Top 10 Funniest Far Side Comics About Wild Animals

Hey there, comedy lovers and wildlife enthusiasts! Get ready to dive into the hilarious world of The Far Side with a countdown of the 10 funniest comics featuring our wild animal friends. Gary Larson, the mastermind behind this iconic comic strip, has a knack for capturing the quirky and often absurd side of animal behavior, making us laugh while pondering the mysteries of the animal kingdom. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the funniest Far Side comics ever created!

Why The Far Side is So Hilarious

Before we unleash the laughter, let's explore why The Far Side has tickled our funny bones for decades. Gary Larson's genius lies in his ability to blend intellectual humor with surreal situations. His comics often feature animals in human-like scenarios, or humans interacting with animals in unexpected ways. The humor is derived from the juxtaposition of the mundane and the bizarre, the familiar and the outlandish.

Larson's comics aren't just about silly drawings; they're about observing the world through a unique lens. He often plays on scientific concepts, cultural references, and everyday social situations, adding a layer of cleverness to the humor. This is why The Far Side appeals to a wide audience, from science nerds to casual comic readers.

Moreover, the single-panel format of The Far Side demands concise storytelling. Each comic is a miniature comedic masterpiece, conveying a complete narrative in just one frame. This brevity enhances the punchline, making the humor even more impactful. The combination of wit, whimsy, and the unexpected is what makes The Far Side a timeless classic in the world of comics.

Ranking the Funniest: What Makes a Comic Top-Tier?

When ranking the funniest Far Side comics, several factors come into play. It's not just about the initial laugh; it's about the lasting impact of the humor. A truly funny comic stays with you, popping into your head at unexpected moments, making you chuckle all over again. Here’s what we considered:

• Originality and Concept: Does the comic present a fresh and inventive idea? Does it explore a unique perspective on animal behavior or human-animal interactions? Comics that break the mold and offer something new score higher.
• Humor and Wit: Is the comic genuinely funny? Does it elicit a strong laugh, a subtle chuckle, or a knowing smile? The effectiveness of the humor is paramount. We looked for comics that nail the punchline and deliver a satisfying comedic payoff.
• Relatability and Observation: Does the comic tap into universal experiences or observations about the world? Do the characters (human or animal) behave in ways that resonate with our understanding of behavior? Comics that connect with our own experiences often leave a more significant impression.
• Artistic Execution: While The Far Side's art style is intentionally simple, the execution is crucial. Does the artwork effectively convey the humor? Do the expressions and body language of the characters enhance the comedic effect? Even the simplest drawings can be incredibly expressive.
• Lasting Impact: Does the comic stay with you after you've read it? Does it make you think, laugh, or share it with others? Comics that have a lasting impact are the true gems. These are the ones that become part of our shared cultural lexicon.

With these criteria in mind, let's count down the 10 funniest Far Side comics featuring wild animals!

The Countdown: Top 10 Funniest Far Side Comics

10. The Midvale School for the Gifted

This classic Far Side comic is instantly recognizable and perpetually funny. It features a seemingly ordinary door labeled "The Midvale School for the Gifted." However, the humor comes from the unexpected: a child is shown pushing on a pull door, perfectly encapsulating the idea of a gifted individual's quirky misinterpretation of everyday things. The comic’s genius lies in its simple yet profound observation about how intelligence doesn't always translate to common sense.

It makes you wonder about the nature of giftedness itself. Is it about excelling in academic pursuits, or is it about having a unique perspective, even if that perspective leads to occasional mishaps? The comic also subtly critiques the education system, implying that even the gifted can sometimes miss the obvious. The visual gag of the push-pull door is brilliantly executed, creating an immediate laugh, while the underlying message about intelligence and perception gives the comic staying power. This comic’s charm is in its ability to make us laugh at the absurdity of the situation, while also prompting us to reflect on our own perceptions and assumptions. It's a testament to Larson's talent for blending visual humor with thoughtful commentary, making it a memorable and highly relatable piece.

