The Far Side was known for leaning toward a cynical outlook on the world, especially when it came to its human protagonists, who tended to not be the purest of heart, or the most altruistic – yet over the course of the comic's run, creator Gary Larson did deliver his share of likable protagonists.

The Far Side did have its moments where it showed humanity in likable and/or relatable ways. Those sympathetic to humanity moments may not have been all too common throughout the beloved comic strip, but this made it all the more memorable when Gary Larson produced a comic that did show the good side of people.

Whether it was humans being heroic, or contributing to scientific advancement – in a topsy turvy Far Side way, naturally –or just being kind to animals, there were some incredibly memorable Far Side comic strips that featured likable protagonists.

10 This Far Side Dog Lover Dooms His Whole Castle – As Most Readers Would

First Published: October 25, 1985

Gary Larson depicted the infamous Trojan Horse in a number of Far Side cartoons, but this is by far his silliest subversion of the myth – and yet somehow, also his most relatable. Here, a group of enemy soldiers trick their way through a castle's defenses by masquerading as a "weiner dog," a ruse one canine-loving defender quickly falls for.

The protagonist of the comic strip may not be the brightest, yet his obvious affection for dogs makes him one of The Far Side's most immediately likable protagonists; at least, that is, to readers, as the unfortunate denizens of the castle he is meant to be guarding may not think to positively of him after their defenses are sacked.

9 These Far Side Characters Find Themselves With An Adorable Infestation

First Published: July 15, 1981

Without a doubt, this is one of The Far Side's funniest penguin comics, of which there were more than a few during the strip's run – just as here, there are more than a few of the flightless birds infesting two characters' Artic home, as the wife rattles off a grocery list for her husband, including "No-Penguin Strip."

Given that the numerous penguins are taking up basically all the space in the home the couple inhabit, they are pretty desperate to get rid of the adorable birds. Gary Larson puts an outrageous spin on bug removal methods with this Far Side cartoon, and despite the absurd substitution of penguins for more familiar pests, this makes the characters in this comic some of his most relatable.

8 Farmer Dave & His Chickens Have An Unusually Wholesome Relationship For The Far Side

First Published: December 11, 1986

Chickens played a big role in The Far Side, and their relationship with humans could at times be contentious. This , however, offers a more lighthearted dynamic, one in which both sides come off as more likable than many of Gary Larson's characters.

When Farmer Brown tries to sleep in, his chickens are not having it, instead coming to his window to shout at him, in order to wake him up. From the strip, it can be inferred that Farmer Dave is usually up and at 'em most mornings, and that the chickens are somewhat concerned by this aberration in his routine. Likewise, the fact that the chickens feel close enough to Farmer Dave to bug him about waking up indicates that this protagonist is good to his animals.

7 The Far Side Celebrates An Unsung Hero Of Modern Science

First Published: January 14, 1985

With The Far Side, Gary Larson frequently imagined his own version of history, giving actual historical facts his patented surreal twist. This is one such example, as a chatty maid inadvertently, and hilariously, gives Einstein the inspiration he needs to complete his famous mass-energy equation, helping him arrive at the "squared" part of E=mc squared.

Fortunately for Einstein, the cleaner describes his freshly organized desk as being "squared away," and rather than being annoyed at her, Einstein realizes she has just given him the solution to one of modern science's foundational formulas. As with history, Gary Larson loved science, and this Far Side cartoon puts a brilliant spin on both – while offering a rare positive moment in the artist's ouvre.

6 Gary Larson Imagines A Less Harsh Version Of The Wild West

First Published: December 19, 1991

With The Far Side, Gary Larson produced many comic strips about the Old West. An iconic setting of American history, things were harsh for the cowboys of the Wild West, but The Far Side imagines a less harsh version of the time period with some fancy coffee that is made fresh in the wilderness. In this comic strip, a cowboy does his peer a kindness and makes him a latte on the spot.

Perhaps one would be wrong to assume but it doesn't seem like lattes were around during the Wild West. Then again, Gary Larson was never one to let historical accuracy get in the way of a good joke, which is the way fans of The Far Side liked it. A good compatriot, the cowboy making lattes for him and his traveling companion is a nice thing to do, especially considering the harsh elements they are enmeshed in.

