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: Almost perfect...
Summary: 5 Stars
Four caveats...1. This edition is complete, but not "compleat." Though it includes all the syndicated strips, it doesn't include several classics that never made it to syndication -- eg, the panel that shows husband-and-wife beetles with the caption "I'm leaving you, Ralph, and I'm taking the grubs with me." was originally two _flies_ -- "I'm leaving you, Ralph, and I'm taking the maggots with me." The original is notably superior -- but it's not included. Don't toss out your "Prehistory of the Far Side."
2. Incredibly, there is no caption or subject index! You'll have to manually locate your own favorites, then make up your own index -- or insert PostIt bookmarks.
3. The temptation to read 100 pages at a time is overwhelming, but resist it. The ironic weirdness of "The Far Side" is blunted by excess exposure.
4. Gary Larson's interpretation of the infamous "cow tools" panel is incorrect. It's really about the fact that cattle view the world differently from humans, and would therefore create different sorts of tools -- if they made tools at all. (It is indeed possible for a critic to understand an artist's work better than the artist. So there, Mr. Larson.)
Book Review: Fantastic Set...But a word of caution regarding the books!
Summary: 5 Stars
One cannot help but admire the care and thought that went into the making of this of this anthology of Gary Larson's Far Side comics...Larson takes up the mantle of the late Charles Addams with his own stylized brand of macabre humor, and it is a treat to have such a collection at your disposal...However, I must protest the decision to house such a mammoth undertaking in only two volumes. The books can only be read while on a flat surface due to the weight of the pages. Take note, that should you attempt to read these while having them propped on your lap, while sitting in your favorite easy chair, you will eventually cause damage to the binding, as you will undoubtly note how the pages will sag towards you. Over time, this can cause the bind to separate from the spine. You will also damage some selected portions of your anatomy as the edge of the binding burrows itself deep into your flesh! The presentation of these fine cartoons would have been better served had they been divided into four, rather than two volumes. It's a minor annoyance, and does not detract (too much) from enjoying the set, but take caution on how you handle these hernia inducing books.... Recommended with the slightest of reservations...Book Review: The Complete Far Side
Summary: 5 Stars
Everyday when my shift ended in the morning, my coworkers and I would get the daily paper and look for the new Far Side before going home. Since we worked in a medical lab, our warped minds had little difficulty grasping the content of the cartoons. To those folks that I had to explain Far Side to, I learned to be wary of them. They were what is referred to as 'normal'. And look at where we are today under the influence of 'normal'. Too bad that we have to look at Far Side from the past, especially when Gary Larson has so much more material to work with now.
I received this as a Christmas present from my wife and it reminds me of the 'good old days' working in a hospital. I now work as a nurse (in the Dark Side) and looking back on the cartoons refreshes my spirit enough to return to work in the salt mines of our health care abomination.
I highly recommend this marvelous two volume set as an antidote to the wonders of our information driven, nacissistic, self-absorbed, malignant culture. Perhaps, if more people, especially the 'normal ones', were to be exposed to the Far Side, they'd learn to appreciate all the other Sides of life. Keep smiling, remember the lemming and the penguin.
Book Review: AWESOME!!!... The Works of a Living Legend & The Greatest Cartoonist of All Time!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This volume is a MUST HAVE!!! I bought it at full price because I was frightened it might disappear one day - It will go down as some of the best money I've ever spent - down to the last penny. I feel sorry for the postal carriers who delivered it - You practically need a wheelbarrow to haul this baby into your house! I've cleared a special area on my shelf just for these volumes. Thank God for the Internet and Amazon search engines or I never would have known it exists! Gary Larson was the only reason I read the funnies and since his strip ended I now promptly skip that section altogether - Other cartooists pale in comparison. Larson will stand the test of time and his departure left a void that remains to this day - and no doubt always will. I love the fact that he even included some hate mail he's received over the years! They're hilarious! - We'll miss you Gary! I also highly recommend...
1.There's A Hair In My Dirt.. (Great story for teaching your kid
about nature and life - especially pertaining to worms).
2.Pre-History of The Far Side
3.Wiener Dog Art
PS: BUY THIS COLLECTORS SET... NOW!!
Book Review: You'll laugh 'til the cows come home...
Summary: 5 Stars
A truly amazing piece of modern literature... if a picture is worth a thousand words, then this collection is worth 4.3 million of 'em! If you've been a Larson fan, then you know what you're in for... whacky animals and insects that are usually smarter than their human counterparts, light handed commentary on the workings of life and nature, and an incredible wit that captures appeals to everyone and offends no one (except maybe cows or chickens). These cartoons will take you back to where you were the first time you read them.If you've never read Larson, then you need to pick up this collection immediately (be careful and don't hurt your back... 18 pounds of books is a heavy load). Enjoy the fit and finish of the slipcase and covers of the books. Feel the weight of the high-quality artbook-grade coated paper, smell the fresh ink... and then dig in to the BEST cartoons ever created!
This collection is worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY you spend on it. I have every Larson book ever published, and they don't hold a candle to these books. The introductions to the individual chapters are worth the price alone. Because of this collection, the Far Side will be enjoyed by future generations to come.