Gary Larson's 1994 'Far Side' Clown Comic Ranked as Artist's Worst
Gary Larson, creator of The Far Side, has identified a 1994 comic strip featuring two clowns as his worst work. The panel, depicting one clown threatening another with a pie, was included in The Complete Far Side with a self-deprecating note. While Larson cringes at the pun, some fans argue the humor is effective without the caption, highlighting the strip's enduring, dark comedic legacy.
Key points
- Gary Larson, the creator of the syndicated comic strip The Far Side, identified a specific panel from October 3, 1994, as his least successful work.
- The comic depicts two clowns in a back alley, where one threatens the other with a pie, accompanied by the pun 'I have friends in pie places.'
- In The Complete Far Side, Larson added a note stating the strip is his nominee for the worst cartoon he ever drew, admitting he still cringes at it.
- Clowns were a frequent subject in The Far Side, often featured in dark humor scenarios involving death or misfortune, though this specific strip is considered an outlier in quality.
- Some readers and online commentators argue the comic is funnier without the caption, suggesting the visual gag stands better on its own than the pun.
- The revelation provides insight into Larson's self-critical perspective on his own catalog, distinguishing this 'so bad it's good' moment from his generally acclaimed dark comedy.
Gary Larson, the creator of the widely syndicated comic strip The Far Side, has publicly designated a 1994 panel as his worst work. The strip, published on October 3, 1994, features two clowns in a back alley. One clown has his back to the wall while the other prepares to throw a pie at him. The caption reads, “I wouldn’t do that, Spunky — I have friends in pie places.”
Years later, when compiling The Complete Far Side, Larson included a note beneath the panel identifying it as his own nominee for the worst cartoon he ever drew. He wrote, “I still cringe,” indicating a lasting dissatisfaction with the pun. This self-assessment contrasts with the general critical reception of The Far Side, which is known for its dark, often surreal humor.
While clowns were a recurring motif in Larson’s work, typically serving as vehicles for dark comedy involving death or misfortune, this specific strip is viewed by the artist as a low point. However, audience reception is mixed. Some fans agree with Larson’s assessment, while others, including online commentators, argue that the visual gag is more effective without the explanatory caption. The debate highlights the subjective nature of humor and the enduring cultural footprint of Larson’s work, even in its perceived failures.
Sources
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