Funny Far Side Cartoons in Color

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 · 9,267 ratings  · 60 reviews

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Sep 16, 2010 Dave rated it really liked it

It is always difficult to review a comic strip, and I think a one panel strip with no set characters is even more difficult to discuss as opposed to a regular strip, but I'll give it a try. To begin with, if you don't know what "The Far Side" is, then your life is going to improve a bit from having experienced it, unless you have absolutely no sense of humor at all, in which case you probably won't like it. Gary Larson has an unusual mind and puts a different twist on the common and uncommon ali It is always difficult to review a comic strip, and I think a one panel strip with no set characters is even more difficult to discuss as opposed to a regular strip, but I'll give it a try. To begin with, if you don't know what "The Far Side" is, then your life is going to improve a bit from having experienced it, unless you have absolutely no sense of humor at all, in which case you probably won't like it. Gary Larson has an unusual mind and puts a different twist on the common and uncommon alike. Each one picture entry stands on its own, and many will connect with the reader in terms of culture, myths, etc.

This is the first collection of strips from Larson, and as such looking back on it now, I would say that this is not Larsen at his peak, but at the same time there are still plenty of laughs contained in this book and it is certainly not a poor collection. So while none of my favorites for "The Far Side" series is included in this particular collection, there are some very good ones here. You learn what happened to unicorns, how the wife of a werewolf feels in her old age, and a bit about Santa's relationship with his reindeers, just to allude to a few of the strips included. All in all there are 200 strips included.

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Apr 30, 2018 Gary Butler rated it really liked it

15th book read in 2018.

Number 328 out of 675 on my all time book list.

Very funny, but some jokes where dated or not funny.

Dec 08, 2011 Evan rated it really liked it

The scene:
An abode. A closed door. A man we cannot see except for his legs protruding from behind a couch lies lifeless, probably dead, on the floor. A talking parrot perched in a cage next to the door, squawks, "Knock knock! Hello, is anybody in there? Knock knock."

This is the twisted genius of Larson. I read this, the first of The Far Side collections from 1982, in one sitting at Half Price Books tonight, along with his second collection from 1983, Beyond the Far Side. If I'd been able to take

The scene:
An abode. A closed door. A man we cannot see except for his legs protruding from behind a couch lies lifeless, probably dead, on the floor. A talking parrot perched in a cage next to the door, squawks, "Knock knock! Hello, is anybody in there? Knock knock."

This is the twisted genius of Larson. I read this, the first of The Far Side collections from 1982, in one sitting at Half Price Books tonight, along with his second collection from 1983, Beyond the Far Side. If I'd been able to take notes I would have shared more of these gems with you.

Needless to say, this is my kind of humor, so much so that when my friend Tom, who was also in the store perusing the books with me, told me he liked Larson's humor because it was "sick" I looked at him quizzically. Sick, hmmm, I never thought of it that way. This gives you some indication of how naturally skewed is my worldview.

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May 19, 2015 Andy rated it it was amazing

The Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes hold up amazingly well! Came across my old Far Side books and am going through them, C&H next up, after grades are in.

Jul 10, 2019 Netanella rated it really liked it

The Far Side ran in my local newspaper when I was young and beautiful and impressionable. I found it the other day as I've been packing my bookshelves for a move to a new house. Wow. Still as warped and funny as ever. Very enjoyable. The Far Side ran in my local newspaper when I was young and beautiful and impressionable. I found it the other day as I've been packing my bookshelves for a move to a new house. Wow. Still as warped and funny as ever. Very enjoyable. ...more

Jul 09, 2014 Kaethe rated it it was amazing

1984 Jan 01
2012 July 21

After the long slog through the ghost stories, I wanted something quick and zippy and fun. So I snagged a whole slew of Far Side books at the library, confident that not only would I read them, so would the kids. And so it came to pass: Veronica and I reading books side-by-side and sharing selected cartoons with one another. And Tash ran off with another volume at bedtime. Even at his worst Larson amuses me no end.

Library copy.

Jul 22, 2007 Bobby rated it it was amazing

The first in a series of The Far Side books...granted not every cartoon is excellent but so many are that I think this book deserves 5 stars. I love Larson's drawing style and brilliant and hilarious observations so neatly captured in one sentence or two. The first in a series of The Far Side books...granted not every cartoon is excellent but so many are that I think this book deserves 5 stars. I love Larson's drawing style and brilliant and hilarious observations so neatly captured in one sentence or two. ...more

Jan 13, 2014 Ginnie Grant rated it it was amazing

Things just aren't funny like the farside. Supposed to be a parody, and it does make me laugh but I see some valid truths in these pages as well. reminds me of the adages "it's important to learn to laugh at yourself, don' take life too seriously" Things just aren't funny like the farside. Supposed to be a parody, and it does make me laugh but I see some valid truths in these pages as well. reminds me of the adages "it's important to learn to laugh at yourself, don' take life too seriously" ...more

