Gary Larson's Final Far Side Comics: 30 Years of Laughs

Gary Larson's comic strip The Far Side ran from 1980 to 1994. It’s been three decades since the final comics were published in December 1994. These comics are filled with humor, featuring aliens, hunters, and even Noah's Ark. Let's dive into some of the funniest ones from this last month. Larson’s final comic was published on January 1, 1995, but the last full month of syndication was December 1994. On December 13, we see two aliens using a prank gun to scare a picnicking couple. These aliens look different every time but share a mischievous attitude towards humans. This comic is a classic example of Larson's humor, turning a serious event like first contact into a goofy prank. December 6 brought a dark humor strip where a worker considers pushing his colleague off a high-rise building. This comic shows Larson's ability to blend dark themes with comedy. On December 22, a hunter finds a deer with a 'reserved' sign, showing Larson's love for the theme of unfortunate hunters.

The final month also includes a comic about dogs versus cats. On December 21, a dog accidentally hurts its owner while trying to catch a cat. This is one of the rare times a dog comes off worse in Larson's depictions of the canine-feline war. December 27 features a duck that's been shot by a hunter using a decoy. The duck is afraid to go home and face his wife, adding a humorous twist to the situation. On December 19, a fly on a painter's glasses causes him to paint a horrifying portrait, showing Larson's ability to create humor without words. December 28 introduces a mime rifle, which big game hunters use to kill mimes. This comic reflects Larson's dislike for mimes. On December 26, mobsters take offense at a clown's smile, not realizing it's painted on. This is another example of Larson's humor, as clowns often face menacing situations in his comics. The best comic from December 1994 is on December 30, where Noah uses the Ark's journey to scam animals. This comic surprises by highlighting the lack of intelligence in the animals' faces. These comics showcase Gary Larson's unique humor and prove that his work remains funny three decades later.

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