The Complete Far Side 1980-1994 (2 vol set)
by Gary Larson, Steve Martin

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Book Reviews of The Complete Far Side 1980-1994 (2 vol set)

Book Review: The far side complete set review
Summary: 5 Stars

Summary of The Complete Far Side 1980-1994 (2 vol set)

Revered by fans as the funniest, most original, most "What the ...?" - inspiring cartoon ever, The Far Side last appeared over nine years ago and still boasts millions of rabid devotees. During its 14-year run, the cartoon was syndicated internationally in more than 1,900 daily newspapers, translated into 17 different languages, and spawned 22 Far Side books.

Set in rough chronological order, the comics share pages with occasional letters from fans, detractors, editors, folks made famous by a particular cartoon, and those begging for explanations. Though few explanations are provided (Larson personally supplies merely one, plus a single apology), this collection helps answer the inevitable "how do you think up these things" conundrum. Before each year's cartoons, Larson provides insight with essays about his childhood, various travels, occupational hazards, and his official rules for dealing with bedtime monsters (which often turned out to be his older brother). Most wonderful is the first essay on how the comic started. (His longtime editor Jake Morrissey's long introduction is a must read on The Far Side's story).

Despite no central characters, it's easy to spot patterns in Larson's wild and wacky cartoons. Animals, insects, and inanimate objects often exhibit all-too-human impulses. Larson's subjects are often in scenes of peril--disasters, visits to hell, and perhaps a hundred cartoons set on a one-palm tree deserted island. It is what Larson's fertile imagination mined from those situations that created fans and enemies for 14 years. (Larson retired at his peak and then went into jazz music). The comics are not indexed (how could they be--first lines? listings of cartoons with cows?); finding a favorite requires a great memory for its publication date. Best simply to peruse the pages of this beautiful collection in which you will certainly find more than a few new chuckles before landing on your beloved Larson sketch. --Doug Thomas

Far Side Books

• Comics & Graphic Novels > Comic Strips