The Far Side comic strip created by Gary Larson epitomized the gloriously weird side of comic strip humor. Unabashedly surreal, each comic strip consisted of a mere panel. His background in biology provided insight to the relationship of creatures juxtaposed to humanity’s daily life experiences. More often than not, species collided in side-splitting absurd situations.
The Far Side had a syndicated run that lasted from 1980 to 1995. As a kid, I was an avid reader of comic strips in our local newspapers. When I first saw The Far Side, it took me a moment to understand the humor. It was radically different from anything I had seen previously. In my defense, Gary Larson often employed obscure references ranging from science to history. As my level of education increased, so too did my appreciation for his brand of humor. Sometimes though, it was all about the sight gag.
I especially appreciated Gary Larson’s irreverent approach to science and scientists in particular.
He often utilized anthropomorphism to hilarious effect.
Although Gary Larson retired The Far Side after 15 years, the comic strip remains popular throughout the world. Numerous The Far Side books (all of which were NY Times Best Sellers) are still in publication in addition to shirts, mugs, calendars, etc. Indeed, The Far Side remains as relevant today as it was back in the 1980s and 1990s.
Fun Fact: In 1989, the Committee on Evolutionary Biology honored Larson by naming a Mallophaga (chewing lice species) after him. These lice species are named “Strigiphilus garylarsoni”.
In 2020, Gary Larson has returned. “New Stuff” as well as his classic work can be found on his The Far Side official website.
