The Far Side's Greatest Hits: 30 Cartoons That Still Make Us Laugh

05 Jul 2024

"The Far Side" by Gary Larson. An all time favorite....

Ever find yourself chuckling at a cow ordering a burger or a scientist explaining that "chaos reigns" to a room full of exploding beakers? If so, you've likely experienced the unique humor of Gary Larson's The Far Side. For fifteen years, this single-panel cartoon, with its signature blend of wit and the downright bizarre, graced newspapers across the globe. It wasn't just about punchlines; it was about capturing those wonderfully strange thoughts we never dared utter aloud. Think a dog using his owner as a megaphone or a group of snakes playing "connect the dots" – with a terrified human.

The Far Side wasn't a flash in the pan. It resonated with millions because it dared to be different. Launched in 1980, the cartoon quickly gained a cult following, eventually appearing in nearly 2,000 newspapers. Larson, a former jazz musician, seemed to tap into a universal vein of humor, one that found absurdity in the mundane and hilarity in the unexpected. His cartoons weren't political satires or topical commentaries; they were glimpses into a world where cows could talk, scientists were delightfully mad, and the laws of nature took a much-needed vacation.

Part of the enduring appeal of The Far Side lies in its ability to spark our imagination. Larson wasn't afraid to embrace the surreal, often incorporating scientific concepts, animal behavior, and historical situations into his work. Remember the "Midvale School for the Gifted?" The one with the swing set missing a swing? Or the dog riding in a car, convinced he's the one doing the driving? These cartoons forced us to look twice, to question what we thought we knew, and, most importantly, to laugh at the sheer absurdity of it all.

But beyond the humor, The Far Side also offered subtle social commentary. Larson's portrayal of animals, often with human-like qualities and flaws, made us question our relationship with the natural world. He satirized human behavior, our fears, our foibles, all through the lens of a world turned delightfully upside down. Who could forget the panel where a bear is teaching a safety course, pointing to a line of terrified campers outside the tent, with the caption, "And never, ever surprise a bear, especially if it looks like this."

While The Far Side officially ended in 1995, its legacy continues to thrive. Books, calendars, and even greeting cards keep Larson's creations alive, reminding us of the power of laughter and the joy of embracing the unexpected. In a world saturated with digital content, there's something refreshingly simple about the single-panel format. It's a quick dose of absurdity, a reminder that sometimes, the best way to understand the world is to laugh at it.

Reasons Why "The Far Side" Still Matters

While it's tempting to simply reminisce about our favorite panels, it's worth exploring why The Far Side continues to resonate with a wide audience. Here are a few reasons why these cartoons, despite ending nearly three decades ago, still feel relevant today:

Timeless Humor: The humor in The Far Side isn't reliant on pop culture references or current events. It's rooted in observational comedy, the absurdities of life, and the timeless quirks of both humans and animals.
Universality: Whether you're a scientist, a student, or a stay-at-home parent, there's something relatable in Larson's work. He captures those universal experiences of awkward encounters, unexpected situations, and the occasional "why on earth did that just happen?" moments.
Stimulating Creativity: The Far Side encourages us to think differently. It sparks our imagination, reminding us that there are endless possibilities for humor and absurdity in everyday life.

Decades later, new generations are discovering the unique brand of humor that Gary Larson created. The Far Side reminds us that sometimes, the best way to understand the world is to embrace its absurdity. And maybe, just maybe, to find a little bit of ourselves in a cow ordering a burger.