<em>The Far Side</em> is widely celebrated for its unique and innovative style of humor. In many of its panels, creator Gary Larson showcases his creativity by inventing outlandish devices and products that serve as the basis for hilarious punchlines, often because they would be absolute nightmares if they existed in the real world.
This compilation highlights and appreciates some of The Far Side’s most bizarre innovations, ranging from perilous toys to ethically dubious farm machinery, and even outright killing machines, among others. Except for one concept that might appeal to readers, most of these cartoons will leave fans relieved that they can enjoy Gary Larson’s imaginative creations from a safe distance rather than experiencing them firsthand. One thing is certain regarding The Far Side’s inventions: they exemplify the strip’s signature absurdism just as effectively as any recurring Far Side theme or motif.
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The Far Side’s “Milk-O-Matic” Exemplifies the Absurdities of Industrial Farming
First Published: December 2, 1980
The Far Side’s “Milk-o-Matic” cartoon is a quintessential demonstration of Gary Larson’s genius in using animals as point-of-view characters to critique human behavior. In this panel, one disgruntled cow expresses to another, “I don’t like the look of this” as they observe their farmer assembling a robotic milking machine. In reality, automated milking devices are indeed utilized in industrial agriculture, and Larson cleverly extracts humor from the situation by giving the robot human-like traits, showcasing yet another of The Far Side’s signature techniques.
Rather than presenting just a typical machine, the “Milk-o-Matic” is portrayed as a quirky robot reminiscent of Bender, complete with comical eyes and a slightly unsettling grin, featuring long mechanical limbs that end in exaggeratedly human-like hands. This surreal touch enhances the comic’s humor, fostering empathy toward the cows’ worries about this new technology in cattle farming.
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Christmas Morning Goes Awry Thanks to an Over-Powered Toy in This Hilarious Far Side Comic
First Published: January 21, 1983
The nostalgic, sentimental feelings commonly associated with Christmas make it an ideal target for Gary Larson’s subversive humor, exemplified by this iconic instance of his “dangerous gifts” theme, which he revisits throughout the years. In this comic, a newly-unwrapped rocking cow named “X-500” is depicted as so powerful that it launches its young rider, presumably a child, head-first through the living room wall, with only their feet protruding from the jagged hole, the X-500’s reins still firmly in hand.
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In this comic, Larson cleverly subverts the expected humor about a child potentially facing serious injury, transforming the familiar rocking horse into the absurd rocking cow. The true hilarity of the strip lies in the ludicrous power of this toy’s “advanced model.“
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Presenting the Murder Robot: The Far Side’s Most Comically Lethal Invention
First Published: January 31, 1983
In this cartoon, The Far Side’s signature nerdy character, easily recognized by his red-striped shirt and glasses, boldly confronts his “Metal Shop” teacher and hurls insults like “Mr. Big Nose” and the unforgettable “squidbrain,” equipped with backup in the form of a giant killer robot featuring tank-like treads, lobster-style claws, and a mouth filled with jagged metallic teeth. This outlandish design not only adds humor but also amplifies the absurdity of the situation.
Interestingly, Gary Larson has shared the backstory he crafted for this Far Side comic, detailing how this automaton evolved from a harmless shop class project into a dangerously comical creation. Remarkably, a similarly styled murder-bot would resurface in a Far Side comic published a decade later, which is included later in this list.
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A Classic Far Side Fake Out: What’s This Lady’s Grudge Against Birds?
First Published: January 21, 1984
In this panel, Gary Larson illustrates a woman filling a bird feeder outside her house while a snowstorm rages, framed through her window. However, in the foreground, we see a bag labeled “Henry’s Fake Bird Seed” inside her home, revealing to Far Side readers that this seemingly pleasant moment is actually a cruel trick.
This particular Far Side cartoon might benefit from some context, as it could transform a mild smile into a hearty laugh. Nevertheless, the novelty product Larson invents here stands out as one of his most perplexing creations; in the world of The Far Side, such bizarre notions are often the most memorable.
