Stuff You Should Know A Tribute To The Far Side
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Sep 25, 2025 Take a humorous journey through the legacy of The Far Side and how it shaped modern comedy. Discover what makes single-panel cartoons so unique and the brilliance behind Larson's iconic panels. Explore his rise from local gigs to syndication with fascinating reactions to his work. Delve into quirky fears and the infamous Cow Tools controversy. Learn about the scientific community's love for Larson and his life post-fame, along with his thoughtful retirement. Join in honoring the comedic genius who transformed cartoon history.
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Power Of The Single-Panel Cartoon
- A one-panel cartoon must convey time, cause, and character economically to land the joke.
- Gary Larson elevated the single-panel form by forcing readers to imagine what happens next.
How Influence Diluted Shock Value
- The Far Side redefined newspaper humor and then normalized that sensibility across culture.
- That ubiquity made Gary Larson's once-radical voice feel familiar rather than shocking over time.
Humble Syndication Break
- Gary Larson sold six cartoons to a regional science magazine for $90 and later got a weekly Seattle Times spot for $15 a week.
- A San Francisco Chronicle contact then syndicated Nature's Way as The Far Side, launching his national career.
