A Tribute To The Far Side
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts explore the story behind Gary Larson's "The Far Side" comic series. From his early influences in biology and nature to his journey from local magazine cartoonist to nationally syndicated creator, the episode traces how Larson developed his distinctive style of humor that divided editors and readers alike.
The discussion delves into Larson's impact on both popular culture and the scientific community, including how his work influenced scientific terminology and appeared regularly in academic seminars. The hosts also examine Larson's careful approach to potentially controversial subjects and his dedication to maintaining the comic's integrity through limited merchandising, all while exploring the unique elements that made "The Far Side" a cultural phenomenon.
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1-Page Summary
Gary Larson's Background and Influences
Gary Larson, creator of "The Far Side," developed his distinctive comedic style through his family's offbeat humor and his early exposure to nature. His brother played a crucial role by introducing him to marine life from Puget Sound, sparking Larson's lifelong fascination with biology. Although he switched from studying biology to communications at Washington State University—a decision he later regretted—his scientific interests remained central to his work.
The Creation and Syndication of the Far Side
Larson's career began modestly in 1976, selling cartoons to local magazines. His breakthrough came when the San Francisco Chronicle discovered his work "Nature's Way," which they rebranded as "The Far Side" and syndicated to 30 newspapers nationwide. The comic's unique humor divided editors and readers, with some dismissing it outright while others embraced its brilliance. The famous "Cow Tools" panel exemplified this division, requiring Larson to publicly explain its meaning.
Style and Appeal of the Far Side Comics
"The Far Side" distinguished itself through interchangeable characters and absurd scenarios that invited readers' imagination. Larson's work blended humor with scientific concepts, as seen in panels like "Midvale School for the Gifted." Notably, he maintained the comic's integrity by avoiding sensitive topics and limiting merchandising opportunities.
Larson's Relationship With the Scientific Community and Impact
According to Dr. Harold Varmus, head of the National Institutes of Health in 1998, Larson's influence extended deep into the scientific community, with his cartoons frequently appearing in scientific seminars. His work even contributed to scientific terminology—the term "thagomizer" from a 1982 cartoon was adopted by paleontologists. Larson's commitment to conservation was evident in his collaborations with scientific organizations and his donation of proceeds to Conservation International.
Larson's Approach to Sensitive Topics and Merchandising
While some readers found certain cartoons controversial, particularly those involving religious figures or predator-prey relationships, Larson never intended to offend. A notable example was his 1987 cartoon about Jane Goodall, which initially drew criticism but later earned Goodall's appreciation. Throughout his career, Larson carefully controlled the commercialization of "The Far Side," even declining to watch the animated adaptations of his work, as noted by Chuck Bryant.
1-Page Summary
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Clarifications
- Gary Larson's early exposure to nature stemmed from his brother's introduction to marine life in Puget Sound, sparking his lifelong interest in biology. His family's offbeat humor played a significant role in shaping his comedic style, influencing the quirky and unconventional themes seen in "The Far Side." This blend of scientific curiosity and humor became a hallmark of Larson's work, setting him apart in the world of comic strips.
- Gary Larson's comic strip "The Far Side" was initially known as "Nature's Way" before being discovered by the San Francisco Chronicle. The newspaper rebranded the comic as "The Far Side" and syndicated it to 30 newspapers across the country, marking a significant breakthrough in Larson's career. The unique humor of "The Far Side" sparked mixed reactions among editors and readers, with some embracing its brilliance while others were more skeptical. Notably, the panel featuring "Cow Tools" caused confusion and required Larson to provide a public explanation of its meaning.
- Gary Larson's "Cow Tools" comic sparked confusion due to its abstract nature, leading to the need for Larson to clarify its meaning publicly. The cartoon featuring Jane Goodall faced criticism initially for its portrayal, but it later garnered appreciation from Goodall herself. These instances highlight how Larson's humor sometimes touched on sensitive or complex subjects, prompting varied reactions from audiences.
- Gary Larson's impact on the scientific community was significant, with his cartoons often featured in scientific settings like seminars. One notable contribution was the term "thagomizer," coined in a 1982 cartoon, which paleontologists adopted to describe the spiked tail of a stegosaurus. This term showcases how Larson's work not only entertained but also influenced scientific discourse and terminology.
- Gary Larson collaborated with scientific organizations by supporting their efforts and initiatives related to conservation and biology. He donated a portion of the proceeds from his work to Conservation International, an organization dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. These collaborations and donations reflected Larson's commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues and supporting scientific causes through his platform as a cartoonist.
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Gary Larson's Background and Influences
Gary Larson, the cartoonist famously known for his odd and offbeat humor, drew significant influence from his upbringing and family life, as well as his academic experiences.
