The Far Side showcases an array of characters who become a danger to themselves and others when they take the wheel; in this compilation, we highlight some of the most comically inept drivers ever illustrated by creator Gary Larson, demonstrating his unique ability to transform even the most nerve-wracking situations into laugh-out-loud humor.
Cars serve an often overlooked yet significant role in The Far Side. The presence of automobiles as a recurring theme allowed Larson to convey movement and action with ease. The humor typically arises from provoking a “my God” response from readers, shorthand for “my God, that person [or bear, or duck] should not be behind the wheel.”
While Gary Larson certainly poked fun at car crashes, it’s important to note that accidents can befall even the most skilled drivers; highlighted here are the Far Side characters whose driving skills are so questionable that they remain terrifyingly on the road.
10
The Far Side Humorously Highlights the Importance of Sharing the Road
First Published: September 1, 1992
In this hilarious The Far Side comic, Larson cleverly undermines the fierce reputation of Vikings by placing them in a modern context; he humorously transforms a Viking longboat into a “longcar,” which is depicted with a comically exaggerated length. The caption humorously notes that it “was once the scourge of European roadways.”
As with many of Larson’s Viking-themed jokes, this comic is primarily silly, yet it raises a valid point about being a responsible driver: one must share the road. The absurdity of maneuvering such a “longcar” or navigating around it presents a significant challenge and safety concern, solidifying this Viking’s status as one of The Far Side’s most dangerous drivers.
9
These Far Side Commuters Should Be Charged With DUDs: Driving While Deceased
First Published: July 31, 1992
This clever Far Side cartoon relies heavily on a pun, with its humor often found in its delightful absurdity. Captioned “zoombies: the driving dead,” the comic depicts a trio of wide-eyed undead characters driving their vehicles down a city street at what appears to be breakneck speed.
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This particular comic may not resonate with the majority of Far Side fans as one of Gary Larson’s iconic classics. It might elicit more of a chuckle than a loud laugh; however, its intriguing premise is worth mentioning, suggesting that even though these zombies shuffle slowly on-foot, once they’re behind the wheel, they become reckless speedsters, zooming around town with little to no regard for the safety of pedestrians who might cross their path.
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A Human Driver’s Trauma Is a Wolf Driver’s Sport in This Far Side Gag
First Published: January 27, 1986
This particular Far Side comic cleverly omits a caption, encouraging readers to examine the details of the illustration and deduce the punchline themselves—a signature style of Larson’s humor. In the panel, a pack of wolves packed into a car with a smashed front end drives past a “Deer Xing” sign, hinting that they have discovered a new and unusual method for hunting.
For drivers in rural settings, especially during specific seasons and particularly at night, it is crucial to remain vigilant for deer on the roadway. Colliding with one can be one of the most stressful and dangerous experiences for any motorist. Yet, in this comic, Larson humorously identifies a group of characters who would, without hesitation, venture out to recklessly collide with deer for sport.
7
The Far Side’s Most Malicious Canines Should Be Banned from Driving
First Published: December 21, 1985
This comic presents an earlier and much darker version of the joke from the previous entry. To give credit to Larson’s car-driving wolves, they are at least depicted hunting other wild animals; however, in this Far Side cartoon, a trio of dogs gleefully drives around town, intentionally hitting neighborhood cats for sport, to the point where they have even developed a point system.
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This comic depicts a level of animal cruelty that borders on murder, placing these dogs among the most malicious drivers in The Far Side. The composition of this cartoon allows readers to anticipate the next move, forcing them to imagine the scenario where “Rusty” stomps on the gas pedal, racing forward to strike the unsuspecting orange tabby attempting to cross the road.
6
A Humorous Reminder That Distracted Drivers Are the Most Hazardous on the Road
First Published: March 6, 1985
In this iconic Far Side vampire cartoon, a vampire driving along a city street turns his head to gawk at a woman with an absurdly long neck, leading him to rear-end a car that has stopped at a stop sign… and disturbingly, even then, the vampire remains transfixed by the woman.
Although The Far Side rarely delivered overt messages, certain comics feel like subtle public service announcements crafted by artist Gary Larson; one could argue that beneath the outrageous punchline lies a commentary on the dangers of distracted driving. He cleverly found a humorous way to showcase this issue, which is a hallmark of The Far Side’s charm.
5
The Far Side Characters Who Ignore Warning Signs Face Consequences
First Published: December 23, 1983
One of the hallmarks of The Far Side’s tragicomic style is the frequent, unexpected calamities that befall its characters, typically without any forewarning. In this instance, the Far Side characters are given a literal warning sign, instructing them to watch for elephants on the road, yet they still manage to collide with one at full speed. Larson captures this moment perfectly in one of his signature “moment before” panels.
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Once again, this comic cleverly avoids a caption, relying on the reader’s focus on the expressions of surprise and shock on the characters’ faces before the “Elephant Xing” sign in the background clarifies the impending disaster. The humor is rooted in the absurdity of these characters ignoring warning signs to the extent that they could crash into an elephant at full speed.
4
The Far Side’s Most Dangerous Car Encounters Its Most Reckless Driver
First Published: February 26, 1983
This particularly absurd Far Side cartoon takes aim at a classic 1980s target, used car salesmen, but the focus of the punchline centers on the customer. In this panel, the dealer pressures a man into purchasing a wooden car, with the caption humorously stating that “Andrew is hesitant, remembering his fiasco with the car of straw.”
This comic serves as a bizarre reinterpretation of a familiar nursery rhyme, drawing parallels to the “Three Little Pigs.” Here, the salesman embodies the role of the “wolf,” while the customer represents the naive “sheep.” Ultimately, the comic portrays a man who, having likely wrecked his previous vehicle, is poised to repeat history by investing in another highly combustible car.
3
The Far Side’s Tarzan Should Be Cited for Recklessly Operating an Elephant Herd in Urban Areas
First Published: February 23, 1983
While the “vehicle” in this comic is not a conventional car, but rather a herd of elephants, a list of The Far Side’s most reckless drivers would be incomplete without including Gary Larson’s whimsical portrayal of Tarzan. In this memorable comic, captioned “Brian has a rendezvous with destiny,” a rollerblading man finds himself on a collision course with an elephant stampede, led by Tarzan.
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In this comic, Tarzan is humorously depicted at the “wheel” of an elephant, reinforcing the absurdity of the scenario. Larson places them in an urban setting, leading to disastrous yet comical outcomes for “Brian,” while creating an unforgettable moment for The Far Side aficionados.
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The Far Side’s Grinning Granny in a Bumper Car Is Out for Blood
First Published: April 8, 1981
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