Title: The Far Side Gallery
Author: Gary Larson
First published January 1, 1982
192 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780836220629 (ISBN10: 0836220625)
Rating: 4.43
Overview
The Far Side Gallery is a delightful collection of Gary Larson’s The Far Side cartoons that were originally published between 1982 and 1984. This anthology features some of Larson’s most hilarious and iconic comic strips that will leave you in stitches.
From talking cows to aliens with questionable intentions, Larson’s wit and humor are on full display in this timeless collection. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to The Far Side, you’re sure to enjoy this classic collection of cartoons that have stood the test of time.
About the Author
Gary Larson hails from Tacoma, Washington, where he was born and raised. He attended Curtis High School and later graduated from Washington State University with a degree in communications in 1972.
Larson’s parents, Vern and Doris, were a car salesman and secretary, respectively. In 1987, the cartoonist tied the knot with Toni Carmichael, who is an archaeologist.
Larson’s sense of humor was shaped by his older brother, Dan, who had a habit of playing pranks on him. Gary’s fear of monsters under the bed was often the target of his brother’s jokes, such as hiding in the closet and jumping out at him.
Dan also instilled in Gary a love of science, and the two would catch animals in Puget Sound and keep them in terrariums in the basement. They even created a small desert ecosystem, which their parents didn’t seem to mind.
Larson’s cartoons often feature snakes, which reflects his lifelong interest in herpetology.
After retiring from his comic strip, “The Far Side,” Larson has worked on various cartooning projects, including magazine illustrations and promotional artwork for “Far Side” merchandise. In 1998, his first book after “The Far Side” was published.
“There’s a Hair in My Dirt!: A Worm’s Story” is an illustrated tale that showcases Larson’s unmistakable sense of humor.
Editoral Review
The Far Side Gallery is a book that needs no introduction. This collection of witty and irreverent comics, created by Gary Larson, has been a staple in the world of satire and humor for almost four decades.
First published on January 1, 1982, The Far Side Gallery contains some of Larson’s most famous and beloved cartoons, as well as several new ones. Larson’s cartoons are instantly recognizable for their off-beat humor and surreal imagery.
He often takes everyday situations and exaggerates them to absurd proportions, creating a world that is both familiar and strange. The themes of his cartoons range from science and nature to relationships and modern life.
While The Far Side Gallery doesn’t have a traditional plot, it does have recurring characters and settings. The book is divided into sections based on themes, such as “Animals,” “Science,” and “Life in Hell.” In each section, Larson takes a different aspect of life and presents it in his unique style.
From cows on the phone to cavemen trying to invent the wheel, there is no shortage of laughs to be had. Despite being a collection of individual cartoons, The Far Side Gallery has a surprising amount of depth.
Larson’s cartoons often touch on larger themes, such as the futility of human endeavor or the absurdity of modern society. He has a keen eye for the absurdities of everyday life, and his cartoons are often a commentary on society as a whole.
From a historical perspective, The Far Side Gallery is a cultural phenomenon. Larson’s cartoons have been widely read and enjoyed for decades, and his influence can be seen in countless other works of satire and humor.
His cartoons have become a part of our cultural lexicon, and many of his catchphrases, such as “cow tools” and “anthropomorphic cows,” have entered the popular vernacular. As for the quality of the book itself, it is superb.
Larson’s ability to convey complex ideas with a single, simple image is nothing short of genius. His use of language is also impressive, with many of his cartoons relying on puns and wordplay for their humor.
The pacing of the book is also excellent, with each cartoon standing on its own while still contributing to the overall tone and themes of the book. The only criticism one could level at The Far Side Gallery is that it may not be for everyone.
Larson’s style of humor is often bizarre and surreal, which may not appeal to everyone’s tastes. However, for those who do enjoy his work, The Far Side Gallery is a true masterpiece of the genre.
In conclusion, The Far Side Gallery is a must-read for anyone who loves satire, humor, or simply a good laugh. It is a work of art that has stood the test of time, and its influence can still be felt today in the world of comedy and pop culture.
For those who have never read it before, prepare to be delighted, amused, and perhaps a little bit confused. The Far Side Gallery is truly a classic of its genre, and it deserves all the praise it has received over the years.
With that being said, it is impossible not to give this book a 5-star rating.