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“Rhino Tube Farms”: The Far Side’s Most Absurd Hobby
First Published: June 20, 1984
The Far Side has featured numerous amusing jokes about ant farms, but in this instance, Gary Larson elevates the concept to an entirely new level of absurdity, depicting a “rhino tube farm” where a child’s bedroom is taken over by enormous tubes filled with rhinos crawling through them.
This Far Side punchline thrives on the sheer ridiculousness of the premise; in its black-and-white form, with the boy’s expression left intentionally vague, the cartoon compels readers to focus on the “rhino tube farm” and its inherent absurdity. The slightly tilted head of the guest in the comic, experiencing this sight for the first time alongside the reader, adds a subtle yet effective touch, suggesting that she, too, is just as baffled.
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A Far Side Near Miss: Who Placed That There in the First Place?
First Published: August 20, 1990
“Oh, wait, Doreen,” a woman exclaims at the last moment, rescuing her guest from imminent danger as she warns, “don’t sit there, that chair’s just not safe,” pointing to a recliner equipped with a bear trap on the seat, spikes protruding from the back, and a snake hanging precariously from a frayed rope above it.
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There’s a lot happening in this Far Side panel, all of it exaggerated for comedic effect. The mystery surrounding why this chair is so elaborately booby-trapped remains unexplained, yet it’s clear that it’s not intended for Doreen; or perhaps her host has had a last-minute change of heart. Additionally, the absurdity of Doreen not noticing the overtly dangerous chair before nearly sitting in it adds to the humor. Finally, the exaggerated features of the deadly chair itself, especially the hissing snake suspended overhead, are quintessentially Far Side and perfectly executed.
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The Far Side: A Unique “Attention-Getting Device” of Its Own Kind
First Published: November 8, 1990
In this comic, one of Gary Larson’s most inventive young characters resorts to using his skills for less-than-noble purposes, albeit for relatable reasons. The caption humorously explains, “the class was quietly doing its lessons when Russell, facing challenges at home, decided to deploy an attention-getting device.”
The device in question is a complex, Rube Goldberg-style contraption, featuring a Jack-in-the-Box head attached to a spring, along with two loud horns or gramophone speakers. Although Larson depicts the moment just before Russell’s disruptive action, the humor lies in the absurdity of the device itself, adding to the comedic tension as readers wonder what chaos it will unleash in the classroom.
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The Far Side’s “Didn’t Wash Hands” Panel Delivers a Laugh by Highlighting Poor Hygiene
First Published: February 17, 1992
To be fair, this is the one Far Side innovation on this list that may actually garner some fans, as it humorously depicts the consequences of unhygienic behavior. A massive red “DIDN’T WASH HANDS” sign blares as a man exits the bathroom in a restaurant, drawing the attention and judgment of all the other patrons.
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Public health is generally a serious issue, but Gary Larson effectively satirizes the extreme role that shame or embarrassment can play in social situations like these. The wide-eyed expression on the man who triggered the alarm conveys his realization of being caught in a less-than-pleasant act, enhancing the humor of this Far Side moment.
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The Far Side’s Murder Robot Returns: Fluffy’s Ambitious Project Unveiled
First Published: August 18, 1993
Here, readers are treated to a familiar death-machine design from an earlier entry in this list, now featuring a twist as it is modified by a maniacal dog named “Fluffy,” who has crafted its own version of the robot, complete with poodle-like features that mirror its creator.
While the earlier Far Side murder-bot comic was undoubtedly humorous, this installment ranks among the top Far Side comics because it pushes the absurdity of the premise even further. The crazed expression on “Fluffy‘s” face, coupled with the nonchalant demeanor of the dog’s owners regarding this dangerous invention, creates a perfect blend of comedy and absurdity, all anchored by the genuinely menacing design of the machine, which no sane individual would ever wish to see unleashed.
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The Far Side Featured Niche Products for Unique Clientele
First Published: February 17, 1994