9. Cow Tools

"Cow Tools" is one of The Far Side's most infamous and debated comics. It depicts a cow standing at a workbench, displaying a collection of oddly shaped objects labeled as "tools." The humor, or rather the lack thereof for some, stems from the fact that none of the tools are recognizable or useful. This comic sparked countless interpretations and discussions, with many readers trying to decipher the purpose of the tools. Larson himself later explained that the comic was simply meant to be absurd, highlighting the human tendency to find meaning where there is none.

This comic's brilliance is in its ability to provoke thought and discussion. It challenges our assumptions about animal intelligence and our desire to categorize and understand everything. The ambiguous nature of the tools invites us to project our own interpretations onto them, making the comic a sort of Rorschach test for the mind. The reactions to "Cow Tools" are just as interesting as the comic itself, ranging from confusion to frustration to amusement. Some see it as a commentary on human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of progress, while others view it as a simple joke about animal clumsiness. Regardless of interpretation, "Cow Tools" stands as a testament to The Far Side's ability to stir the pot and get people talking.

8. The Polar Bear Club

This comic depicts a group of polar bears gathered around a hole in the ice, fishing. One bear is holding a stick with a skull attached to the end, using it as bait. The brilliance of this comic lies in its dark humor and unexpected twist. It plays on our understanding of polar bear behavior while adding a macabre element that is both funny and unsettling.

The image of the polar bear using a skull as bait is unexpectedly clever, highlighting the harsh realities of survival in the Arctic. The comic also subtly comments on the cycle of life and death, presenting it in a darkly humorous way. The stark simplicity of the drawing enhances the impact of the joke, drawing attention to the absurdity of the situation. It's a great example of how Larson can take a natural scene and inject it with a dose of the surreal, making us laugh while also contemplating the grim realities of the natural world. This comic is memorable because it blends humor with a touch of the macabre, making it a darkly funny commentary on survival and adaptation.

7. Penguin Jokes

This comic features a group of penguins standing in a line, seemingly waiting for something. The caption reads, "Sure, they're cute... but have you ever tried living next to them?" This simple setup perfectly captures the juxtaposition between our perception of animals and the reality of living with them. The humor lies in the unexpected twist: we often view penguins as adorable creatures, but the comic suggests that their constant presence could be quite irritating.

It's a relatable joke for anyone who has ever lived near loud neighbors or dealt with the constant antics of pets. The comic's strength is in its understated humor and its ability to tap into everyday frustrations. The image of the penguins, lined up and seemingly innocuous, contrasts sharply with the implied annoyance in the caption, creating a comedic effect. Larson's genius is in taking a common observation and twisting it into a funny scenario, reminding us that even the cutest animals can be a nuisance. The comic is memorable because it captures a universal truth about the challenges of cohabitation, making us laugh at the absurdity of our own everyday irritations.

6. Lion and the Tourist

In this comic, a lion is shown standing in the middle of a jungle clearing, wearing a Hawaiian shirt and holding a camera. The caption reads, "The tourist lion." The humor here is subtle yet effective, playing on the stereotype of the tourist while also inverting our expectations of animal behavior. We're used to seeing tourists taking pictures of lions, but this comic flips the script, portraying the lion as the tourist.

The lion's attire and posture perfectly capture the essence of the stereotypical tourist, creating a funny visual contrast. The comic also subtly comments on the human tendency to invade and observe the natural world, suggesting that animals might view us in a similar way. It’s a clever commentary on cultural exchange and the way we perceive different roles and environments. The strength of this comic is in its simplicity and its ability to deliver a punchline with just a few elements. The image of the lion, dressed as a tourist, is instantly memorable and funny, making it a classic example of The Far Side's observational humor.

5. Bear in the Fast-Food Restaurant

This comic depicts a bear ordering at a fast-food drive-thru. The bear says, "I'll have the salmonella burger, please." This comic is funny because of its clever wordplay and unexpected pun. It plays on the similarity between "salmon" and "salmonella," creating a humorous twist on a common fast-food order.