Larson's Comedic Sensibilities Were Shaped by His Family's Wacky Humor
Raised in Tacoma, Washington, Larson developed his sense of humor within a household filled with wackiness and a left-of-center comedic style. His family, including his parents and especially his older brother, played a significant role in shaping Larson's unique comedic outlook.
Larson's Brother Inspired His Lifelong Love of Nature and Biology
His lifelong passion for nature and biology was sparked by his brother, who had the habit of collecting live animals from the beaches of Puget Sound and bringing them home. This early exposure to the animal world left a lasting impression on Larson and is evident in the recurring theme of natural science that permeates his work.
Larson Regretted Switching From Biology to Communications
Larson's initial academic pursuit was in biology, studying at Washington State University. However, he switched his major to communications partway through his education. This decision was motivated by his reluctance to commit to over four years of schooling and uncertainty about potential careers with a biology degree. Despite changing paths, Larson's love for biology never faltered ...
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Gary Larson's Background and Influences
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Clarifications
- Gary Larson's family's wacky humor was characterized by a left-of-center comedic style that was prevalent in their household in Tacoma, Washington. His parents and especially his older brother played a significant role in shaping Larson's unique comedic outlook. This environment fostered a sense of whimsy and eccentricity that influenced Larson's later work as a cartoonist. The family's humor was a blend of unconventional, quirky, and sometimes absurd elements that contributed to Larson's offbeat and distinctive comedic sensibilities.
- Puget Sound, located in the Pacific Northwest, played a crucial role in Gary Larson's upbringing in Tacoma, Washington. Larson's brother's habit of collecting live animals from Puget Sound beaches influenced Larson's lifelong love of nature and biology. The diverse marine life and natural surroundings of Puget Sound provided a rich environment that inspired Larson's artistic and comedic sensibilities. This early exposure to the wonders of nature in Puget Sound left a lasting impact on Larson's work, evident in the recurring themes of natural science in his cartoons.
- Larson was hesitant to commit to over four years of schooling in biology due to uncertainty about potential career opportunities in that field and a desire to explore other interests.
- Gary Larson's love for biology manifested in his work through the recurring theme of natural science. His cartoons often featured anthropomorphic animals and quirky scientific scenarios, showcasing his deep appreciation for the subje ...
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The Creation and Syndication of the Far Side
The enigmatic world of "The Far Side" began with Gary Larson’s early cartoon sales and culminated in a game-changing syndication deal.
Larson Sold Cartoons To Magazines In the Late 1970s
Gary Larson initiated his career by selling six cartoons to Pacific Search, a regional science magazine, in 1976 for ninety dollars. He found further venues for his work, selling cartoons to other local magazines at three to five dollars each. In 1979, Larson secured a weekly spot in the Seattle Times for his cartoon strip "Nature's Way," earning $15 a week. However, "Nature's Way" was simply an early incarnation of “The Far Side,” to be later renamed by the San Francisco Chronicle.
His Work Caught the San Francisco Chronicle's Attention, Leading To a Syndication Deal That Expanded the Far Side's Reach
During a trip to San Francisco with his portfolio, Larson managed to catch the attention of the San Francisco Chronicle. The publication offered to run "Nature's Way," which they would rebrand as "The Far Side." Furthermore, they offered syndication services that projected Larson’s cartoons into 30 newspapers across the country, significantly expanding the reach of his unique humor.
Far Side's Humor Divided Editors, Readers
Yet the pathway to success wasn’t without its setbacks.
Syndication Team Faced Unpredictable Reactions Pitching Cartoon To Publications
“The Far Side" received mixed reactions when it was presented to newspapers for syndication. Reactions varied greatly—one editor dismissed the cartoons saying, "this is not a Buffalo product." Editors and r ...
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The Creation and Syndication of the Far Side
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Clarifications
- Gary Larson's "The Far Side" is highly significant in the world of cartoons due to its unique and offbeat humor, which often featured anthropomorphic animals and surreal scenarios. Larson's cartoons stood out for their intellectual wit and unconventional approach, attracting a dedicated fan base despite facing initial skepticism from some editors and readers. The syndication of "The Far Side" to numerous newspapers greatly expanded its reach and solidified Larson's reputation as a groundbreaking cartoonist. The lasting impact of "The Far Side" lies in its ability to blend humor with thought-provoking themes, influencing a generation of cartoonists and leaving a distinctive mark on the comic industry.
- Syndication in the context of cartoons involves selling the rights to publish and distribute content, like comic strips, to multiple newspapers or media outlets. Syndication deals help cartoonists reach a wider audience by having their work featured in various publications simultaneously. The syndicate acts as an intermediary between the cartoonist and the newspapers, handling distribution and licensing agreements. This process allows cartoonists to expand their reach and potentially earn income from royalties based on the syndicated content's usage.
