The Far Side offers a unique blend of absurdity and dark humor that often goes over children's heads. Here's a look at ten of the funniest Far Side Comics that adults will find particularly amusing.
1. Morbid Dingo/Baby Joke
One of the most notorious comics features a nursery situated neighboring a business called "Ed's Dingo Farm." Here, children are playing just out of sight while the dingos linger nearby, gazing hungrily. This comic takes a dark twist, referencing a tragedy from the '80s involving a woman, Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, who claimed her baby was taken by a dingo, only to have her story dismissed until evidence emerged years later. Adults may recognize the gravity of this reference, while children remain blissfully unaware of the dark undertones.
2. Hangover Joke
A man lies unconscious in bed post-party, surrounded by a group of scorpions operating a beer tap out of one of his shoes. This scene provides an absurd twist on the hangover concept, as the scorpions become inebriated, hinting at unseen consequences when the man awakens. While the comedic imagery is straightforward, adults connect the dots about reckless behavior and its aftermath, which children cannot appreciate.
3. Presumptuous Clown
After a night out, a male clown is dropping his date off, armed with a pie meant for her face. When she declines, stating she doesn't do that on the first date, an adult understands the underlying sexual innuendo. To a child, however, the notion is lost as they observe merely a silly clown wanting to play a trick. This comic highlights how adult humor comics can cleverly disguise more mature themes behind a child-friendly facade.
4. Infidelity, Murder, and… Bears?
In a bizarre twist, a hunter enters a bear cave with nefarious intent, only to be fatally ambushed by his wife, dressed in a bear costume. The outrageous narrative—infidelity, no less—provides adults with a dark chuckle, while kids likely see it only as a wacky scene involving animals. This strip is a testament to Gary Larson's knack for blending absurd situations with adult dilemmas.
5. Wolf ‘Quack-Heads’
This comic features a pack of wolves engaging in dubious behavior by 'snorting' ducks. It's humor rooted in wordplay that resonates with adults while eluding younger readers, making it one of those unusual comic strips that become funnier the more you understand. The visual of wolves with ducks up their noses presents physical comedy that stands alone, showcasing Larson's humor without explicit narratives.
6. Inflatable Cow Dolls
Portraying two bulls inflating a life-size cow doll may seem innocuous to kids, but adults quickly recognize its overtones. Describing the doll as “looking good” implies adult themes well beyond the reach of younger audiences. Why would Larson create such absurd imagery? It showcases his ability to intertwine child-like humor with an adult perspective in a way that only Far Side Comics can do effectively.
7. Dolphin Mariticide
In a world where dolphins act as humans, one dolphin wife seems to be disposing of her husband in what appears to be a canning operation. Adults see the humor in the commentary on domestic issues and dark humor, while children only view it as more dolphin antics. The depth of this joke is layered, emphasizing that the dark humor in comics can often be both a delight and a dilemma for adult readers.
8. “The Donner Party Memorial”
Tourists at the memorial find themselves facing a sandwich with a human foot sticking out. To kids, this is merely a funny image while adults grapple with the historical reference to the tragic circumstances of the Donner Party. This complex interplay between the juxtaposition of humor and dark history is what makes The Far Side such a prolific series for adults.
9. Fish Mobsters
In this comic, a fish, caught in styrofoam, struggles to breach the surface. The humorous twist on the phrase 'sleeping with the fishes' may bewilder younger audiences, while adults easily connect it to crime lore. Larson’s clever interpretations provide a layer of understanding that children are unlikely to grasp, presenting comedy that resonates more deeply with adult sensibilities.
10. Viral Outbreak
A classic Far Side Comics scenario finds scientists who accidentally release a jar of green ooze in a public space. Adults see the looming threat of a viral outbreak and the inherent dark humor in the situation, whereas kids simply view fun scientists and colorful ooze. This intellectual play on the implications of scientific discovery and human error lands differently across age demographics, showcasing Larson’s ability to connect with adult readers.
Many Far Side Comics frequently layer meanings that require adult comprehension. Children may enjoy the funny pictures, but it’s the adults who truly appreciate the brilliance of Gary Larson's humor. His ability to weave dark themes into absurdity makes The Far Side a timeless piece of adult-oriented humor while remaining deceptively cute for younger audiences.