Far Side Wordless Comics: Penguin Gag June 8 1994, Fly Squad May 29 1988

Gary Larson has resumed drawing new installments of his acclaimed comic strip, The Far Side, making them available on the comic’s official website starting in July 2020. This marks the return of the cartoonist’s unique humor after a 25-year absence from new material.

The Far Side originally ran from 1980 to 1995. During its initial run, the strip was featured in over 1,900 newspapers globally and translated into 17 languages. Its popularity extended to merchandise, including calendars, greeting cards, and 23 compilation books. Reruns of the original strips continue to be published in many newspapers.

Gary Larson’s Return to ‘The Far Side’

Gary Larson, the creator of The Far Side, has returned to drawing new comic strips. After a hiatus of 25 years, Larson began releasing new material in July 2020. These new comics are available through the official The Far Side website.

During its original syndication, The Far Side was featured in more than 1,900 daily newspapers. The comic was also translated into 17 languages. Its enduring popularity led to its collection in calendars, greeting cards, and 23 compilation books. Reruns of the original strips are still carried in many newspapers.

The Enduring Appeal of ‘The Far Side’

Gary Larson’s The Far Side remains popular due to his mastery of both subtle and uncomplicated humor. His single-panel comic strip ran from 1980 to 1995, consistently featuring his unique brand of subversive and silly humor with new characters and scenarios.

Larson’s range of comedy, from broad sight gags enjoyable by children to understated jokes requiring careful examination, kept the strip fresh for its 15-year run. This balance of humor styles contributed significantly to its lasting appeal among readers.

Examining Wordless ‘Far Side’ Comics

Wordless comics offer a clear illustration of Gary Larson’s artistic range in The Far Side. While many strips included captions or word bubbles, Larson also presented single images without any text. These wordless panels sometimes relied on their inherent simplicity, while other times the absence of words encouraged reader engagement to uncover the joke.

A penguin slipping on a banana peel on ice, first published on June 8, 1994, exemplifies Larson’s purely silly humor.

In contrast, a Sunday strip from May 29, 1988, depicting a fly firing squad, offers a darker, more subtle joke that rewards closer observation. This complex panel benefited from the broader format of a Sunday strip.

Other wordless examples include a strip from March 31, 1981, which presents a mini comedy puzzle about a woman facing the wrong way out of a fiery window.

An August 14, 1984, comic shows a frog catching an airplane, offering an uncomplicated visual gag. A strip from May 9, 1985, features fish playing baseball in their bowl, a simple, absurd sight gag.

The strip from March 8, 1988, also functions as a puzzle, where the humor is only apparent once the viewer realizes the man on the boat has his foot on the diver’s hose.

Finally, a strip from March 15, 1980, implies a dark joke where a woman opening a window has accidentally knocked a window washer off his platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Gary Larson started drawing new Far Side comics?

Yes, Gary Larson began drawing new Far Side strips in July 2020, making them available on the comic’s official website after a 25-year hiatus.

Why is The Far Side still popular?

The Far Side remains popular due to Gary Larson’s skillful blend of subtle and uncomplicated humor, which kept the single-panel comic strip fresh and engaging for its 15-year run.

What are some great examples of wordless Far Side comics?

Notable wordless Far Side comics include a penguin slipping on ice from June 8, 1994, a fly firing squad from May 29, 1988, and a frog catching an airplane from August 14, 1984.

When did The Far Side originally run?

The Far Side originally ran from 1980 until 1995, during which time Gary Larson produced new material for the comic strip.

Gary Larson’s return to drawing new Far Side strips provides fans with fresh content. The comic’s enduring appeal, stemming from its unique humor, is now accessible through its official website, continuing the legacy of the popular single-panel comic.