Comic strips have long been a prime source of amusement. The laughter inspired by the many talented cartoonists is a priceless commodity. When in need of a quick, uplifting experience, gag-a-days fits the bill. However, comic strips can also provide a somber reminder of aging.
Gary Larson’s The Far Side presents a sound example of how revisiting comic strips can make readers feel old. The series often employs pop-culture references destined to fade into obscurity. Changing social practices and new technologies contribute to this as well. Regardless of the reason, the best Far Side comics that make readers feel old can still make them laugh.
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The Far Side has some great real-life, timeless cameos. Script by Mandi Odoerfer and video edited by Gonzalo Lugo.
10
Mr. Ed’s Terrifying Secret Is Discovered
Publication Date: April 5, 1993
At this point, Mr. Ed has begun his slow fade into the realm of forgotten content. During the height of his show’s popularity, Mr. Ed entertained millions of viewers with his witty comebacks and comical comments. Unfortunately, that was long ago, and recognizing the reference makes readers feel old. Despite the humor of the gag, the gap in time provides an unwanted reminder.
Combined references in The Far Side satires typically create comedy. However, they rely heavily on preexisting knowledge of the source material. The literature acknowledged isn’t as well-known as it once was either. With neither piece of parodied content being relevant, recognition can also come with feeling old. Larson’s dual use of aging references finds this entry a place in the rankings.
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The Far Side’s Fake McCoys Aren’t as Amusing as The Real Ones
Publication Date: March 11, 1987
Another television sitcom fading into obscurity is The Real McCoys. The comical series gained popularity before the standardization of color television. As such, recognizing the reference comes with a somber reminder of getting older. The gag inspires a brief chuckle at best, making its promotion of thought more prevalent.
The parodied show centers on a family from West Virginia that inherits a farm in California. While color had been implemented in television, the show saw the majority of its episodes filmed in black and white. That fact adds to the humor of Larson’s satire but doesn’t save it from giving those who catch the comedy a sullen kick in the pants concerning the inevitable passing of time.
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An Aging Barnaby Makes Readers Empathetic
Publication Date: July 20, 1981
Sometimes, the amount of material connected to a satire presents a list too lengthy to account in a short manner. Such is the case when The Far Side parodies a man named Barnaby on a coin-operated mechanical horse. The scene inspires multiple lines of thought, most of which are humorous. However, when readers begin to think more critically about the comic and recognize certain connections, they begin to feel old.
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The prime source material used is the relationship between the parodied individual and larger, similar rides. Thoughts of an elderly man enjoying a children’s ride prove amusing without further context. If taken at face value, the strip inspires laughter. On the other hand, if a deeper examination is made, readers discover additional references, like those to old films, that give unwanted reminders.
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Gumby Proves Too Tough For Torture In The Far Side
Publication Date: April 5, 1990
Many readers can still remember watching Gumby as a child. The show featured stop-motion animation and was a staple children’s show for some time. While the character remains a presence in the media, the show’s popularity has slid. Readers who remember Gumby’s prime are given humor at a cost. Looking back at childhood experiences as an adult is a morbid reminder of aging.
The strip’s use of Gumby’s ability to stretch provides a source of comedy. Some readers unfamiliar with the character might be confused by the gag, but fans of the show will appreciate the irony of the situation. Larson’s depiction also does Gumby justice, looking much like the original. The only question remaining is; where is Gumby’s horse, Pokey?
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Fights Atop Trains In The Far Side Get Intense
Publication Date: Sep. 2, 1982
A trope often employed in action sequences, especially in Western films, is a suspenseful fight atop a speeding train. After an overuse of the concept, these types of scenes aren’t used nearly as often as in the past. A fact that makes readers feel old when considered. As humorous as the gag is, the joke also inspires thoughts of the changes in cinema as experienced by the reader.
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The Most Hilarious The Far Side Comics Published In 1982, Ranked
Unsurprisingly, 1982 was one of many great years for Gary Larson’s The Far Side.
