Summary:
“The Complete Far Side: 1980-1994” by Gary Larson is a collection of all the comics published in the popular comic strip, “The Far Side,” from its debut in 1980 to its end in 1994.
Genre:
Humor, comic strips, cartoons.
Main Topic:
“The Complete Far Side” focuses on the hilarious and often absurd humor found in everyday life, as depicted through the eyes of various animals, aliens, and quirky characters.
Key Ideas:
- Everyday life is filled with humor, no matter how mundane or unusual.
- Animals and other non-human entities can be anthropomorphized for comedic effect.
- The human experience is often puzzling and ridiculous, and there is great humor to be found in it.
Main Parts of the Book:
- Introduction: A brief overview of Larson’s career and the creation of “The Far Side” comic strip.
- Prehistory: A collection of articles, drawings, and other materials that inspired Larson’s comic strips.
- Sections by theme: The majority of the book is divided into sections based on recurring themes in “The Far Side,” such as animals, aliens, and love.
- Epilogue: A final farewell to fans of “The Far Side” and Larson’s reflections on the creation of the comic strip.
- Bonus material: A selection of extra comics and behind-the-scenes notes from Larson.
Key Takeaways:
- Humor can be found in the most unexpected places, and sometimes the most mundane aspects of life can be the funniest.
- The use of anthropomorphization can add comedic effect to even the most situation.
- “The Far Side” is a timeless comic strip that continues to entertain readers decades after its initial publication.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Gary Larson was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1950. He started his career as a cartoonist in the early 1970s, working for a local newspaper in Seattle. In 1979, he created the comic strip “Nature’s Way,” which became the basis for “The Far Side.” Larson’s unique and often experimental style attracted a dedicated following, and his comic strip became syndicated in over 1,900 newspapers worldwide. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year. Larson retired from cartooning in 1995 and currently resides in Seattle, Washington.
Target Audience:
“The Complete Far Side” is suitable for readers of all ages who appreciate humor, especially fans of “The Far Side” comic strip. It also appeals to those who enjoy unconventional and offbeat humor.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
“The Complete Far Side” was published by Andrews McMeel Publishing on April 19, 2003. The first publication of “The Far Side” comic strip in newspapers was on January 1, 1980.