The Far Side Comics by Gary Larson have captivated readers for decades with their surreal humor, talking animals, and twisted takes on daily life. With just a single panel, Larson managed to deliver punchlines that were as clever as they were absurd. This list highlights 10 of the funniest and most iconic Far Side comics that show why Larson remains a legend in cartooning.
Artist Bio
Gary Larson is one of the most celebrated cartoonists of all time, best known for creating the single-panel comic series The Far Side, which ran from 1980 to 1995 in more than 1,900 newspapers. His work quickly stood out for its offbeat humor, talking cows, awkward scientists, and exaggerated depictions of animal intelligence and human stupidity.
Winner of the Reuben Award and multiple honors from the National Cartoonists Society, Larson’s genius lies in his ability to twist reality just enough to highlight its inherent absurdity. The Far Side isn’t just a comic Strippit’s a mirror reflecting the strange, hilarious corners of the human (and animal) mind.
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1. Doomed Dinosaurs’ Briefing
A dinosaur addresses his fellow reptiles with grim climate updates and a not-so-inspiring reminder of their tiny walnut-sized brains. It’s a brilliant take on extinction with a comically tragic spin. Larson manages to pack evolutionary science and self-deprecating humor into one delightfully absurd prehistoric boardroom meeting.
2. Ping Pong in Purgatory
A lone newcomer to hell is welcomed by a sweaty, menacing opponent who warns him of nonstop ping pong battles for dominance. The twist? Even in the afterlife, there’s office-style pressure and competition. Larson’s hell isn’t flames—it’s the eternal treadmill of awkward social dynamics.
3. Ostrich at the Bar
A lonely ostrich tries to flirt at a bar, lamenting its dictionary definition. It’s a bizarrely heartfelt moment in classic Far Side fashion—where the absurd becomes relatable. The setup is so weird, yet it somehow hits every awkward, charming note.
4. The Duck Conspiracy
Two ducks orchestrate a suspicious stair-related accident while their victim falls helplessly. The gag here is visual storytelling at its best: Larson delivers slapstick crime thriller vibes in one perfectly timed frame, starring… ducks. Hitchcock would be proud.
5. Thought Crimes in the Workplace
A man is fired for his thoughts alone reminded that, in cartoons, thought bubbles are fair game. This self-aware comic pokes fun at the very medium it’s drawn in. Larson turns workplace paranoia into something both cartoonish and oddly believable.
6. Grammatical Priorities Under Fire
A man pinned to a fence by an arrow critiques his enemies’ spelling instead of the fact he’s clearly been shot. This is peak Far Side: fatal chaos paired with smug pedantry. Larson hilariously exposes how misplaced priorities never go away—even in crisis.
7. Jonah’s Domestic Dram
Jonah returns from the belly of the beast, only to face more skepticism from his wife. Larson takes the biblical tale and turns it into a dry domestic argument, blending mythology and marital frustration into a single unforgettable frame.
8. Snake Pit Parenting
A mother scolds her husband for almost letting their kid tricycle into a literal pit of snakes in the living room. This surreal parenting fail feels like a cross between Looney Tunes and parenting blogs gone wrong—utterly ridiculous, yet oddly grounded.
9. The Mummy Appointment
At a corporate office, a mummy sits quietly in the waiting room while the receptionist informs the boss of a cursed visitor. Larson mashes up horror movies with the banality of corporate life, creating an eerie-yet-comical setup that feels too real.
10. Camel Faction Fight
A bar full of desert dwellers erupts in chaos over a debate between single-humped and double-humped camels. What begins as polite conversation quickly becomes all-out war. The absurd escalation, paired with such a ridiculous topic, is classic Larson: turning niche trivia into epic conflict.
11. Marriage Counseling, Medieval Style
In true Far Side fashion, a couple attends marriage counseling armed with pitchforks. The therapist, calmly suggesting they “vent their anger,” hilariously overlooks the obvious danger. Larson masterfully blends domestic tension with absurd props to spotlight how unhelpful advice can be when it misses the real issue. It’s marriage therapy meets rural rebellion—and it works because it’s so outrageously wrong. This panel proves that in Larson’s world, even conflict resolution needs protective gear.
Final Thoughts on Gary Larson’s Genius
The Far Side Comics by Gary Larson prove that the weirdest jokes are often the most brilliant. From cows to cavemen, barroom brawls to office drama, Larson’s universe never followed rules it rewrote them. His comics continue to resonate with anyone who appreciates humor that’s a little twisted, a little nerdy, and always unexpected.
Credit: All The Far Side comics featured in this article are created by Gary Larson and are syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate / Far Works, Inc. For more, visit the official site at TheFarSide.com. Explore more at TheHumorSide.com for your daily panel of hilarious genius!
