As the season of spooky celebrations approaches, the iconic monsters of classic horror lore re-emerge in decorations and themed entertainment. For those looking to embrace the spirit of Halloween, cartoonist Gary Larson's The Far Side offers a collection of unsettlingly humorous takes on these timeless figures. His uniquely twisted lens is applied to vampires, mummies, witches, and more, providing a perfect, off-kilter prelude to the holiday.
Larson's affinity for cows, which he once described as "tragic figures" that "blur the line between tragedy and humor," extended to their monstrous incarnations. One strip features a vampire cow, ingeniously dispatched with a steak, playing on the familiar trope of vampires being vulnerable to stakes.
Other comics explore the vulnerabilities and absurdities of monstrous life. A strip depicting a vampire subjected to a sun-lamp humorously suggests a daylight-based demise, while another showcases a mummy performing a striptease, unraveling her bandages in a surprisingly alluring, if perplexing, manner.
Witches are not immune to Larson's observational humor, with one comic depicting them engaging in gossip about cosmetic enhancements, humorously linking a witch's beauty standards to her wart size.
Werewolf transformations also receive Larson's distinctive treatment. One comic presents a clever twist where a hunter realizes his silver bullets are merely a fashion accessory for the werewolf, hinting at a salesman's double-dealing. Another strip offers a rare perspective from the werewolf itself, lamenting the unwanted human form.
Frankenstein's monster and his intended mate are also subjects of Larson's unique insights. A visual gag shows the Monster being stitched together by an elderly woman, highlighting the precise, yet peculiar, nature of his creation. Another panel humorously suggests that the Monster's arranged marriage to the Bride of Frankenstein, who famously rejected him, might have at least resulted in him not being alone.
Even the Creature from the Black Lagoon, often overlooked compared to other classic monsters, finds a moment of pure, unadulterated joy in a strip depicting him surfing on a wagon, showcasing Larson's ability to find delight in unexpected places.
