6 Wordless Far Side Comics

Gary Larson's The Far Side comics are known for their subtle humor and ability to make readers do a double take. The comics often feature absurd and ridiculous situations, including those with clowns and snakes. Larson himself described his humor as 'confusing, obtuse, esoteric, and strange'.

The Far Side was originally published in newspapers on the funny pages, where it stood out for its unique style and format. Unlike conventional comic strips, The Far Side was usually a single panel with or without a caption. Omitting a caption was one way for Larson to force readers to stop and pay closer attention to his work.

One of The Far Side comics features a snake and a man skinny dipping in a pond. The comic, 'Skinny Dipping With A Snake', depicts a man's clothes on the right side of the pond and a snake's shed skin on the left side. This visual punchline requires a closer look to understand the joke.

Larson also produced a comic in 1984 featuring clowns sticking people up with pies. This comic is often cited as one of the funniest and darkest of The Far Side comics starring clowns. In contrast, Larson has said that one of his worst comics was published on October 3, 1994, and features two clowns in a back alley.

The Far Side comics often take a beat for the punchline to register, making them attention-grabbing and thought-provoking. Larson's mastery of the double take has made his comics memorable and iconic. Whether featuring clowns, snakes, or other absurd situations, The Far Side comics continue to entertain and intrigue readers.

## Why it matters The Far Side comics matter because they have become a cultural phenomenon, with their unique style and humor influencing many other cartoonists and comedians. Larson's ability to create attention-grabbing and thought-provoking comics has made him a legendary figure in the world of cartooning. The Far Side comics continue to be widely read and enjoyed today, with their subtle humor and absurd situations remaining timeless and universal.

## What happens next As The Far Side comics continue to be widely read and enjoyed, it is likely that they will remain a cultural phenomenon for years to come. Larson's legacy as a cartoonist and humorist will continue to inspire new generations of cartoonists and comedians. The Far Side comics will remain a beloved and iconic part of popular culture, with their unique style and humor continuing to entertain and intrigue readers.