The Far Side – By Gary Larson

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Gary Larson’s iconic single-panel comic The Far Side is now officially online, prompting nostalgia, reflections on its dark surreal humor, and comparisons with low-quality AI- and “boomer humor” knockoffs circulating on social media. Commenters revisit favorite strips, note how Larson’s work shaped geek and internet culture (from “thagomizer” entering scientific vocabulary to household catchphrases like “cat fud”), and debate his long-standing efforts to control online distribution, from early copyright strictness to the current, still-locked-down website.

AI Imitations and Facebook Content

  • Several commenters note low‑quality “Far Side–style” panels flooding Facebook, often about animals hunting humans, hostile marriages, and lecherous old men.
  • One explanation: a Facebook content farm trading on Far Side nostalgia for engagement, mixing the limited pool of authentic comics with generic “boomer humor” and possibly AI/low‑effort originals.
  • Consensus that these imitations feel markedly worse than the originals.

Larson’s Online Policy and Site Design

  • Larson originally opposed online sharing and published an open letter asking fans not to post his cartoons.
  • He later reversed this stance with a thoughtful letter and launched the official site.
  • The site still tries to control reuse (disabled right‑click, no RSS, strong anti‑copying terms).
  • Some see this as understandable rights protection; others view it as counterproductive in the age of sharing, scraping, and APIs.
  • One commenter is building an unofficial RSS feed via Selenium but is hesitant due to the copyright notice.

Humor, Tone, and Cultural Impact

  • Many describe The Far Side as formative to their humor, friendships, and even family rituals (calendars, shared reading).
  • The strip is praised for surreal, dark, and sometimes unsettling humor that remains largely “kid‑safe” yet often cautionary.
  • Specific gags and phrases (“Bummer of a birthmark,” “cat fud,” “thagomizer,” “School for the Gifted”) have entered everyday language and even scientific or professional jargon.
  • Some recall the comics as creepy or horror‑tinged; others see that discomfort as part of the appeal and educational value.

Art Style and Influences

  • Commenters discuss Larson’s visual style: wide bodies, small heads, and exaggerated proportions for comedic effect.
  • Possible influences mentioned include earlier cartoonists such as B. Kliban and, more distantly, fine‑art “inflated” styles like Boterismo.

Dated Elements and Representation

  • Reading collections today reveals cultural imprinting from Larson’s era.
  • Observations include few depictions of women in scientific roles and “singles bar” scenes that now feel skeevy.
  • Some argue the strip’s world is built less from contemporary society and more from mid‑20th‑century stereotypes (1950s scientists, diners, beehive hairdos), making it a stylized time capsule.

Legacy, New Work, and Related Comics

  • Larson retired relatively young, leading some to assume he had died; commenters are pleased he’s now sporadically producing new digital cartoons.
  • The Far Side is frequently mentioned alongside Garfield, Bloom County, Calvin & Hobbes, Dilbert, and newer single‑panel or dark‑humor comics (e.g., Bizarro, Perry Bible Fellowship, Doctor Fun) as part of a broader comic tradition.