Each decade has proven unique in the life of film. New technologies and changing cultural norms continually promote growth and create landmarks separating different ages. Although the change is positive, reminiscing on the matter comes with a sad reminder. Counting film eras is akin to acknowledging the number of decades past. Viewing time through this perspective relates to the aging process far more than it does to the intended gag.
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Laurel and Hardy Have Seen Better Days
Publication Date: March 18, 1980
Readers who recognize this Laurel and Hardy satire will undoubtedly feel old. After all, their famous partnership lasted from the early 1900s to the beginning of the 1950s. Their comedy duo might not have been the first of its kind, but it was the most popular and opened the door for similar work. Larson’s exaggerated scene embodies the spirit of Laurel and Hardy amusingly.
Unfortunately, the comic also provides a reminder of age. Laurel and Hardy’s act relied heavily on physical comedy and “tit-for-tat” dialogue. Their high jinks typically resulted in chaos and destruction of property. As such, the mushroom cloud behind the duo in Larson’s parody humorously represents the ultimate consequence for the unlucky pair. The use of an aged but recognizable reference gets this entry into the rankings.
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The Far Side Searches For Runaway Trains
Publication Date: Dec. 8, 1987
The term “runaway train” holds an entirely different meaning in The Far Side. Taken in a literal sense, pictures of missing trains are posted on milk cartons and grocery bags. Although dark, there is certainly comedy to be found, but with a flipside. Larson’s unusual and amusing interpretation is only recognizable to a certain age group. An aspect that has this strip makes some readers feel old.
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Many comic strips use referenced material for comedy, but the best in The Far Side need not be understood to be found hilarious.
Placing images of missing persons, especially children, on such items was a common practice. The act helped spread the word and get the person’s image out to the public. However, with the advent of the internet and cellular devices, alerts can be sent to entire communities in mere moments, making the practice obsolete. A helpful tool, but also a somber trip down memory lane when thinking about the previous means.
3
The Far Side Reveals Carmen Miranda’s Fashion Origins
Publication Date: Jan. 3, 1990
For those who don’t know, Carmen Miranda was a celebrity famous for her large hat made of fruit. Those who are already aware of this fact are likely to feel old. Primarily because many people no longer remember Carmen Miranda. The height of her popularity has long since passed, making this issue of The Far Side an unintended reminder of growing old.
With proper context, the illustration brings to mind numerous anecdotes related to the reference. Unfortunately, having that knowledge also means knowing how long it’s been since Carmen Miranda was in the limelight. The amount of time that has passed promotes a line of thought concerning mortality that many readers don’t wish to consider when viewing a comic strip.
2
Johnny Appleseed Meets Irving Ragweed In a Trip Through The Far Side
Publication Date: Aug. 17, 1987
As time passes, some folktales fade into obscurity. For America, one such story is that of Johnny Appleseed. The tale of the nature-loving, fictional hero once told in classrooms is fast becoming a memory. His inclusion in a gag from The Far Side proves a double-edged sword. Recognition of the story brings both humor and feelings of nostalgia.
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The Best Far Side Comics About Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes
Gary Larson found inspiration for The Far Side in all kinds of places, including in classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes like Humpty Dumpty.
While closely connected with historical events, American folktales are no longer commonplace in the classroom. With an abundance of new information to relay, this comes as no surprise. However, change always comes with a heavy reminder and turns thoughts of past practices into nostalgic memories. Larson’s use of irony in the strip proves hilarious but doesn’t keep the material from inspiring sullen thoughts about the reader’s age.
1
Famous Space Explorers Come Across an Unexpected Threat In The Far Side
Publication Date: Feb. 18, 1991
The longevity of the Star Trek franchise will likely keep it a source of parody for years to come. Even the original show and crew maintain their popularity. Most fans viewing Larson’s satire would recognize the environment and characters. However, they might not recognize the floating head unless over a certain age. A fact that could lead to an unanticipated reminder.
Knowledge of the referenced individual’s over-the-top personality is key to understanding the joke. Comprehension of the gag leads to both laughter and a reminder of growing old. Zsa Zsa Gabor hasn’t been in the spotlight for some time. So long that some readers will recognize her better than their spellcheck software. Thoughts inspired by Larson’s hilarious dual reference put this entry at the top of the rankings.