The joke is simple but effective, and it highlights Larson's skill with language. The image of the bear ordering at a drive-thru is also inherently funny, as it places a wild animal in a very human setting. The comic also subtly comments on the dangers of fast food, implying that even a bear might be susceptible to food poisoning. It is a testament to his sharp wit and ability to find humor in the unexpected. The combination of the visual gag and the clever pun makes this a memorable and laugh-out-loud funny comic.

4. Shark Support Group

This Far Side comic features a group of sharks sitting in a circle, seemingly attending a support group meeting. One shark is saying, "Okay, who wants to start?" This comic is hilarious because it humanizes the sharks, portraying them as creatures with emotional needs and social anxieties. It plays on our understanding of support groups while also inverting our perception of sharks as fearsome predators.

The image of sharks in a support group setting is unexpected and funny, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. The comic also subtly comments on human psychology, suggesting that even the most fearsome creatures might benefit from social support. It is a clever blend of animal behavior and human social dynamics. The strength of this comic is in its ability to take a familiar concept and apply it to an unexpected subject, creating a humorous and thought-provoking result. The combination of the visual and the caption makes this a classic example of The Far Side's signature humor.

3. Giraffe Problems

This comic shows two giraffes standing in a field. One giraffe is saying to the other, "I hate these low-hanging branches!" The humor in this comic is derived from the simple and relatable complaint of the giraffe. It highlights the challenges of being a giraffe, specifically their height, in a humorous way.

The joke is straightforward but effective, as it taps into our understanding of the animal's unique anatomy. The image of the giraffe complaining about low-hanging branches is inherently funny, as it presents a mundane problem in an absurd context. The comic also subtly comments on the challenges of adaptation, suggesting that even the most well-adapted creatures face everyday annoyances. It is a humorous reminder that everyone has their own unique set of challenges, regardless of their physical traits. The simplicity of the joke and its universal relatability make this a truly funny and memorable comic.

2. The Trouble with Squirrels

This Far Side comic shows a dog standing in front of a tree, looking up at a group of squirrels. The caption reads, "The trouble with squirrels is, they always act like they have something to hide." This comic is hilarious because it captures the age-old rivalry between dogs and squirrels while also adding a layer of comedic paranoia. It plays on the dog's perspective, portraying the squirrels as mysterious and secretive creatures.

The humor is in the dog's anthropomorphic thoughts, ascribing human-like motives to the squirrels' behavior. The image of the dog, staring intently at the squirrels, is inherently funny, as it perfectly captures the dog's frustrated curiosity. The comic also subtly comments on the human tendency to project our own anxieties and suspicions onto others. It is a witty commentary on interspecies relations and the way we perceive the motivations of others. The combination of the visual and the caption makes this one of The Far Side's most memorable and relatable jokes.

1. The Far Side School of Driving

At the pinnacle of our countdown is “The Far Side School of Driving.” This comic is pure comedic genius. It depicts a classroom scene where a group of bears are learning to drive. The twist? The instructor is showing a slide of a mangled human-sized car with the caption, “What not to do.” This is The Far Side at its finest: dark humor, unexpected scenarios, and impeccable timing.

What makes this comic so brilliant is its subversive nature. It takes a mundane human activity—learning to drive—and turns it into a darkly hilarious commentary on predator-prey relationships. The image of bears learning to drive is already funny, but the slide of the mangled car elevates the humor to another level. It's a visual punchline that perfectly encapsulates The Far Side's signature blend of wit and absurdity. This comic stays with you because it's not just funny; it's clever. It makes you think about the world from a different perspective, even if that perspective is a bit twisted. The Far Side School of Driving is a masterpiece of comedic storytelling, and it rightfully earns the top spot on our list.

The Enduring Legacy of The Far Side

And there you have it – our countdown of the 10 funniest Far Side comics featuring wild animals! Gary Larson's genius continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, proving that humor can be both intelligent and absurd. His unique perspective on the animal kingdom and human behavior has left an indelible mark on the world of comics.

The Far Side teaches us to laugh at the unexpected, to question our assumptions, and to appreciate the quirks of both humans and animals. So, keep those chuckles coming and remember to always look at the world with a Far Side kind of humor!