Gary Larson's comedic genius often manifested in the juxtaposition of intelligent concepts with comically dim characters. This dynamic, seen in works like The Simpsons and Futurama, was a hallmark of Larson's legendary comic strip, The Far Side. However, Larson also employed a unique application of this smart/dumb dichotomy through the strategic use of puns and intentionally lamewordplay.
While many Far Side jokes relied on deep scientific knowledge or intricate visual gags that required careful observation, Larson also found humor in taking common phrases and giving them a hilariously absurd twist. These strips often served as a refreshing interlude from his more complex humor, offering a moment of delightful silliness.
"Tar Pits" as "Carpets"
Tar pits, famous for their asphalt and petroleum deposits that trap fossils, famously exist in places like the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. Larson humorously noted the phonetic similarity between "tar pits" and "carpets," leading to a strip where characters are comically plunged into what appears to be a carpet.
The Inconvenience Store
Larson imagined an "inconvenience store" as the antithesis of a convenience store, where all the items are placed frustratingly out of reach, offering a simple yet effective visual gag.
The Origin of Boneless Chicken
More than a decade before the Cartoon Network character "Boneless Chicken" gained popularity, Larson depicted a literal interpretation of the concept. This visual gag highlights Larson's knack for absurd, yet easily understandable, comedic premises.
A Nod to Carmen Miranda
Referencing the iconic 1940s entertainer Carmen Miranda, known for her elaborate fruit-adorned headdresses, Larson created "Cowmen Miranda." This strip playfully acknowledges Miranda's lasting cultural impact, even among those less familiar with her work.
Literal Interpretation: "Sketchy"
This comic strip takes the word "sketchy" and applies it literally, creating a self-referential joke that is both simple and meta. It deconstructs the very nature of comic strip art.
Runaway Trains on Milk Cartons
Recalling the practice of featuring missing children on milk cartons, Larson humorously imagined "runaway trains" appearing on them, playing on the common pairing of the adjective "runaway" with both children and trains.
Larson's Own Critique
In The Complete Far Side, Larson himself identified one particular comic as his "worst." Despite his personal critique, the strip's simple, albeit perhaps unintentional, silliness aligns with the broader appeal of his pun-based humor.