8 Hilarious Far Side Comics That Make Us Wish Dragons Existed

The intriguing journey of The Far Side, a renowned comic strip by artist Gary Larson, reveals an early penchant for humor centered around dragons. These mythical creatures served as a perfect vehicle for Larson’s comedic exploration in the early days of the strip. As Larson’s career progressed, however, the frequency of dragon-related comics dwindled, paving the way for more diverse subject matter. Examining these whimsical depictions offers a unique glimpse into the foundational phases of The Far Side.

Larson’s dragon-themed jokes reflect a lighter aspect of his humor, contrasting with the often dark themes present in his later work. Many early panels feature dragons consuming knights, an ironic twist that underscores the humor hidden beneath the surface. This duality in humor not only showcases Larson’s style but also invites readers to engage critically with the comic’s content.

Furthermore, an analysis of these panels may shed light on why dragons eventually became less prominent in the comic, especially in contrast with other recurring characters like snakes and various reptiles.

8 “I Never Eat The Shells”: Dragons Discuss Culinary Etiquette In This Early Far Side Comic

First Published: January 2, 1980

Far Side, January 2, 1980, two dragons stand over the discarded armor of knights they've devoured

In one of his earliest comics, a dragon boasts, “Of course, I never eat the shells, ” while standing over a heap of discarded knight armor. This humorously twisted take on the classic knight-versus-dragon trope succinctly encapsulates Larson’s distinctive approach: viewing familiar narratives through an unconventional lens.

By switching perspectives to that of the dragons, Larson invites readers to embrace the absurdity of the situation. The knights, clad in armor, are not heroic figures but rather hapless food items to the dragons. Thus, amidst the grim implications of their demise, Larson infuses the scene with playfulness and wit that characterizes many of The Far Side‘s later moments.

7 “Come Out Of That Cave And Meet Your Doom!”The Far Side’s Humor Was Always A Matter Of Perspective

First Published: January 13, 1981

Far Side, January 13, 1981, a knight rides into a dragon's nostril, thinking it is a cave

This cartoon demonstrates Larson’s knack for perspective, illustrating a knight who obliviously charges into what he believes is a cave—only to find himself inside a dragon’s nostril. The comical twist lies in the knight’s desperate taunt,

“You can’t hide in there forever, you overgrown chameleon!” unaware of the true peril he faces. Larson crafts this scene with dark comedic flair, drawing humor from the knight’s ignorance—a hallmark of his storytelling style.

6 “We’ve Just Got To Get Ourselves A Real Damsel”: These Far Side Dragons Aren’t Fooling Anybody

First Published: July 8, 1981

Far Side, July 8, 1981, dragons try to lure in prey with a fake damsel in distress

One of Larson’s signature comedic techniques is his ability to distort traditional narratives. In this comic, the familiar “damsel in distress”motif is humorously subverted. The dragons are seen using a comically shoddy fake damsel to lure unsuspecting knights into their clutches.“We’ve just got to get ourselves a real damsel, ” one dragon remarks, reflecting their disappointed expectations.

This clever inversion highlights how the dragons, despite being fearsome creatures, share a cultural understanding with humanity—albeit from a skewed angle. It’s a witty commentary on societal tropes, enriched by Larson’s characteristic absurdity.

5 “Blast it, Phyllis! Hurry Up With Those Hot Pads!”: The Far Side Humanized Its Dragons, But Still Kept Them Deadly

First Published: December 13, 1981

Far Side, December 13, 1981, a dragon yells to his wife to bring oven mitts for a piping hot knight's armor

This humorous cartoon showcases a domestic scene with a dragon juggling a scorching suit of armor, exclaiming to his wife, “Hurry up with those hot pads!” The premise comically humanizes the dragon while maintaining a sinister undertone—an illustration of how Larson’s writing melds the relatable with the grotesque.

This juxtaposition not only enhances the humor but also underscores the element of violence subtly woven into Larson’s work. It exemplifies the effective use of familiar domesticity contrasted with the bizarre reality of a dragon’s existence.

4 “St. George And The…Wagon?”: The Far Side’s All-Time Great Historical Mix-Up, Explained

First Published: March 3, 1982

Far Side, March 3, 1982, a painter realizes he misheard 'wagon' for 'dragon'

In a humorous interpretation of the well-known Christian legend of “Saint George and the Dragon, ”Larson presents a medieval artist mishearing his patron’s request for a portrait of “Saint George and the Wagon.” The ensuing confusion is further highlighted by the expression of horror on the artist’s face upon realizing his blunder.

The effectiveness of this comic lies in Larson’s ability to capture the nuanced expressions of his characters, a hallmark technique that elevates the punchline while simultaneously engaging the audience in a moment of relatable embarrassment.

3 “It’s Fresh And Minty”: The Far Side Finds Humor In Humans & Dragons’ Very Different Ideas Of Hygiene

First Published: June 29, 1982

Far Side, June 29, 1982, a dragon complains that her husband's breath is fresh and minty

In this lighthearted comic, a female dragon bluntly tells her partner, “I’m sorry, Irwin, it’s your breath…it’s fresh and minty.” By employing a familiar human scenario, Larson cleverly contrasts the dragons’ interpretation of hygiene with human standards, leading to an unexpected punchline.

This humorous shift invites readers to contemplate the absurdity of the situation, prompting reflective laughter as they reconcile the simple joy of the joke with the underlying commentary on societal norms.

2 “What Have I Told You About Eating In Bed?”: Speculation On Why Gary Larson Stopped Using Dragons So Frequently

First Published: April 30, 1984

Far Side, April 30, 1984, a dragon is admonished for eating knights in bed

In this comic, one dragon scolds another for the “knight crumbs” scattered across their bed, humorously reprimanding, “What have I told you about eating in bed?” This comic serves as an excellent representation of how dragons fluidly stood in for human experiences throughout Larson’s early work.

However, the success of these early dragon gags may have inadvertently constricted Larson’s creative exploration. Their effectiveness likely made it challenging for him to recycle the formula, as he sought greater artistic risk and variety within his work.

1 “The Young Dragons Would Stay Up Late Lighting Their Sneezes”: Gary Larson Tries To Elevate His Dragon Jokes With This Panel

First Published: September 19, 1987

Far Side, September 19, 1987, adolescent dragons lighting their sneezes on fire

By the mid-1980s, dragon appearances in The Far Side began to wane. In a 1987 cartoon, Larson features young dragons engaging in mischievous antics, such as “lighting their sneezes, ” akin to the antics of humans at sleepovers. This playful homage to adolescence presents a new take on the dragon archetype.

As Larson faced periods of creative fatigue—culminating in a notable hiatus—this panel exemplifies his efforts to revitalize earlier themes while progressing his artistic vision. The humor, while perhaps quieter than earlier works, still reflects Larson’s drive to evolve and surprise his audience.

Ultimately, the essence of Larson’s work lies in its perpetual quest for creativity, where each comic represents an exploration rather than a finished product. This open-endedness captivates audiences, inviting them to continue enjoying the whimsical world of The Far Side while analyzing its countless layers.

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8 Hilarious Far Side Comics That Make Us Wish Dragons Existed