- The panel named "Cow Tools" in Gary Larson's "The Far Side" caused co ...
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Style and Appeal of the Far Side Comics
"The Far Side" by Gary Larson has captivated audiences with its unique brand of humor and distinctive style, setting it apart from other comic strips.
Larson's Panels Featured Interchangeable Characters and Absurd Scenarios
Far Side's Unique Style and Imagination-Driven Storytelling
The Far Side is known for its recognizable drawing style and stock characters, like the beehive lady and the freckle-faced kid, typically used as interchangeable archetypes rather than specific individuals. The comic captures absurd moments in life, hinting at the universality of the depicted scenarios—these peculiar and amusing situations could presumably happen to anyone. This approach emphasizes the strip’s ability to elicit the reader's imagination, often ending panels with an open-ended scene that invites the audience to ponder what comes next.
Instances such as "Cow Tools" and "lupus slippophobia" are prime examples of Larson's imagination-driven storytelling, blending the mundane with the fantastical. "Cow Tools" shows a cow with a table of rudimentary tools, while "lupus slippophobia" illustrates a bizarre fear as a child slides through his kitchen chased by wolves, tapping into arcane phobias in comedic fashion.
The final original Far Side comic is a color panel featuring a character named Gary, akin to Larson himself, standing with Glenda the Good Witch amidst Far Side characters. A black-and-white panel follows, showing Gary in bed and recognizing people he knows in the characters from his dream—a nod to "The Wizard of Oz" and a testament to Larson's creativity.
Larson's Comics Blended Humor, Science, and Art
Gary Larson's work is not only comedic but regularly incorporates scientific concepts and artistic elements. Specific panels, like "Early Experiments in Transportation," illustrate cave people with a comically flawed wheel, blending educational elements with humo ...
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Style and Appeal of the Far Side Comics
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Counterarguments
- While Larson's characters are often seen as interchangeable archetypes, some critics might argue that this approach limits character development and emotional investment from the audience.
- The open-ended nature of many Far Side panels, while engaging the imagination, could also be seen as sometimes leaving readers unsatisfied or confused, especially in cases where the humor is particularly obscure.
- The use of absurdity and non-sequitur humor in The Far Side might not resonate with all readers, who may prefer more straightforward or narrative-driven humor.
- Larson's blending of humor and science is unique, but it might be criticized for occasionally perpetuating scientific inaccuracies or oversimplifications for the sake of a joke.
- The decision to avoid sensitive topics is generally seen as a positive aspect of The Far Side, but some might argue that it also meant the comic shied away from engaging with important social issues or providing commentary that could have been both humorous and thought-provo ...
Actionables
- You can create a daily "Absurdity Journal" to capture and reflect on the day's most bizarre moments, enhancing your appreciation for the humor in everyday life. Start by jotting down at least one odd or unexpected event each day, and at the end of the week, review your entries to find the humor and universality in these moments, similar to the way "The Far Side" comics do.
- Experiment with doodling your own single-panel comics based on peculiar observations or thoughts you have, focusing on leaving the scenes open-ended to spark imagination. Use simple stick figures or basic shapes to represent characters and scenarios, and try to end each drawing with a situation that invites others to ponder "what happens next?"
- Host a "Science and ...
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Larson's Relationship With the Scientific Community and Impact
Gary Larson's comic strip "The Far Side" has left a lasting mark not only in the realm of pop culture but also within the scientific community, thanks to his unique sense of humor and keen interest in science and nature.
Far Side's Science and Nature Resonance With Scientists
Larson's interest in science was evident throughout the Far Side's run, and it made a significant impact within the scientific world. Dr. Harold Varmus, who was head of the National Institutes of Health in 1998, noted Larson's pervasive influence, revealing that Gary Larson slides were a common sight in scientific seminars. Larson's work resonated with researchers and scholars, blending education and entertainment in a way that made it an endearing part of their world.
Larson's Work Popularized Terms Like "Thagomizer."
One notable contribution to the lexicon of science came from a 1982 Far Side cartoon. In this comic, a caveman lectures about the spikes at the end of a Stegosaurus's tail, humorously dubbing them "thagomizer" after a fellow caveman Thag Simmons. This fictional term has since been informally adopted by paleontologists and is even used in semi-formal contexts, including by institutions like the Smithsonian’s Dinosaur National Monument.
