Daily comic strips have been a popular form of entertainment for decades, with series such as The Far Side lasting longer than fans may realize. As such, Gary Larson’s stories have had plenty of opportunities to get pretty niche at times, ranging from stories about working life, urban legends, and even the seasons. Since spring is officially in the air, now seems like the perfect time to reflect on his comics about flowers and nature.
The Far Side has always had a talent for capturing life’s littlest moments, yet it does so in a way that makes it humorous or profound, depending on the occasion. It should come as no surprise that any comic revolving around flowers gets the same treatment, with some tales helping readers see life from a different perspective and others just there for a quick laugh.
10
The Dreaded Lawnmower Returns to The Far Side
First Published: November 27, 1981
If a flower could feel fear, it makes sense that the lawnmower would be high up on its list of terrifying monsters. At best, these loud machines are pushed by somebody uncaring about anything outside the quality of the grass. At worst, the individual has far too much fun cutting down all the plant life around them. It may sound dramatic, but try to picture the scene from the eyes of a flower.
This particular Far Side comic has a secondary layer, depending on whether one considers the flower a weed. Weeds have long gotten in the way of lawnmowers, as homeowners take particular relish in destroying any imperfection in their lawns. Picturing the scene unfolding would be much like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
9
The Far Side Shows a Flower’s Perspective
First Published: July 9, 1984
“How we see flowers
How they see themselves”
Life is all about perspective. There are countless idioms about understanding how differently the world can be perceived; “to each their own,” “walking a mile in someone’s shoes,” and “through a different lens” are just a few examples. Most of the time, the point feels a bit on the heavier side, so it’s refreshing to see a more lighthearted take on the subject.
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The Far Side‘s comic strip about the perspective of flowers is worthy of a chuckle. While most people may imagine a more stoic take on the perspective of flowers, this comic strip makes it clear that Gary Larson would like to think they have a bit more fun while standing around all day. The latter take would certainly make a walk through any garden more entertaining.
8
Frankenstein’s Flower Comes to Life In The Far Side
First Published: October 21, 1987
“Feb. 22, 1946: Botanists create the first artificial flower.”
Artificial flowers have been the bane of botanists’ existence for decades, and let’s be real: interior decorators are probably not fans either. When thinking of artificial flowers, most people picture vibrant or gaudy plastic flowers, but what if they were made another way? That’s the question The Far Side plays around with here, introducing an artificial flower in a similar method to Frankenstein’s monster.
Does this mean that the flower will rise against its makers one day? Possibly. It does raise some interesting thoughts about nature and the hubris of humanity, all while offering that unique sense of humor the comic strip is known for. Interestingly, this is one of a few comics that touch on the subject, so perhaps this thought has lived in Gary Larson’s head for some time.
7
There’s An Impostor In This Far Side Garden
First Published: October 6, 1982
One of these things is not like the other! Weeding is one of life’s never-ending chores. Every day, a gardener can step outside and find what seems like a dozen new weeds to tackle. Thus, this comic resonates with many readers, but there’s a catch. This guilty little weed is aware of the situation, including that the game is likely up. Should one feel guilty for what will soon follow? That is up to the individual reader.
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One of the most amazing things about The Far Side was the way it could tell a whole story in one panel, with no words needed. At a glance, it’s clear that the guilty plant is a weed, and it’s even clearer what the intention behind the shadowy figure is. It’s a masterclass in storytelling.
6
Flowers Can Be Pranksters In The Far Side
First Published: July 9, 1986
“Flora practical jokes”
Practical jokers come in all forms; most groups have at least one. While these jokers aren’t always received well, it’s good to know that they’re not limited to humanity. Here, The Far Side plays around with the idea of pranksters within a flower bed. In another example of storytelling told through a single panel, the viewer can see this practical joke falling out before their eyes.
Placing a sign that reads “kick me” on a classmate’s back has long been a prank for schoolchildren. Apparently, the flora equivalent is “weed me” placed on an unsuspecting victim. However, there’s no denying that the flora version may be a bit darker, as weeding is typically more permanent for the plant in question.
5
There’s a Trophy Hunting Flower In The Far Side
First Published: September 20, 1988
Most people have grown up hearing the phrase, “Stop and smell the roses.” However, this The Far Side comic has a unique and oddly haunting take on a classic concept, implying that at least one clever hunter found a way to set new traps for unknowing victims. The hunter in question proudly poses alongside its prey – three human noses mounted on a fence.
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The concept alone is humorous enough, but the presence of a shadow may leave readers wondering what will happen next. Is the human in question the next victim, or are they here for revenge, or perhaps the return of their nose? That part of the story is left up to the reader’s imagination, making it a comical yet thought-provoking comic.
4
These Far Side Flowers Are In Danger
First Published: March 2, 1982
“There! There! See it, Larry? … It moved a little closer!”
Fear is a totally rational feeling that most people will experience countless times throughout their lives. However, sometimes fear can often feel irrational, even when there’s a logical reason behind it. Take this The Far Side comic from March 2, 1982, which portrays two flowers, one of whom is absolutely terrified of a set of shears lying on the ground.
To readers, it’s pretty obvious that the sheers wouldn’t be moving without human intervention, but the flower likely doesn’t know that. All it knows is that the shears have resulted in many friends’ decapitation; thus, the shears must be feared at all costs. This makes for a comic that once again delves into differing perspectives – with a darker twist.
3
This Far Side Flower Can’t Stop Clowning Around
First Published: May 30, 1980
Love them or hate them, clowns have many tropes, some of which have been ingrained in the subconscious for several generations. One such tired gimmick is the squirting flower gag – when a clown gets an unsuspecting person to lean in too close, only to receive a face full of water. It’s the sort of gag that was very prevalent in slapstick comedy and cartoons.
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The flower gag is also the perfect target for flipping the script. The Far Side took this clown gag and put it in the hands of flowers. It’s refreshing and funny all in one go, and while it may not be the deepest comic out there, it is still appreciated. Best of all, there’s no clown makeup in sight.
2
Can Flowers Have Allergies In The Far Side?
First Published: March 3, 1983
“Gesundheit.”
Allergies are probably the worst part about spring, with spring fever hitting like a ton of bricks. The worst part about seasonal allergies is that even the prettiest flowers can cause a massive sneezing fit if one isn’t careful. Perhaps that is why this particular The Far Side comic is so refreshing, as it portrays a flower as the victim of a sneezing fit. Well, technically, two flowers.
The power of a surprise sneeze should never be underestimated, as one unlucky flower just found out. Freshly stripped of its petals, it can manage a simple “Gesundheit” in response to what just happened. The shocked politeness is relatable, as most readers have experienced something similar, hopefully to a less dramatic degree.
1
Revenge Can Be So Sweet In The Far Side
First Published: July 24, 1980
“And now we’re going to play she-loves-me, she-loves-me-not!”
Who here isn’t familiar with the game of he-loves-me, he-loves-me-not? It’s a game that originated in France, where a person (usually a child) plucks petals from a flower, with the final petal “revealing” the truth of their love life. It may not be a game that people play all that much anymore, but it’s still a cultural phenomenon, pulled out to showcase a character falling in love and unsure of what to do next.
Understandably, most flowers may not find the game all that endearing. After all, it involves brutally ripping off petals, one at a time. So the idea of a flower wanting some revenge isn’t all that far-fetched, though, as this Far Side comic demonstrates, the actual outcome is likely to be pretty gruesome.
