The Far Side Cartoons A Comic Review of Timeless Laughs
Best of The Far Side Cartoons kicks off this nostalgic comic review, diving headfirst into Gary Larson’s hilariously warped world of cows, dogs, insects, and clueless humans. This collection features 20 of Larson’s most brilliant single-panel masterpieces—each a mix of dry wit, absurdity, and visual punchlines that leave a mark. Whether you’re an old fan or discovering The Far Side for the first time, you’re in for a treat.
About Artist Gary Larson
Gary Larson is a legendary cartoonist best known for his groundbreaking comic strip The Far Side, which ran from 1980 to 1995. A master of surreal and satirical humor, Larson’s comics often feature anthropomorphic animals, awkward scientists, and everyday moments with a twist. He’s received multiple awards, including the Reuben Award from the National Cartoonists Society. Larson’s distinctive style—simple line art with just enough detail to land the joke—has inspired generations of cartoonists. Despite stepping away from regular publication, his work remains timeless, bizarre, and endlessly funny.
#1 A Truck Named Reuben.
A man jolts awake as a truck ominously labeled “REUBEN” creeps through traffic. Cue existential dread. Larson hilariously nails that feeling of your name being out there in the universe… on something large and deadly.
#2 Deader Than Dead.
In the middle of a possum showdown, one little critter brags, “My dad can act deader than your dad.” This cartoon is pure Larson—dark, weird, and somehow completely adorable.
#3 Decoy Defense.
Caught in the act? Not if you have a decoy! A furious bird spouse confronts her guilty-looking partner. The punchline? A perfectly ridiculous excuse only a Far Side turkey could deliver.
#4 Rod & Staff.
Biblical wordplay meets a fishing boat in this cheeky take: “J. W. Miller with his staff and rod.” Larson’s literal take on idioms always lands—especially when delivered with a side of grumpy fishermen.
#5 Work Order from Hell.
Hell’s admin discovers a small numbering error that accidentally assigned a poor soul to the wrong afterlife department. That’s what happens when you hold the work order upside down!
#6 Houdini’s Final Trick.
Houdini may have escaped handcuffs, straightjackets, and tanks… but Chinese finger traps? That’s where even the best magician draws the line. A dark and clever tribute.
#7 Vacation Detour.
A flock of hummingbirds flies over suburbia when the little one pleads, “Dad! There’s a feeder… Can we stop?” The Far Side’s take on family road trips—only birdier.
#8 Thirsty Icebreaker.
At a watering hole, a snake breaks the silence: “So… come here often?” It’s equal parts predator and pick-up line, and 100% classic Far Side awkwardness.
#9 Followed by the Dog.
In a surreal twist, a couple in a car panics as a taxi dog “follows” them. Larson turns everyday paranoia into laugh-out-loud absurdity.
#10 Kangaroo Confusion.
Police lineups are hard enough—add kangaroos and wallabies, and you’ve got full-on comedy chaos. “Don’t rush me!” the flustered witness insists. Understandable, honestly.
#11 Big-Handed Johnson.
Coach shouts, “Keep that hand in his face!” The punchline? Johnson’s cartoonishly massive hand nearly takes up the whole panel. It’s exaggerated absurdity at its best.
#12 Targeted by Nature.
Humans stroll through the park, oblivious to the bullseyes painted on their heads—from a bird’s POV. Larson flips perspectives in the most laughably lethal way.
#13 Misjudged Dog.
A dog rests in hell, and a shocked bystander exclaims, “I always assumed he was just a bad dog.” Misunderstandings don’t get more infernal than this.
#14 Tree Rage.
An underground tree-guardian mole pulls an angry tantrum after someone dares eat his apple. Bonus points for the subterranean security system complete with traps.
#15 Cat vs. Canine Propaganda.
A dog-led seminar points out feline trickery—complete with a laser-pointer-style presentation. “Trickery! Trickery!” shouts the canine lecturer. Paranoia never looked so fluffy.
#16 Dog with a Mission.
“Harold! The dog’s trying to blow up the house again!” One of the wildest setups yet—because in Larson’s world, even dogs are amateur anarchists.
#17 Bison Break-In.
A bison herd casually walks into a woman’s living room. “Just roaming,” they explain. This panel is so weirdly polite it’s impossible not to laugh.
#18 Poison Placement.
In a rat family kitchen, mom wonders aloud why they keep rat poison near the cereal. It’s meta, it’s dark, and it’s a masterclass in rodent logic.
#19 Historical Hazard.
At Bunker Hill, Charles “Bugeyed” Bingham has one job—wait until you see the whites of their eyes. Unluckily, his own eyes are a dead giveaway.
#20 Cartoon Symbolism.
Two explorers realize they’re boxed in. “That’s the international cartoon symbol for glass!” Larson parodies his own cartooning techniques with perfect tongue-in-cheek brilliance.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Gary Larson’s The Far Side still gets passed around decades later—his offbeat humor, surreal scenarios, and deadpan delivery are comic gold. From possum brags to demon paperwork, the Best of The Far Side Cartoons delivers punchlines that stay with you long after the laugh fades.
Credit: All comics featured are by Gary Larson.
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