This is book 3 in the Time to love a Highlander series but this can be read as a stand-alone.
Satia is a microbiologist and is doing some research at a highland loch when the ground beneath her crumbles and sends her into the murky depth's.
Struggling for air Satia is pulled from the Loch by a 14th century scott.
Kane is not sure where Satia came from but he
knows enough to know she needs his protection and help.
This book is my favourite of the 3 so far.
What I loved most was that Satia was able to t This is book 3 in the Time to love a Highlander series but this can be read as a stand-alone.
Satia is a microbiologist and is doing some research at a highland loch when the ground beneath her crumbles and sends her into the murky depth's.
Struggling for air Satia is pulled from the Loch by a 14th century scott.
Kane is not sure where Satia came from but he
knows enough to know she needs his protection and help.
This book is my favourite of the 3 so far.
What I loved most was that Satia was able to travel back to her own time giving her the opportunity to tie up loose ends and let her loved ones know what happened to her.
Satia is a great character, strong, independent and knows her own mind.
Kane is the typical alpha male and while he is strong and fierce he has a softer side too.
The passion between Kane and Satia sizzles off the pages and there are a few hot scenes to be read.
The story flows beautifully and it has lots of danger as well as romance to keep you turning the pages. ...more

Colonel Quinten Beckham unexpectedly inherits the title, Earl of Rosemont, upon the death of his older brother. Not only does he get the estate, its large debts, he's also now guardian to his brother's two daughters and he knows nothing about being a parental figure.

Out in the rain on his horse, he runs into a young woman and takes her to a nearby house to learn she's the granddaughter of a dowager countess, Lady Cassandra Worth. Some days later, the countess proposes they wed to save Cassandra

Colonel Quinten Beckham unexpectedly inherits the title, Earl of Rosemont, upon the death of his older brother. Not only does he get the estate, its large debts, he's also now guardian to his brother's two daughters and he knows nothing about being a parental figure.

Out in the rain on his horse, he runs into a young woman and takes her to a nearby house to learn she's the granddaughter of a dowager countess, Lady Cassandra Worth. Some days later, the countess proposes they wed to save Cassandra from being put under the guardianship of the countess's awful sons, as the older lady is dying.
.
I am such a fan of this trope and this one is well written! It is the first book in a new series and I look forward to reading more of them. My review is freely given in exchange for receiving a free copy of the book. I just reviewed A Love for All Time by Laura Landon. #ALoveforAllTime #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

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Although the books in this time travel series are not connected like most other series, each book does build on each other. This third book in the "Time to Love a Highlander" series has its own unique set of issues and dilemmas. I found these characters to be as wonderful has this author's characters always are, but their emotions are so human, often very raw. The story is remarkable. It takes Satia St. Clair back to the Fourteenth century into the arms of Kane McPherson during Scotland's fight Although the books in this time travel series are not connected like most other series, each book does build on each other. This third book in the "Time to Love a Highlander" series has its own unique set of issues and dilemmas. I found these characters to be as wonderful has this author's characters always are, but their emotions are so human, often very raw. The story is remarkable. It takes Satia St. Clair back to the Fourteenth century into the arms of Kane McPherson during Scotland's fight for independence. Along the way we get to meet some interesting people including Robert the Bruce and go on some interesting adventures. Again, I say, although these books not connected by more than the time travel period, the stores just get better and better. ...more

This is a clean, sweet story that is very easy to read. There is not much descriptive text, but some good emotional scenes. I would have loved to had more conversations between Grandmother and her sons. The girls were adorable. I felt , however that something was missing, not a lot of depth, like the reader was just being allowed to skim the surface. But the storyline was good and very original, the camaraderie was good between the three men.

This is a terrible book. A lone page or even a long paragraph of the MacQuarie dictionary has more literal content. Now the drawings however, are superb artistry. But we follow a code here, read not illustrations.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was clever, steamy, and fast-paced. It held my interest and I wanted to know what would happen next. I enjoyed this book and would read other books by this author.

May 02, 2018 Craig rated it it was amazing

If you hand this book to someone and within seconds of opening it, they are laughing out loud, how can it not be 5* Case closed.

I am not sure if I am outgrowing THE FAR SIDE or if these early cartoons are not as great as Larson's later work. I'll have to keep reading to find out. I am not sure if I am outgrowing THE FAR SIDE or if these early cartoons are not as great as Larson's later work. I'll have to keep reading to find out. ...more

I wish I liked this more.

Aug 05, 2020 Susan rated it it was amazing

As always, Larson hits the nail on the head with his wry humor. I completely enjoyed this collection.