Larson's Nerdy Humor Was Meaningful When "Nerd" Was Derogatory
At a time when being labeled a "nerd" was a derisive term, Larson celebrated the intellect and quirks of scientific enthusiasts with his nerdy humor, forging an affinity with the scientific community. His comics often featured nerds and, while humor was poked at all characters indiscriminately, his portrayal of science and biology as subjects of interest reflected a positive light on the culture of nerds.
Larson's Conservation Sense Shown In Donations and Collaborations With Scientific Organizations
Beyond his comics, Larson showed a commitment to nature conservation and the treatment of animals. The California Academy of Sciences presented an exhibit in 1987 that highlighted the Far Side's scientific humor, which then traveled nationwide. Larson’s contributions to the world of science and conservation are evidenced by the fact that prominent evolutionary biologist E.O. Wilson and pale ...
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Larson's Relationship With the Scientific Community and Impact
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- Dr. Harold Varmus is a prominent figure in the scientific community, having served as the head of the National Institutes of Health in 1998. He is known for his contributions to biomedical research, particularly in the field of cancer. Varmus's endorsement of Gary Larson's work highlights the widespread recognition and respect Larson garnered within scientific circles. His acknowledgment of Larson's influence underscores the impact of "The Far Side" on the scientific community.
- A "thagomizer" is a term coined by cartoonist Gary Larson in 1982 to humorously describe the spiked tail of stegosaurian dinosaurs. The term has been informally adopted by the scientific community and is used to reference this specific anatomical feature in discussions and research related to stegosaurs. The name "thagomizer" originated from a Far Side comic where cavemen humorously named the spikes after a fictional caveman named Thag Simmons. The term has since been used in scientific literature, museums, and documentaries to describe the tail spikes of stegosaurs.
- E.O. Wilson and Stephen Jay Gould, prominent figures in the scientific community, wrote forewords for Gary Larson's books. Their contributions added credibility and endorsement to Larson's work, showcasing the respect and admiration they held for his unique blend of humor and science. Wilson is known for his work in biology, particularly in the study of ants and sociobiology, while Gould was a renowned paleontologist and evolutionary biologist. Their involvement in Larson's projects hig ...
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Larson's Approach to Sensitive Topics and Merchandising
"The Far Side" creator Gary Larson navigated the balance between groundbreaking comedy and the risk of offending readers, while also carefully curating the comic's merchandise to maintain the integrity of his work.
Larson Avoided Offending Readers or Targeting Specific Groups
Larson’s work with "The Far Side" proved to be divisive at certain times. While some audiences regarded his work as brilliant, others felt uncomfortable or were offended, especially by his depictions involving religious figures such as God or the predator-prey dynamic between animals. The "Cow Tools" panel exemplifies the occasional division among readers, eliciting strong reactions from those who did not understand it.
Despite not setting out to offend, Larson sometimes unintentionally provoked strong responses. A notable incident from 1987 involved a satirical cartoon about Jane Goodall; this initially received significant backlash from the Jane Goodall Institute, which criticized it as "incredibly offensive." However, Goodall herself later found humor in the cartoon.
Larson's Comics Provoked Strong Reactions and Divisive Opinions
The range of reactions to Larson’s cartoons was substantial, demonstrating the cultural impact of "The Far Side." The last published strip, which referenced the ending of the original "Bob Newhart Show" and "The Wizard of Oz," left a lasting emotional impact on its audience, solidifying its legacy.
Larson Curated the Far Side's Merchandise, Refusing to Take Characters Out of Context or Overly Commercialize Products
Despite the potential for widespread commercialization, Larson remained reluctant to exploit "The Far Side" beyond its original format. His decision to avoid watching the animated films "Tales from the Far Side" and its sequel suggests a particular focus on preserving the pure essence of the comic rather than extending its brand through various media. Chuck Bryant emphasized Larson’s choice as a ...
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Larson's Approach to Sensitive Topics and Merchandising
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Clarifications
- The "Cow Tools" panel is a famous and controversial comic strip by Gary Larson in "The Far Side." It features a confusing set of tools that resemble cow hooves, causing confusion among readers. The panel is known for sparking debate and differing interpretations due to its abstract and unconventional nature. It has become a symbol of Larson's unique humor and the occasional perplexity of his work.
- Chuck Bryant highlighted Gary Larson's decision to refrain from watching the animated films based on "The Far Side," indicating Larson's commitment to preserving the original essence of his comic strip. Larson's avoidance of these adaptations suggests a desire to maintain the integrity and authenticity of his work by not diluting its impact through different media interpretations. Bryant's emphasis underscores Larson's dedication to the purity of his creation, prioritizing the comic's legacy over potential commercial opportunities. Larson's choice to distance himself from these adaptations reflects his focus on safeguarding the unique charm and artistic vision of "The Far Side."
- Gary Larson collaborate ...
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