5 This Far Side Protagonist Roasts His Co-Pilot At The Worst Moment

First Published: September 7, 1994

Someone borrowing clothes without permission is incredibly annoying, and something many can relate to. What many cannot relate to, however, is being an astronaut about to be sucked into the sun. Of course, the incongruity of these two things makes it especially funny when the first astronaut chooses this exact moment to bring up that his copilot stole his sunglasses.

The Far Side had its own exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in 1987.

In effect, this Far Side character is a likable protagonist due to readers being able to relate and sympathize with his very common problem... at least the wardrobe part of it. While it is certainly understandable how the astronaut is mad about his sunglasses being used without permission, he should prioritize his worries to be a lot more logical, like trying to evade the sun's scorching rays rather than focus on the case of the stolen sunglasses.

4 The Far Side Takes Campfire Jams To An Absurd Conclusion

First Published: April 26, 1988

Everyone likes a good campfire song, even in The Far Side where things rarely match up with reality. Although, The Far Side's version of a campfire sing along features an instrument that most people would find highly surprising and just a tad illogical to be carting around: a piano. Lugging around the massive instrument in his back pocket, the cowboy in The Far Side lives to entertain his buddies, always ready to perform a good melody when the time calls for it.

Wanting to be a source of entertainment for his buddies, the cowboy protagonist of the comic strip is hard to dislike... unless it turns out he is a really bad piano player. Regardless, anyone who is willing to carry around a heavy piano just for the purpose of delighting his friends is a pretty good egg.

3 This Woman Might Be The Far Side's Most Kindhearted Character

First Published: April 19, 1983

People can get nervous when a stranger comes to the front door, not knowing their intentions or what to do. Instead of just a typical human being, The Far Side imagines this stranger as a "giant, hideous insect". Forget being nervous, anyone would understand the comic strip's protagonists if they ran away from the door screaming in terror. However, one very kind lady, a rarity in The Far Side, sees the ugly, huge bug and wants to see if it needs help rather than avoiding the creature out of fear.

Taking the risk to aid the insect out of the chance that they need help is very altruistic and something many other Far Side protagonists would not ever dream of considering. As evident in the comic strip, the main protagonist's buddy Edna is not on board with the charitable plans of the main character, however her heart is too caring to listen to Edna's worries.

2 This Veterinarian Is One Of The Far Side's Most Consumate Professionals

First Published: November 26, 1985

Vets should be prized in society; they help make our pets better when they're sick and ensure they're healthy. As is the case in the world of The Far Side as well, a vet takes a look at a gigantic python-like snake to help untangle the slithering creature from the knot they have gotten themselves entangled in. Luckily for the snake and its owner, the vet is confident he can fix the granny knot but it could have been a much different outcome had the knot been a square knot instead.

While most would not exactly be upset if a snake were to not be okay, the vet, like any good one, cares about all his patients in The Far Side, able to save his patient. One would not think that snakes frequently get themselves into knots but anything is possible for the animal kingdom in Gary Larson's upside down world.

1 On The Far Side, Heroes Never Wore Capes

First Published: Last Chapter and Worse, Released In 1996

It is not every day that someone saves a metropolitan city from a Godzilla-like monster rampaging through buildings. Yet, it is one such heroic citizen who sees this monster causing havoc in his city and gets the simple but effective idea of just shooting the monster like he would any varmint. The day is saved thanks to the protagonist of this comic strip. Typically, in The Far Side, humans are the downfall of civilization like unintentionally provoking an alien invasion.

This comic was never published in syndication during The Far Side's time in newspapers. It first appeared in the 1996 collection Last Chapter and Worse, a year after Gary Larson retired as a cartoonist, and was subsequently reprinted in the Appendeix to The Complete Far Side.

However, this comic, instead, shows a human saving everyone and the city itself they all inhabit from a dangerous, imposing monster. While the protagonist may be dressed and act like a gentleman from the country, he was very willing to use his country smarts to save the city. Getting himself a spot on the news, the protagonist of the strip has not just been a hero of The Far Side but also gets the fame that goes along with it.