Top 10 Hilarious Far Side Comics Featuring Camouflage and Disguises

Gary Larson’s humor consistently surprises, with The Far Side brimming with disguises and visual trickery that challenge perception. From plants enticing their victims to zoologists observing wildlife, Larson’s comic universe is alive with characters who embrace deception.

This article highlights ten of the most hilarious The Far Side comics that capture the essence of camouflage and disguises, revealing Larson’s recurring themes: unpredictable clowns, ravenous bears, and even sinister ducks.

10 Zippo?…Zippuh?…Zipper!

Scientists in The Far Side Relentlessly Pursue Knowledge

Throughout Larson’s body of work, the theme of bears recurs prominently, possibly inspired by Morrell Gipson’s children’s classic, Mr. Bear Squash-You-All-Flat. This tale of a massive bear wreaking havoc on smaller creatures embodies the quirky, chaotic spirit that Larson often encapsulates.

“There was something so mesmerizing about the image of this big bear going through the forest and squashing the homes of these little animals. I just thought that was the coolest thing in the world.”

9 Park Bench

Animals Aren’t the Only Ones in Disguise in The Far Side

In his artistic vision, Larson has long incorporated animals into the narrative fabric of The Far Side. Initially pitched as Nature’s Way, the comic expanded to include a variety of whimsical subjects, yet it consistently explores the humor found in the intersections of human and animal life.

8 Animal Camouflage

In yet another clever twist, Larson presents a scenario where two buffalo navigate the urban landscape by donning crude depictions of grinning humans. This satirical take mirrors how humans often employ camouflage to evade wildlife while simultaneously flipping the narrative on its head.

7 Snake Charmer

The Simplest Disguises Can Be the Most Amusing

Humor often arises from unexpected contradictions. In this comic, a snake charmer calls forth his snake, which appears sporting comical Groucho glasses, leaving the charmer bewildered and affronted by the snake’s unexpected choice in disguise.

6 Dang It, Monica!

A Distorted Take on Kitchen Sink Drama in The Far Side

Far Side creature in disguise as a human

One memorable strip features a husband unveiling his secret identity as a komodo dragon. The wife’s indifferent response heightens the absurdity, with the implication that they have cohabitated without her detecting the truth—an instant classic that highlights Larson’s delight in exaggerating the mundane.

5 The Venus Kidtrap

Finding Humor in the Absurdity of Kids in Danger

Children falling victim to monstrous creatures is a recurring motif in The Far Side. Although the comic needed to skate around explicit violence due to its family-oriented publication, Larson expertly conveys danger through implications involving sinister wildlife.

4 You Listen to Me, Miss Billings!

The Malevolent Ducks of The Far Side

Far Side comic with man disguised as ducks

Ducks play a uniquely sinister role in Larson’s comics, often depicted with an aura of menace. In this scenario, a man dons a duck disguise, raising the question of whether this camouflage serves a comedic purpose or a darker intent to infiltrate and deceive.

3 The Arctic Clown

Clowns in the Unpredictable World of The Far Side

Clowns are depicted throughout Larson’s work causing chaos for no apparent reason, often maintaining a grin while engaged in increasingly absurd scenarios, creating a juxtaposition between their cheerful demeanor and the trouble they sow.

2 Like the Peppered Moth

Treating Humans as Just Another Enigmatic Animal by Larson

In a clever twist, a woman blends seamlessly into her wallpaper through camouflage, while ‘Harold, ’ with his mismatched attire, stands out obviously. Larson’s sharp wit shines through as he compares this surreal situation to ‘the peppered moth and the arctic hare, ’ all against a backdrop of nonsensical horror.

1 Now Edgar’s Gone…

Larson Addresses His Own ‘Mistake’ in the Top Comic

Far Side polar bear eating penguins comic

These ten hilarious comics illustrate the charm of The Far Side, showcasing how Larson’s unique vision blurs the line between reality and absurdity. His penchant for using disguises and creatures of all kinds adds a layer of depth that resonates with audiences around the world.

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