Gary Larson is probably the most celebrated cartoonist of all time, and he deserves it!

Mar 27, 2021 Crazed8J8 rated it really liked it

Classic comic strips from the master, Gary Larson. First collection, long-time fan.

Nov 18, 2015 Conan Tigard rated it it was amazing

I fell in love with this daily comic the first time I read it. I remember grabbing the paper, flipping to the funny papers, and looking for my two favorite comic strips; The Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes. Either one of these could always brings a chuckle to my lips. I love the wackiness of this strip.

Back in my old college days, I used to cut out these comic strips and tape them to the outside of my notebooks so I had something funny to read if the lecture turned out to be really boring. This

I fell in love with this daily comic the first time I read it. I remember grabbing the paper, flipping to the funny papers, and looking for my two favorite comic strips; The Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes. Either one of these could always brings a chuckle to my lips. I love the wackiness of this strip.

Back in my old college days, I used to cut out these comic strips and tape them to the outside of my notebooks so I had something funny to read if the lecture turned out to be really boring. This comic strip got me through some hard times.

So, if you like wacky and funny observances of human nature, you will love reading The Far Side.

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I pretty much read this book from beginning to end in one sitting. I've been reading The Far Side since I was a child. I remember sitting at the dining room table for breakfast, eating a bowl of cereal, and reading The Far Side. My family kept a stack of them on a bookshelf, along with the Calvin and Hobbes books. Good memories. I still, to this day, laugh at all the innuendos and jokes. Being an adult gives me an advantage with The Far Side. Some of the panels I just couldn't understand as a ch I pretty much read this book from beginning to end in one sitting. I've been reading The Far Side since I was a child. I remember sitting at the dining room table for breakfast, eating a bowl of cereal, and reading The Far Side. My family kept a stack of them on a bookshelf, along with the Calvin and Hobbes books. Good memories. I still, to this day, laugh at all the innuendos and jokes. Being an adult gives me an advantage with The Far Side. Some of the panels I just couldn't understand as a child. Overall, this book was so much fun to read. Thanks, Gary Larson, for years and years of entertainment. ...more

Maybe because it was made back in early eighties. Or perhaps because I'm not an American. Sometimes it took me minutes before I really "got it". (Especially about the man in the witness stand, involving a banjo, kitchen and Dinah. I wouldn't get it if I didn't know the song!!!) And there were times when I failed to get it. Have to admit some did make me chuckle. Maybe because it was made back in early eighties. Or perhaps because I'm not an American. Sometimes it took me minutes before I really "got it". (Especially about the man in the witness stand, involving a banjo, kitchen and Dinah. I wouldn't get it if I didn't know the song!!!) And there were times when I failed to get it. Have to admit some did make me chuckle. ...more

Jun 23, 2008 John rated it it was amazing

I remember being introduced to the Far Side by a very good friend after a heavy session of serious alcohol...

I know that it's nothing to be proud of [but it felt good at the time], yet I have often wondered if my state of alcohol-induced giggles was entirely down to the Far Side...

ANSWER = IT WAS....

The books are still outstandingly funny.

I remember being introduced to the Far Side by a very good friend after a heavy session of serious alcohol...

I know that it's nothing to be proud of [but it felt good at the time], yet I have often wondered if my state of alcohol-induced giggles was entirely down to the Far Side...

ANSWER = IT WAS....

The books are still outstandingly funny.

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Gary Larson was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. His parents were Vern, a car salesman, and Doris, a secretary. He attended Curtis High School before attending Washington State University and graduated in 1972 with a degree in communications. In 1987, Larson married Toni Carmichael, an archaeologist.

Larson credits his older brother Dan for his "paranoid" sense of humor. Dan would pull countl

Gary Larson was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. His parents were Vern, a car salesman, and Doris, a secretary. He attended Curtis High School before attending Washington State University and graduated in 1972 with a degree in communications. In 1987, Larson married Toni Carmichael, an archaeologist.

Larson credits his older brother Dan for his "paranoid" sense of humor. Dan would pull countless pranks on Gary, taking advantage of his phobia of monsters under the bed by, for example, waiting in the closet for the right moment to pounce out at Gary. Dan is also credited with giving Gary his love of science. They caught animals in Puget Sound and placed them in terrariums in the basement; even making a small desert ecosystem, which their parents apparently did not mind. His adept use of snakes in his cartoons stems from his long-standing interest in herpetology.
Since retiring from the Far Side, Larson has occasionally done some cartooning work, such as magazine illustrations and promotional artwork for Far Side merchandise.

In 1998, Larson published his first post-Far Side book, There's a Hair in My Dirt!: A Worm's Story, an illustrated story with the unmistakable Far Side mindset.

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