Gary Larson Solves a Major Mystery of the 20th Century in The Far Side

The Far Side is celebrated for its clever referential humor, and one of Gary Larson’s standout jokes masterfully addresses one of the 20th century’s most enduring mysteries: the fate of the notorious hijacker, D. B.Cooper. This particular comic not only elicits a chuckle but also presents a unique, albeit humorous, perspective on Cooper’s mysterious disappearance.

As an avid fan of The Far Side, I find it challenging to pinpoint a single comic as my favorite, given the vast array Larson created. However, certain cartoons consistently bring a smile to my face, and “The Untold Ending of D. B.Cooper”stands out among them.

Far Side, May 3, 1988, captioned 'the untold ending of DB Cooper'

Larson’s joke brilliantly encapsulates a common theory surrounding Cooper’s fate: the idea that he may not have survived his infamous leap from the aircraft. It’s important to revisit the context of this story for those unfamiliar with it.

The Far Side’s Insight on D. B.Cooper’s Disappearance

Original Publication Date: May 3, 1988

In 1971, a man known only as D. B.Cooper hijacked a flight from Portland to Seattle under the pretense of carrying a bomb. He demanded a significant ransom, which he received before parachuting from the plane, disappearing without a trace. This audacious act captured media attention, leading to an ongoing cultural fascination and speculation about his identity and fate.

What makes Larson’s depiction particularly notable is the way it humorously illustrates a widely held belief regarding Cooper’s presumed demise. Through his unique style, Larson employs dark humor by depicting Cooper parachuting directly into a pen of ravenous rottweilers, creating a blend of tragedy and hilarity that characterizes The Far Side’s appeal.

The Role of Referential Humor in The Far Side’s Legacy

The D. B.Cooper Incident: November 24, 1971

The humor of The Far Side resides in its capacity to mirror reality, serving as a reflection of societal truths and cultural narratives. Referential humor was integral to Larson’s work, often drawing on real-life events and figures to create comedic commentary.

“The Untold Ending of D. B.Cooper”exemplifies this approach, transforming a well-known story into a premise for humor while simultaneously prompting further questions. For instance, one is left to speculate about the fate of Cooper’s remains, purportedly discovered by the breeders, Ben and Vera, who stumbled upon both his bones and a fateful suitcase filled with cash in their yard.

Cultural Impact of The Far Side’s Pop References

Highlighting Cultural Relevance Through D. B.Cooper

Throughout its fifteen-year run, The Far Side became synonymous with absurdity and surreal humor, solidifying its place in the hearts of newspaper readers. Larson’s knack for infusing referential humor into his comics resonated widely, fostering connections with a broad audience. This familiarity not only enhanced the appeal of his work but also contributed to its significant cultural relevance.

The legend of D. B.Cooper continues to inspire various facets of American culture. For instance, the character Dale Cooper from the iconic TV series Twin Peaks was named after the infamous hijacker, bearing the middle name Bartholomew. More recently, the Disney+ series Loki made a humorous nod to Cooper, suggesting that he might have been Loki himself.

Larson’s portrayal of the D. B.Cooper incident is just one in a long line of cultural references, showing that, while referenced more than fifteen years later in the comedic film Without a Paddle, the mystery and allure of Cooper’s story persists in modern storytelling.

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