Summary

• The Far Side comics showcase the power of one-sided dialogue, with a solitary character driving the humor and turning simple scenarios into comedic gold.
• Larson's talent for animal anthropomorphism shines through in his comics, blending human experiences with the quirks of the animal world and subtly referencing historical figures like Jane Goodall.
• Larson's distinct and dark humor pushes boundaries, embracing the unconventional and infusing everyday situations with absurd and comical twists that resonate with readers worldwide.

Welcome to the whimsically surreal landscape of Gary Larson's The Far Side, a place where cows think like philosophers, spiders contemplate life's mysteries, and ordinary scenes turn extraordinary. Immerse yourself in this eccentric landscape as we venture through the vibrant idiosyncrasies and unearth the top ten comedic gems that epitomize the peculiar brilliance found within the unique voice of a lone orator.

These iconic Far Side comics illuminate the power of one-sided dialogue, where a solitary character—be it an angered ape, a hungry shark, or a baffled alien—hogs the limelight with uproarious monologues. The absence of chatter from all but one character fuels the comedy, displaying Larson's unmatched knack for turning the simplest scenarios into timeless comedic gold.

10 Sharks

As the first entry among the lone-speaker Far Side comics, this particular comic encapsulates the essence of Gary Larson’s unique humor. Embodying his iconic artistic style, the strip follows his classic single- format and minimalistic artistic elements, both celebrated hallmarks of his creations. Within this amusing scene, a contemplative shark humorously ponders the 'done-ness' of a sunbathing human, drawing a parallel akin to how a person might assess a roasted chicken.

This clever illustration highlights Larson’s recurrent themes of animal anthropomorphism and his satirical take on daily life while also showcasing his sharp wit by seamlessly weaving human experiences with the animal world’s quirks.

9 Jane Goodall

In another classic demonstration of his talent for animal anthropomorphism, Larson vividly portrays two chimpanzees in a scenario that resembles a bickering married couple. Adding a clever comedic layer to the scene, he subtly includes Jane Goodall, the revered English primatologist and anthropologist, as an observer noting the couple's behavior in her journal.

While Larson doesn't explicitly name the observer as Jane Goodall, his knack for slyly referencing historical and famous figures, particularly scientists, is evident in his works. Thus, it's not a far stretch to infer that the woman nestled in the jungle, observing the chimpanzees, is the world's foremost authority on these creatures.

8 Billy's Mom

Larson’s distinct and uniquely dark, quirky humor has carved a niche among fans who relish the unexpected in his work. In a prime example of this facet, one of Larson's darker comics unfolds as a young boy falls victim to a shark's appetite.

What sets this comic apart is the nonchalant response of the boy's friends, swiftly shifting their focus to pragmatic concerns: promptly informing Billy’s mother about her son's death and sourcing a new tire to replace the one devoured by the shark. This macabre yet surreal scenario is a testament to Larson's ability to stretch the boundaries of humor, embracing the unconventional in his comic.

7 The Dentist

Part of the enduring popularity of Larson's comics lies in his remarkable ability to infuse a humorous twist into everyday situations, presenting relatable scenarios in the most absurd and comical light. One such instance unfolds in this comic, where a dentist quips, "Just out of curiosity, we’re going to see if we can also cram in this tennis ball."

The humor derives from the relatable feeling of being at the dentist’s mercy, subjected to seemingly inexplicable procedures. It's this intersection between the familiar and the ludicrous that renders Larson's comic so hilariously funny and has made him a stable in households around the world.

6 Rock, Rock, Rock

Cavemen make frequent appearances in The Far Side, serving as recurring characters in Larson's amusing and often ludicrous portrayals of prehistoric life. These comics usually present cavemen grappling with everyday challenges but in a context that melds anachronistic elements with modern-day humor. In this particular comic, Larson cleverly parodies the decision-making tool of ‘rock, paper, scissors.’

His wit shines through as the cavemen, limited by the absence of paper and scissors, find themselves stuck in an unhelpful game of ‘rock, rock, rock.’ This imaginative and comical scenario offers a glimpse into Larson's unique ability to blend historical settings with modern concepts.

5 Aliens Meet Dog

No Far Side list would be complete without the inclusion of aliens, a major recurring theme in these iconic comics. The extraterrestrial beings are often depicted engaging with Earth in unexpected and humorous scenarios, adding a surreal dimension to Larson's unique collection.

This particular strip stands out as one of his most amusing and inventive alien-centric comics. It features the arrival of extraterrestrial visitors bearing an uncanny resemblance to Earth fire hydrants. Their very first encounter unfolds with a dog mistaking them for fire hydrants and promptly peeing on one of them. What heightens the humor is the alien's appalled reaction to this unexpected showering.

4 Spiders

This spider-themed offers a comically unique glimpse into the world from a spider's perspective. The scene depicts two spiders strategically building a web across a playground slide, with one spider optimistically exclaiming, "If we pull this off, we’ll eat like kings." The humor arises from the implication that the spiders are ambitiously aiming to ensnare a child.

The comic cleverly intertwines humor with a slightly chilling notion – the idea of spiders scheming to catch and eat children, evoking a sense of horror akin to something from a Stephen King novel. Larson's ability to craft a scene that wavers between amusement and mild terror underscores his skill in blending the everyday with the macabre.

3 The Garden of Eden

Amid Larson's diverse collection of comics, showcasing both heaven and hell, he masterfully crafts a tale set right in-between—The Garden of Eden. Here, he playfully sheds light on a pivotal moment, often seen as the origin of human downfall, wherein the serpent offers Eve an apple. With a clever twist, the serpent quips, “Well, I’m not sure... I guess it’s been washed,” slyly implying that before Eve indulged, she inquired if the apple was cleaned.

This humorous blend of a religious narrative with a touch of 'modern-day problems' makes for a witty take on an integral religious event, showcasing Larson's knack for infusing everyday humor into significant moments from religious lore.

2 Thank You For Flying With...

This comic stands out as one of Larson's finest, drawing upon the humor found in the midst of a dire situation—the crash of an airplane. What makes this uproariously funny is the jarring contrast between the imminent danger and one pilot's casual, almost conversational remark: “Well, there is some irony in all of this, you know... I mean, we both lose a lens at the same time?”

The unexpected nonchalance displayed by the pilots amid a perilous circumstance amplifies the comic's hilarity, showcasing Larson's skill in juxtaposing the absurd with the grave, creating a moment of unexpected levity within a tense and serious setting.

1 Goodnight, Carrots

Taking the top position on our list is a Far Side comic that masterfully blends absurdity with hilarity. Gary Larson breathes life into a scenario where a carrot mother regales her three carrot babies with a bedtime story, attributing human characteristics to the vegetables while recounting the horrifying tale of how humans consume carrots. The combination of human culinary practices, when framed as a bedtime story for sentient carrots, becomes a comedic gem.

This comic embodies some of the finest aspects of The Far Side comics, fusing surrealism, alternative perspectives, and a dark, quirky sense of humor into a single , exemplifying his ability to twist the mundane into a uniquely amusing and slightly eerie narrative.