The Far Side debuted in 1979, the brainchild of Gary Larson, and has since captivated audiences with its quirky and broad-ranging humor. With decades’ worth of comic strips featuring a myriad of topics and punchlines, the series has become a timeless staple in the comic strip world. A distinctive feature of The Far Side is its absence of a central character, allowing the artist to tailor the illustrations according to each unique joke. This creative freedom not only fosters diversity but also plays a major role in the comic’s enduring popularity.
Despite the extensive catalogue Larson has created, certain strips shine brighter due to their clever wordplay and exceptional visual gags. Some comics manage to evoke laughter regardless of the era—in this regard, we present the 10 most timeless Far Side comics that remain ever-relevant, even after many years have passed.
10 The Far Side’s “Midvale School for the Gifted”
Even ‘Book Smart’ Individuals Can Lack Common Sense in The Far Side
In one iconic strip, a young boy is comically seen pushing a door labeled ‘pull’, illustrating a moment where intelligence doesn’t equate to common sense.This clever cartoon encapsulates the essence of The Far Side’s humor, highlighting that even the brightest can exhibit surprising moments of folly.
9 The Far Side’s “Boneless Chicken Ranch”
Boneless Chicken Isn’t Just on the Menu in The Far Side
This hilarious comic depicts boneless chickens lazily sprawled out on the ground, poking fun at the absurdity of a “Boneless Chicken Ranch.”The humor lies in the impossibility of such a scenario—after all, a chicken without bones simply cannot exist.The Far Side’s absurdity is what ingrains this strip in the hearts of its fans, presenting a ludicrous twist on a commonplace menu item.
8 The Far Side’s “To Get TUTORED”
A Dog in The Far Side Misunderstands What He’s in For
In this comic, a dog enthusiastically tells another canine about his upcoming trip, blissfully unaware that the vet visit isn’t for tutoring, but rather neutering.This clever play on words makes light of the dog’s misunderstanding, bringing forth laughter through the comedic twist on a serious subject.
7 The Far Side’s “Slide-Spiders”
Two Ambitious Spiders Scheme to “Eat Like Kings”
In this hilarious scene, two spiders construct a web at the end of a playground slide, planning to catch unsuspecting children. The humor arises from the realization that their ambitious scheme will only lead to chaos, as the very first child down the slide is likely to obliterate their web.The Far Side expertly contrasts ambition with inevitable disaster, drawing laughter from the sheer absurdity.
6 The Far Side’s “Cow-People Conspiracy”
Cows Behave Like People When Humans Aren’t Watching
A particularly memorable comic shows cows standing on two legs and engaging in conversation until a car approaches, prompting them to revert to typical cow behavior. This twist is a clever commentary on how perception alters behavior—a notion widely relatable and hilarious. Notably, this strip has been referenced in popular media, including an episode of Cheers, reinforcing its place in cultural history.
5 The Far Side’s “Immediately Devoured”
A Man Attempts to Evade Being Eaten by a Monster
This comic subtly sets up expectations for the protagonist, Harold, to survive his encounter with a monster. However, the punchline reveals his fate—he is immediately devoured, turning a suspenseful moment into comic relief.This unexpected twist is classic The Far Side humor, showcasing Larson’s knack for subverting expectations.
4 The Far Side’s “Fallout Fishing”
Fishing Without Limits in The Far Side (Post-Nuclear War)
In this comic, Norm and his buddy find themselves fishing under the backdrop of nuclear explosions. While the world is crumbling around them, they humorously decide to ignore all limits on fishing regulations due to the impending apocalypse.This absurdity highlights the hilarious juxtaposition of normalcy amidst chaos, cementing its place as a classic.
3 The Far Side’s “Darrell’s Reversed Spoon”
Darrell’s Paranoia Overpowers His Common Sense
Darrell sits confused in a diner, convinced he has been given a ‘trick spoon’ because the soup keeps slipping through its reversed concave side. Rather than consider he might be holding the spoon incorrectly, he becomes suspicious of everyone around him.This comic humorously critiques how paranoia can cloud judgment, all wrapped in typical Far Side absurdity.
2 The Far Side’s “Prankster Scientist”
Scientists are Known for Their Absurd Intelligence in The Far Side
This comic features a scientist carelessly hammering nails into a nuclear bomb, unaware he’s being pranked by a colleague who creates a loud pop with an air-filled bag.This humorous blend of science and stupidity is unfortunately relatable, illustrating just how reckless people can be even in the face of danger.
1 The Far Side’s “Thagomizer”
Stegosaurus Tales Named After a Brave Caveman in The Far Side
In this legendary strip, a caveman teaches others about the anatomy of dinosaurs, specifically the spiky tail of the stegosaurus, cleverly dubbed the “Thagomizer”after Thag Simmons, the unfortunate caveman who met his demise via said tail. Interestingly, modern paleontologists have adopted the term “thagomizer”in scientific discourse, lending an added layer of humor and irony to this classic comic.This Far Side strip exemplifies Larson’s genius while proving that some humor truly stands the test of time.
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