consistently aimed to elicit strong reactions from readers, often culminating in his signature “My God!”comics, delivered with a uniquely humorous twist.

Larson’s approach to provoking laughter varied from day to day, but each month, at least one of his creations would challenge and subvert the expectations of his audience. These comics frequently explored themes that delved into the absurd and dark, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths while simultaneously evoking laughter. They were often layered with wit, blending humor with poignancy far beyond mere shock value.

12
Examining Urgency Through Perspective on The Far Side

First Published: January 9, 1984

Far Side, January 9, 1984, two birds stand on the head of an explorer being swallowed by quicksand

In this thought-provoking comic, two birds nonchalantly perch atop a man’s hat as he sinks helplessly into quicksand. “Say, there’s something wrong here,” one bird quips, illustrating the stark contrast between the grave situation and the birds’ indifferent demeanor. The humor stems from the jarring disconnect between the man’s plight and the birds’ casual remarks, cleverly showcasing Larson’s ability to provoke laughter amidst horror.

11
The Uniquely Innovative Canine Characters of The Far Side

First Published: February 8, 1984

Far Side, February 8, 1984, a dog using a blowtorch to try to set fire to a couple's suburban home

In this humorous take, a dog donning a welding mask attempts to ignite a couple’s home using a blowtorch while a woman exclaims, “Vernon! That light!” Larson effortlessly blends familiar scenarios with absurd elements, prompting readers to chuckle at the ridiculousness of everyday life viewed through a canine lens, all while providing a refreshingly original interpretation.

10
The Simple Desires of Snakes on The Far Side

First Published: March 6, 1984

Far Side, March 6, 1984, a snake dreams of being given a free weiner dog to eat

In a delightfully irreverent comic, a snake dreams about the prospect of receiving a free wiener dog to devour. This stark humor evokes visceral reactions through its juxtaposition of innocent canine charm against the predatory nature of the snake. Larson expertly manipulates readers’ sentiments, evoking both chuckles and a sense of dread borne from the metaphorical tension.

9
When “My God!”Is Short for “My God, What Are They Doing?”

First Published: April 26, 1984

Far Side, April 26, 1984, a man swings his wife around the living room by her arms and legs

This Far Side comic illustrates a moment of extreme absurdity, depicting a man swinging his wife around the living room while precariously balancing a collection of miniatures. The caption, “on the next pass, however, Helen failed to clear the mountains”provides a grim punchline that inspires confusion and disbelief, inviting readers to reflect on the delicate boundaries of humor.

8
The Far Side: A “Dog Eat Dog,””Chicken Eat Chicken”World

First Published: May 18, 1984

Far Side, May 18, 1984, a hen tells her sick child to eat chicken soup, and that it's 'no one we know'

In a disturbingly humorous comic, a hen advises her sick child to consume chicken soup, reassuring the chick that “it’s nobody we know.” This darkly comedic exchange highlights Larson’s unique ability to evoke laughter while challenging readers’ ethical perceptions regarding consumption and survival. It’s a comic that not only entertains but also provokes contemplation about nature’s often macabre realities.

7
A Remarkable “Wrong Place, Wrong Time”Joke

First Published: June 25, 1984

Far Side, June 25, 1984, a woman yells 'fire' from the window of a burning building as, next door, a man stands before the firing squad

Here, Larson brilliantly intertwines a woman yelling “fire” from her burning building while a prison guard stands prepared to execute a man. This comic epitomizes Larson’s skill in capturing critical moments of miscommunication, combining dark humor with an acute understanding of situational irony, illuminating the absurdity of life’s many perils.

6
A Classic Far Side Infrastructure Breakdown

First Published: July 5, 1984

Far Side, July 5, 1984, a woman's piano falls through the floor of her apartment into the apartment below

This cartoon captures the hilarious fallout of a typical Far Side setup. A woman stares in disbelief at the hole where her piano once sat, while her friend ominously notes, “Uh, oh, Ruby…the apartment downstairs is awfully quiet.” This masterclass in tension leads to a punchline that satisfies both the anticipation and the surprise of a classic Larson-style joke.

5
Among The Far Side’s Most Massive Fails – And It’s Hilarious

First Published: August 17, 1984

Far Side, August 17, 1984, an elephant's tusks get tangled as he charges a hunter with a rifle

In this engaging comic, an elephant’s tusks become entangled just as it charges a hunter. The caption captures the moment with the line, “suddenly, his worst fears realized, the old fellow’s tusks jammed.” This moment establishes a paradox, blending laughter with an empathic sense of misfortune in a skillful way that characterizes Larson’s unique humor.

4
Classic “Forgot to Double Check”Skydiving Mishap – A Far Side Staple

First Published: September 25, 1984

Far Side, September 25, 1984, a skydiver's backpack contains a piano and an anchor, rather than a parachute

A humorous skydiving escapade is depicted where the protagonist pulls the emergency chord only to find a piano instead of a parachute. The caption reads, “Murray didn’t feel the first pangs of real panic until he pulled the emergency chord.” This absurdity lends itself to a memorable laugh, encapsulating Larson’s knack for creating engaging visual humor.

3
Not All “My God!”Comics Are Dark – Sometimes, Embarrassment Wins the Day

First Published: October 20, 1984

Far Side, October 20, 1984, a man sheepishly stands next to a pile of dinosaur bones in a museum

In a captionless comic, a man stands awkwardly next to collapsed dinosaur bones in a museum, suggesting a moment of embarrassment stemming from blatant disregard for exhibit rules. This scenario encourages readers to chuckle at the potential consequences of curiosity, proving that sometimes humor can be found in innocence and folly rather than in darkness.

2
Living on The Far Side: A Cautious Existence for All

First Published: November 15, 1984

Far Side, November 15, 1984, a rat couple comes home to find a rat trap in their living room

In this memorable panel, a rat couple returns home to discover a rat trap set in their living room. The wife’s panicked response to the trap highlights the humor in misplaced optimism, “Heaven knows what it is or where it came from – just get rid of it. But save that cheese first.” The imminent danger, cleverly underscored by her last line, evokes a bittersweet chuckle at their naïveté.

1
The Far Side’s Proudest Mom… But at a Dark Moment

First Published: December 6, 1984

Far Side, December 6, 1984, an executioner waves to his mother in the crowd

A particularly dark yet humorous portrayal depicts a mother enthusiastically waving to her son, the executioner, in the crowd at a hanging. Her pride in his profession provokes both laughter and discomfort, showcasing Larson’s brilliance in blending humor with unsettling themes. This layered representation encourages deeper reflection on parental dynamics within the context of an absurd scenario.

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