30 of the best far side cartoons of all time

Charlotte

3 min read

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28-02-2025

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The Far Side, Gary Larson's iconic comic strip, captivated readers with its darkly humorous and often surreal depictions of everyday life, animals, and the bizarre. Its unique blend of the absurd and the relatable cemented its place in pop culture history. Choosing just 30 of the "best" is subjective, but this list highlights some of the most memorable and widely appreciated panels, showcasing Larson's genius for the unexpected twist.

A Gallery of Grotesque and Glorious Laughter: 30 Far Side Favorites

Here are 30 of the best Far Side cartoons, categorized for easier browsing. Note that finding original, high-resolution images for all of these can be challenging, but searching online using the cartoon's description should yield results.

Animals Doing Human Things:

1. "Cow Tools": A cow meticulously using various tools to meticulously clean its hooves. The detail and the sheer incongruity are classic Larson.
2. "The Squirrel": A squirrel meticulously examines a tiny, perfectly crafted human-like house. The juxtaposition of the animal and its habitat is comical.
3. "The Dog in the Car": A dog stares intently at the rearview mirror, seemingly engaging in a conversation with another dog. The implied narrative is hilarious.
4. "The Bird Watching": A bird sits perched on a tree branch, using binoculars to observe a human family. This simple cartoon explores the idea of perspective in a funny way.
5. "The Cat and the Laser Pointer": A cat, seemingly possessed by a mischievous spirit, stares intently at a laser pointer, illustrating the undeniable power of feline curiosity.

Science and the Absurd:

6. "The Microscope": A scientist views a microscopic world where strange, comical creatures live. The sheer detail and strange biology always elicit a chuckle.
7. "The Lab": A lab filled with scientists meticulously performing experiments on a single, oversized fly. The scale is utterly disproportionate and humorous.
8. "The Evolutionary Tree": A humorous take on the evolutionary tree diagram, pointing out the unexpected progression of species.
9. "The Alien Autopsy": A classic and slightly disturbing, yet hilarious, take on alien autopsy, playing on classic sci-fi tropes.
10. "The Dinosaur in the Backyard": A seemingly ordinary family barbecue features a giant dinosaur. This one encapsulates the absurdity that Far Side excelled at.

The Weird and Wonderful:

11. "The Wedding": An unusual wedding procession featuring a wide variety of strange creatures. The humor lies in the unexpected guests.
12. "The Family Portrait": A hilariously unsettling family portrait that highlights the strangeness of familial relationships. The expressions are key.
13. "The Meeting": A panel showing a meeting where creatures from every corner of the Far Side universe attend. The diversity is staggering.
14. "The Night Sky": A humorous depiction of the night sky, where constellations have been replaced with far more unusual imagery.
15. "The Haunted House": A typical haunted house scene but with a twist, making the unexpected the funny part.

Human Nature and Society:

16. "The Job Interview": A humorous and sadly relatable take on the job interview process, highlighting societal awkwardness.
17. "The Office Meeting": A meeting gone wrong, showcasing some of the most universally relatable workplace anxieties and absurdities.
18. "The Telephone": A phone conversation where both parties have vastly different interpretations of the same situation.
19. "The Department Store": An absurd take on the often strange experiences in department stores.
20. "The School": A hilariously awkward depiction of some common yet unusual experiences in schools.

Nature's Little Jokes:

21. "The Hiking Trip": A whimsical take on the unexpected happenings in nature, especially for outdoor adventurers.
22. "The Wildlife Preserve": A comical yet disturbing take on the wild and the relationship between humans and nature.
23. "The Birds": A flock of birds engage in peculiar yet comical behavior, showcasing nature's unpredictable and absurd side.
24. "The Fish": A comical underwater scene showcasing an odd variety of sea creatures and their quirky personalities.
25. "The Insects": A magnified view of insects, showing their strange and often gross world.

The Unexpected and Unforgettable:

26. "The Doctor": A doctor's office visit where things go sideways, in the way that only Larson could pull off.
27. "The Restaurant": A bizarre restaurant scene with unexpected clientele and situations.
28. "The Movie Theater": The absurd events in a movie theater, highlighting the unpredictable events and odd people.
29. "The Funeral": A dark yet hilarious take on funerals and death, with a unique twist from Larson.
30. "The Caveman": A hilariously anachronistic look at cavemen and their seemingly modern dilemmas.

This list offers a glimpse into the diverse humor of The Far Side. While many more deserve mention, these 30 represent the range and enduring appeal of Gary Larson's unforgettable work. Discovering your own personal favorites is part of the lasting legacy of this beloved comic strip. Remember to search online using descriptive phrases to find the specific images!