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Writer’s block can happen to anyone and usually occurs at the most inopportune time. Sometimes, a blank page presents a near-insurmountable obstacle. At others, a word or phrase proves elusive, leaving the author stuck. Either way, writer’s block is rarely funny, unless viewed in The Far Side.
Gary Larson often uses The Far Side to reveal humor in otherwise serious scenarios. Writer’s block is no exception. Because Larson has a deep comprehension of the theme, his comics featuring the situation have an additional element of realism not often seen in Larson’s work. An inclusion that results in some outstandingly entertaining issues.
10 General MacArthur Has Introduction Troubles
Publication Date: June 8, 1990
General MacArthur’s farewell address is one of the most inspirational and well-worded speeches to Congress in American history. Each word was obviously chosen carefully, but because he was known as a well-spoken individual, most don’t consider that MacArthur might have struggled with crafting his speech. Most, that is, except for Larson. Of course, the mere fact that MacArthur is having trouble isn’t the source of comedy.
This incredible issue of The Far Side featuring writer’s block is much more than what it seems at first glance. The brilliant humor of the comic stems from Larson’s choice of words. Because the source material is in stark contrast to the illustration, readers get an immediate laugh, but closer examination reveals exaggeration, irony, and subtle allusions that create timeless humor while inspiring critical thought.
9 An Unexpected Far Side Author Experiences Writer's Block
Publication Date: Sep. 23, 1993
When entering an author’s den, there are multiple signs of progress. Especially when a typewriter is involved. A large stack of paper usually means solid output. On the other hand, a wastebasket full of crumpled papers typically implies writer’s block. In this case, the suggestion of the theme is key to understanding the joke. Without it, the captions make little sense.
Finding a dog typing wouldn’t call for laughter, except in an ironic scenario such as this where the dog might be able to write but is humorously stuck. Larson’s addition of the canine’s final comment puts a nice comedic cherry on top of this memorable gag-a-day. Dogs are known for extraordinary feats in The Far Side, but a talking, typing canine capable of sarcasm just might take the cake.
8 Far Side Muses Come In Strange Forms
Publication Date: June 26, 1987
Far Side authors typically write about strange topics. Such is the case when a man named Carl takes note of all the small animals he’s eaten. Unlike most authors, Carl’s writer’s block doesn’t last long. A moth circling the lone light of his room provides a necessary muse and a new dining experience. Larson’s illustration creates humor and atmosphere using a combination of techniques just as odd as the scene itself.
The atmosphere is crafted through shading, the illusion of lighting, and body positioning. This environment is used to support the comedy, which works well because of the focus placed on the text. The wording within the captions and scene is key to the joke’s success. Both the punch line and the mention of the character being a professor create sound comedy.
7 The Far Side Itself Gets Writer's Block
Publication Date: Dec. 18, 1992
Larson’s own writer’s block has gifted fans with some unique and humorous issues of The Far Side. A fine example is his comic that blows up the planet while giving an odd “tip o’ the hat.” The irrelevance of the additional text spurs humorous thoughts. Whether the stated person actually exists is a moot point, as it has seemingly nothing to do with the situation.
While Larson has been known to occasionally phone in comics when necessary, this particular issue still presents a valid gag. A rare occurrence when a cartoonist throws something together to meet a deadline. Between the humor of the text and the additional oddity of Larson’s inclusion of an intentionally misspelled word, the comic leaves readers curious, a bit confused, and entirely entertained.
6 Artists Experience Writer's Block Just Like Everyone Else
Publication Date: April 19, 1991
Authors aren’t the only ones who get writer’s block. Artists experience a similar situation, known in The Far Side as “artist’s block.” Becoming stumped creatively has similar results no matter the profession. In this case, the simplicity of the problem creates sound comedy. Oddly, one of the most important elements of the illustration is the use of realism.
While it might not seem believable at first, the artist’s problem is much like a writer suddenly being unable to think of a simple word or phrase. Overthinking the issue then makes it worse, due to the abundance of inevitable, unrelated thoughts. The depicted artist’s thought bubble represents this idea well, providing effective visual support for the joke.
5 A Famous Jungle Dweller Finds Himself Stumped
Publication Date: Sep. 4, 1985
Most wouldn’t expect Tarzan to be capable of writing, let alone experiencing writer’s block. However, The Far Side’s jungle denizen has that precise problem when thinking critically about a diary entry. The repetition of text and depiction of deep thought combine for comedy. Considering each previous entry appears the same, why he’s struggling is anyone’s best guess.
Larson’s use of satiric irony couples well with his inclusion of realism. Most can relate to the core of the scene, making it a widely available comic to be enjoyed by a broad audience. Despite the lack of color, the exceptional details and clear text draw readers in, immersing them in both the art and the joke. So long as the reference is known, the comic will remain wildly entertaining.
4 A Key Phrase Needed For America's Constitution Proves Elusive
Publication Date: Aug. 5, 1982
Writing the American Constitution was no easy task. A fact revealed immediately by its numerous signatures. The Far Side shows a very likely scenario that provides a sound comedic foundation for Larson’s work. By basing the comic on historical events, readers are easily able to understand and relate to the intended joke. A gag that proves simple, but effective.
The creative mix of colors used for clothing provides extra visual appeal. Throw in the thick, detailed appearance of the table, and readers are left with a beautiful comic worthy of an extended viewing. Because the joke is simple, viewers can easily focus on the many engaging artistic elements. These aspects also support the theme with the illusion of body language and critical thought.
3 A Far Side Songwriter Has Major Difficulties
Publication Date: June 7, 1993
Like authors and artists, songwriters get stumped too. A humorous issue of The Far Side depicts one of the worst times a person in this profession can become stuck. While composing a song, the writer struggles to find a single word that will pull the piece together. The lack of synonyms for the reference makes the gag hilarious and is supported well by the crumpled paper on the piano.
The Far Side contains an abundance of unlucky musicians, but at least this one has hope. Possibly, the beautiful scenery within his gaze will provide the required inspiration. Maybe sleeping on the problem will present a solution. Either way, Larson’s placement of the material in the foreground is successful in drawing attention to where it needs to be, giving readers a memorable gag-a-day.
2 Edgar Allan Poe Suffers From a Strange Case of Writer's Block
Publication Date: Nov. 5, 1987
Edgar Allan Poe is known for his unique writing style and use of literary devices. As an author with numerous published works, Poe surely suffered from writer’s block at some point. Although probably not in the way shown in The Far Side. One of the world’s greatest writers and poets, Poe likely had few issues in wording the title of his famous work.
The contradictory thoughts presented by the comic are highly amusing. By having Poe become stuck on a simple phrase, Larson better connects the character to readers. The use of realism and irony once again effectively crafts humor. As with some of the other comics using popular references, the joke will remain valid as long as the author is known. In this case, the material could very well prove timeless.
1 The Far Side Reveals The Importance of Names
Publication Date: Feb. 6, 1982
Herman Melville’s, Moby Dick, remains one of the most well-written and popular epics of the nineteenth century. One of the many, but most important, aspects that make the book successful is its powerful introduction. Larson reveals humorously how difficult it might have been to craft such a gripping first line. A joke that is effective primarily due to the use of multiple artistic techniques.
The clear repetition of the text presents the punch line and primary point of interest. Hands grasping wild hair imply frustration, while the lamplight indicates that the author has been at it for some time. Darkness creeping in from the edges threatens to engulf the character in hopelessness and despair, which is precisely the realistic feeling that makes the comic so entertaining.
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