Classic Dark Humor is a unique flavor of comedy that makes us giggle and grimace in equal measure. In this comic review, we dive headfirst into 20 iconic cartoons that blend absurdity with morbid wit. If you love punchlines that make you laugh and question your morals, this roundup is tailor-made for your twisted taste. These dark gems from the legendary Gary Larson (creator of The Far Side) are a masterclass in delivering the macabre through one-panel genius
About the Artist – Gary Larson
Gary Larson, the iconic mind behind The Far Side, redefined comic art with a bizarre, brainy twist. Launching his single-panel series in 1980, Larson’s comics quickly became known for their offbeat, often dark humor. His ability to turn cows, dogs, and random scientists into comedic gold earned him millions of fans across the globe.
Larson retired in 1995 but returned with new digital work in 2020. Over the years, he’s received accolades like the National Cartoonists Society Reuben Award. His signature style? Sharp lines, surreal situations, and a serious commitment to making people laugh at things they probably shouldn’t.
#1 The Wicket Mess.
At Knudsen’s Wickets factory, something sweetly sticky has gone wrong — and the boss wants answers. The setup is classic office blame culture, but with molasses. It’s a brilliant satire of workplace absurdity — and as far as corporate callouts go, this one’s deliciously dark.
#2 Dog Paddle Olympics.
A dog swimming competition, where “dog paddle” is more than just a style. This comic perfectly captures Larson’s love of wordplay and anthropomorphized animals. Who knew canine sports commentary could be this deadpan?
#3 Hangman’s Knot Tutorial.
There’s gallows humor, and then there’s this. Watching two bumbling executioners struggle with knot-tying instructions while a prisoner waits below is as wrong as it is hilarious. Morbid? Yes. Clever? Definitely.
#4 Harvesting Tigers.
It’s tiger season, and these two dog-farmers are evaluating their strange fruit. Growing predators like apples? Only in the Far Side universe. The punchline casually acknowledges the dangers of farming wild animals.
#5 Wrong End of the Horse.
Set in a classic Western saloon, this comic uses perspective, timing, and good ol’ slapstick to deliver a visual gag with some cringe-inducing implications. You’ll never unsee it — and that’s the point.
#6 Jungle Nest Envy.
Three gorillas spy on a neighbor who’s clearly gone bougie — his nest has a futon. It’s an oddly modern jungle jab at materialism. As always, Larson turns animal behavior into scathing social satire.
#7 Cheetah Cravings.
These cheetahs are tired of the usual “old and sick” menu. They want something fresh. It’s a savage twist on nature’s harsh rules — and how predators might just get bored with leftovers.
#8 Killer Poodles.
Fluffy and the gang have a plan. Sadly for the pampering human, it ends in death. This comic turns our assumptions about cute animals into a chilling joke, proving even poodles have a dark side.
#9 Entomologist’s Fate.
A murdered scientist pinned like one of his own specimens. Only Gary Larson can make a forensic investigation into an entomologist’s death seem like bug humor meets CSI. Creepy. Brilliant.
#10 Pig Hostage Crisis.
The Millers just “dropped in on the pigs for coffee” — and now they’re trapped by a menacing wolf. Larson flips fairy tales on their head, with pigs as socialites and predators as party crashers.
#11 Lumberjack Sliver Surprise.
Two loggers search for a tiny sliver — while the chainsaw lies ominously beside them. If you didn’t flinch imagining what happened off-frame, you might be tougher than most. A true visual gut punch.
#12 Pinocchio’s Final Wish.
Be careful what you wish for, especially around lions. Pinocchio becomes a real boy at the worst possible moment. The absurd timing is what makes this joke so perfectly dark.
#13 Cattle Revolution Fail.
Bulls plotting a revolution is funny. Discovering a disguised cow among them? Classic. Larson’s love of infiltrators and goofy espionage never gets old — even when it’s bovine-themed.
#14 Cockpit Catastrophe.
Two pilots on the floor, blindly searching for lost contact lenses mid-flight. Not exactly the turbulence you expect. The situational irony here is sky-high — literally.
#15 Moving Monsters.
New neighbors? Just a couple of Godzilla-looking beasts. The advice: ignore them, or they’ll get you. Paranoia, denial, and satire all rolled into one moving-day nightmare.
#16 Not-So-Gentle Interrogation.
During a tense questioning, an officer comforts a witness — while another cop literally reenacts the scare. A chilling mix of comedy and inappropriateness, all in a single panel.
#17 The Plastic Eye Reveal.
Neighborhood drama unfolds as a kid exposes a man’s secret — his plastic eye. The fallout? Instant social ruin. Larson’s comics often hinge on the ridiculous weight of little things, and this one’s no exception.
#18 Bear Party Anxiety.
This bear refuses to go to a party because — wait for it — he never learned how to shake hands. A social anxiety comic wrapped in fur and formality, with an extra dash of hilarity.
#19 Armed Pets.
A dog and cat wielding automatic weapons (thankfully empty), while their owners bicker over safety protocols. Larson again toys with roles and responsibility, and the outcome is equal parts funny and terrifying.
#20 Poker Night With Bears.
Bears and humans playing cards in a cabin? Normal. Getting accused of cheating? Also normal — if your grandpa warned you that “you can’t trust a grizzly.” It’s wild-west comedy with tooth and claw.
Final Thoughts on These Classic Dark Humor Cartoons
Dark humor isn’t for everyone — but for those who get it, it’s an unmatched delight. These Classic Dark Humor cartoons blend clever wit, morbid ideas, and unexpected punchlines to hilarious effect. From talking cheetahs to shady poodles, Gary Larson’s twisted imagination remains one of the finest examples of how funny the uncomfortable can be.
Credit: All comics featured are by Gary Larson, the creator of The Far Side.
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