Far Side Sunday Comics Turn 40

The Far Side's oversized Sunday comics, which debuted in 1986, are celebrating their 40th anniversary. The first oversized Sunday Far Side comic was published on May 4, 1986, featuring the memorable cartoon 'Tarzan Sweats The Cost Of Towing Tantor'. This was followed by another notable strip, 'Usually, These Big Tuskers Only Bluff', published on May 11, 1986.

The Far Side premiered in 1980 and initially ran as a weekday cartoon, with repeats on weekends. However, due to its growing popularity, the series expanded to seven days a week in 1986. This expansion also brought about a literal increase in size, with Sunday comics having about three times more space to work with.

The Far Side comic 'Tarzan Sweats The Cost Of Towing Tantor' is a great example of Gary Larson's humor. The cartoon features Tarzan riding in the cab of 'Andy's Towing' truck, with a thought balloon and a dollar sign hovering over his head as the truck carts a limp Tantor the elephant through the jungle. This visual punchline is a trademark of Larson's humor, making a common problem like car breakdowns and towing a hilarious issue for Tarzan.

The Far Side has a vast collection of over 4300 comic strips, with many memorable cartoons that have become a part of pop culture. The series has been widely acclaimed for its unique blend of humor, irony, and clever puns. Gary Larson's work on The Far Side has been praised by fans and critics alike, with many considering him a master of his craft.

## Why it matters The 40th anniversary of The Far Side's oversized Sunday comics is a significant milestone in the history of the series. It marks a major achievement for Gary Larson, who has been able to entertain and engage audiences with his unique brand of humor for decades. The Far Side has become a cultural phenomenon, with its cartoons being widely shared and referenced in popular culture.

The impact of The Far Side can be seen in its influence on other cartoonists and comedians. The series has been widely praised for its originality and creativity, and has inspired a new generation of cartoonists and humorists. The Far Side's 40th anniversary is a celebration of Gary Larson's contribution to the world of comedy and cartooning, and a testament to the enduring power of his humor.

## What happens next As The Far Side continues to celebrate its 40th anniversary, fans can expect to see more memorable cartoons and strips being shared and re-released. The series has already been widely acclaimed, and its influence can be seen in many other areas of popular culture. With its unique blend of humor, irony, and clever puns, The Far Side is sure to continue entertaining audiences for years to come.

The Far Side's legacy is a testament to the power of humor and creativity. Gary Larson's work on the series has inspired a generation of cartoonists and comedians, and his influence can be seen in many other areas of popular culture. As the series continues to celebrate its 40th anniversary, fans can expect to see more of the same humor and creativity that has made The Far Side a beloved and iconic part of our cultural landscape.