
Since its inception in 1979, Gary Larson’s The Far Side has gifted readers with an unparalleled sense of humor that is both quirky and insightful. For over 40 years, this beloved comic strip has graced the pages of newspapers worldwide, etching memorable and humorous scenes into the minds of its audience. Amidst the myriad of comic panels, certain strips shine brighter, standing out as some of the finest examples of Larson’s unique comedic genius.
Larson’s work is characterized by his inventive wordplay and hilariously absurd takes on everyday life. While each strip has its own degree of humor, we have curated a selection of the 35 most entertaining comics from The Far Side.
35 A Twist on a Timeless Question

In a classic illustration, two men and a horse are situated at a bar, where one man drunkenly proclaims to the other: “Sure – but can you make him drink?” This comic harkens back to the saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”Larson cleverly places this familiar adage in an unexpected setting, inciting laughter and contemplation about the horse’s potential choices.
34 Fair is Fair

With a perfect blend of dark humor and canine antics, this strip transforms a simple premise into a work of laughter that reveals itself with prolonged observation.
33 “The Picture Is Pretty Bleak, Gentlemen…”

Recognized among the pantheon of dinosaur comics, one strip features a conference led by a stegosaurus who breaks the dire news about climate catastrophes and the mammalian menace. The humor lies in the juxtaposition of enlightened dinosaurs grappling with their fate, serving both as a comical take and a stark reminder of real-world warnings from scientists.
32 “Cow Tools”: The Most Inexplicable Comic

This notorious strip features a cow beside a baffling array of non-functional tools, which initially perplexed viewers to the point of outrage. The absurdity of this comic paved the way for memes long before they became a popular phenomenon. While it lacks surface humor, its sheer silliness eventually led audiences to appreciate its eccentric charm.
31 Stay Away from the Fish Section at “Bob’s Pets”

Larson’s talent for blending animal behavior with dark humor shines through in this riotous comic. The image shows a cat with a peg leg surveying a piranha in a fishbowl, encapsulating the essence of Larson’s signature humor, appealing to fans who appreciate dark comedy within animal-centric themes.
30 Humans & Chickens: A Give and Take Relationship

Chickens frequently make appearances in Larson’s work, and here, a woman returns home carrying fresh eggs while a hen carries her chick in the opposite direction. This humorous inversion of typical farm life showcases Larson’s brilliant take on the expected, providing a clear laugh through simplicity and absurdity.
29 Marriage as a Living Hell

In this memorable strip, a wife in a fiery hell reprimands her husband about the chaos in their living room. With a fiery backdrop and a witty quip about their ‘Satanic ritual’, this comic touches humorously on the perennial theme that marriage can often feel like a struggle against the flames of domesticity.
28 “Thagomizer”Invented

This comic introduced the term “thagomizer, ”referring to the tail of a dinosaur, into paleontological discourse. Larson masterfully blends cavemen and modern humor, making a memorable and educational moment that twisted the absurdity of prehistoric life with a layer of learned commentary.
27 Midvale School for the Gifted Humor

This comic brilliantly highlights the often humorous gap between intelligence and common sense, showcasing a boy struggling to open a door that clearly states “pull.”The simplicity of the gag resonates humorously, reflecting on the comical mishaps that can occur in both educational settings and life.
26 “You’re Sick, Jessy!…Sick, Sick, Sick!”

With cows often being a centerpiece in Larson’s framing of absurd situations, this comic depicts a bovine reprimanding another for grilling meat, evoking laughter through its utter absurdity and the whimsical nature of anthropomorphized animals.
25 Chicken Dignity in Death

This cartoon provides a poignant reflection on mortality while maintaining Larson’s characteristic humor, illustrating a chicken’s desire for dignity in its final moments.
24 The “Didn’t Wash Hands”Alarm

This strip cleverly mocks social customs, featuring a man returning from the restroom as an alarm blares, informing everyone that he didn’t wash his hands. Larson humorously examines the unspoken contracts of cleanliness we are all expected to uphold in society.
23 Nerds Through History

Embracing a historical backdrop, Larson reveals a cowboy from the Old West awkwardly trailing toilet paper from an outhouse, merging historical nostalgia with modern humor, showcasing his exceptional skill at blending timelines.
22 Poor Plane Design: “Wings Fall Off Switch”

This comic humorously portrays the mundane scenario of a man fiddling with a switch labeled “wings fall off.”The absurdity of the situation explores common fears about flying in such a comical manner, striking a chord with both humor and anxiety.
21 Nerd Pranks: More Dangerous Than They Seem

In a comedic juxtaposition of disparate contexts, this strip features a scientist working on a warhead while indulging in a nerd prank—a mix of humor and irony that amplifies the absurdity, positioning the comic as a critique of human folly.
20 “Anatidaephobia”: The Fear a Duck is Watching

Larson’s inventive talent for creating humorous phobias culminates in the concept of “anatidaephobia.”Through this strip, viewers are invited to scan the image and unwind the punchline, underscoring the humor in being apprehensive about an otherwise harmless duck.
19 Revealing the Truth Behind a Great American Tragedy

This iconic panel provides a comical retelling of the Great Chicago Fire, humorously attributing the incident to sabotage by a cow. This strip not only marked the dawn of Larson’s cow comics but also established a notorious motif that would recur throughout his work.
18 A Mix-Up Sends This Man to ‘Hog’ Heaven

Employing clever wordplay, Larson transforms the phrase ‘hog heaven’ to depict a man named Ernie arriving in the afterlife intended for pigs. This twist creates a comedic contrast between the expectation of paradise and Ernie’s unexpected fate, highlighting Larson’s gift for humor.
17 How God Cooked Up Jerks

In this introspective comic, Larson portrays God as a chef who spices up life with the addition of “jerks.”The humorous premise serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the unpredictable nature of human behavior.
16 “Henry Never Knew What Hit Him”

Subverting traditional portrayals of aliens, this comic presents a lighthearted and humorous approach. The image of a bewildered Henry, coupled with the playful “boink”sound effect, captures the whimsical spirit that defines Larson’s work.
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