The Far Side, created by Gary Larson is renowned for its absurd humor and anthropomorphic animals. Among the many creatures that populated Larson’s imagination, sharks hold a special place. From 1980 to 1988 Larson crafted a series of shark-themed cartoons that remain some of the most memorable in the comic’s history.
Ambrose Tardive, an editor on ScreenRant’s Comics team, has become an authority on The Far Side. Over the past two years, he has delved deep into Larson’s work, uncovering the brilliance behind these finny funnies. Let’s dive into some of the most iconic shark cartoons from The Far Side.
Sharks in The Far Side: A Cultural Phenomenon
The Far Side debuted just five years after Jaws changed pop culture forever. Larson’s shark cartoons, therefore, were not just humorous but also a commentary on the era’s fascination with these marine predators. The cartoons often featured sharks with distinctly human personalities, making them both relatable and hilarious.
Another cultural institution, Discovery Channel’s Shark Week started in 1988. While some of Larson’s later cartoons might have been inspired by this programming, the panels discussed here are all pre-88 publications, showcasing Larson’s ahead-of-the-curve humor.
Iconic Shark Cartoons from The Far Side
My People…They’re Not Going To Like It
First published on November 17, 1987 this cartoon imagines a shark negotiation rather than a shark attack. A lone man in a rowboat, presumably a shipwreck survivor, is surrounded by sharks. Instead of attacking, the sharks send an emissary to try to talk the man into the water. The man holds his oar like a club, determined not to be eaten. The shark’s dialogue, ‘Okay, I’ll go back and tell my people you’re staying in the boat, but I warn you, they’re not going to like it,’ adds a layer of tension and humor to the scene.
Last Summer Off The Coast Of…
Published on April 11, 1986 this cartoon combines two of Larson’s favorite themes: shark dialogue and vacation photo slide shows. The joke lies in the idea that sharks go to the same places humans do on summer vacation. The dad shark asks his wife, ‘Is this Hawaii or Florida?’ as he projects a picture of them smiling and waving just below the dangling feet of bathers. This cartoon highlights Larson’s ability to make the predatory and the friendly coexist in the same frame.
I Suddenly Felt Very Proud
First published on October 22, 1984 this cartoon depicts the aftermath of a shark attack, but with a humorous twist. A great white shark explains to another shark that he didn’t mean to attack a boat but felt proud when the humans started yelling ‘shark.’ This cartoon showcases Larson’s expertise in giving animals memorable voices and personalities.
BEAR! BEAR!
Published on October 2, 1984 this cartoon is a brilliant example of Larson’s simple yet effective humor. A shark yells ‘BEAR! BEAR!’ to cause a panic at the beach, tricking sunbathers into running into the surf and into the shark’s waiting jaws. The cartoon’s simplicity and the unexpected twist make it one of the most memorable in The Far Side’s collection.
I’ll Start Looking For Another Old Tire
First published on August 27, 1982 this darkly funny cartoon features a shark that has devoured a young boy swinging on a tire swing. The boy’s friends react with a deadpan humor, with one saying, ‘You go tell Billy’s mother,’ and the other replying, ‘and I’ll start looking for another old tire.’ This cartoon underscores Larson’s ability to find humor in the most unexpected situations.
The Best Far Side Comics Are Spit-Take Worthy
Published on November 22, 1980 this wordless cartoon features a shark surfacing above the water and spitting out the scuba gear of a diver it just devoured. The shark’s narrowed eyes suggest annoyance at the metal garbage that came with its human prey. This cartoon is open to interpretation, allowing readers to find their own humor in the image.
The Legacy of The Far Side’s Shark Cartoons
The Far Side’s shark cartoons are a testament to Gary Larson’s unique humor and creativity. They continue to resonate with fans, showcasing his ability to find comedy in the most unexpected places. Whether it’s a shark negotiation, a vacation photo slide show, or a darkly funny aftermath of a shark attack, Larson’s cartoons remain timeless.
So, where do sharks rank in the ‘funniest Far Side animals’? That’s a debate that will likely continue among fans for years to come.
