Top 10 The Far Side Comics Featuring…

Unleashing Laughter in The Far Side’s Frankenstein Panels

Step into the eccentric world of The Far Side, where 1980 marked its first act of brilliance. With San Francisco Chronicle backing him, Gary Larson had the canvas to fill with his imaginative strokes. Among his many characters, the recurrent hero was none other than Frankenstein’s monster.

The Opening Act: Iconic Debut Year

In its debut year, The Far Side quickly captivated audiences with its unique brand of humor. By transforming timeless icons like Frankenstein’s monster into whimsical misfits, Larson hit comedic gold. Throughout its run, the strip delivered punchlines with lasting impact. The monster became a recurring figure, adding to his allure while investing deeply in absurd comedy.

Frankenstein’s Scars & The Battle of Wits

This beloved monster first emerged in a bar setting, nonchalant with a drink in hand. A man, oblivious to the irony, boasted about his scar. It’s this understated humor that lands the monster at number ten. Such genius lies in its ability to highlight human folly against the stitched-up powerhouse of Frankenstein’s creature.

Next, we find the scene shifting to a lab gone slightly haywire. In a twist, Igor presents a Wolfman doll to the soon-to-be-awakened creature. Here, the hilarity isn’t just visual – it plays on well-tread tropes transforming Igor’s antics into comedic bumbling, making it ninth on our list.

A Playful Giant: Flipping Perspectives

Breaking tradition, the panel where Frankenstein’s creation proudly stands on his head reaches new heights of hilarity. The Doctor’s nonchalant reaction only amplifies the comedy. Larson’s version flips the script on gothic horror, injecting a dose of silliness into what was once only terror.

And as we continue, there’s the rollicking vision of Frankenstein dancing. Mischief strikes when the monster steps on his bride’s foot while swaying to the beat. The giggles come easy, transforming the ominous into the goofy dance floor mishap.

Misunderstandings & Mishaps

Larson’s panels sometimes reveal jokes through misunderstandings. Like when Igor returns with a train instead of a brain. This delightful diversion captures the irreverence of The Far Side humor, crafting a moment of pure slapstick comedy that’s hard to forget.

Then, picture Frankenstein and company in a diner, mid-quarrel. Their banter, both petty and profound, is accompanied by a “Transylvania Special.” Such moments merge the fantastical with the mundane, are fuel for Larson’s endless comedic furnace.

In Search of Lost Heads and Patch-Up Love

Larson didn’t shy from weaving everyday troubles through a monstrous lens. One panel finds the monster headless, wandering a field with his creator. This instance artfully transforms inconvenience into whimsy – a hallmark of The Far Side.

Meanwhile, an unexpected yet charming seamstress lends her skill to our monster’s head. It’s an image that subverts typical gore with comforting domesticity. Introducing this juxtaposition showcases Larson’s knack for clever flips, creating a sense of warmth in the absurd.

A Nuptial Night and The Road to Waitry

Enter the hilarious calamity that is the honeymoon of Frankenstein’s monsters. Destroyed doorways aside, it’s the combination of tenderness with supernatural blunders that steals the show. Finally, the top spot celebrates Larson’s debut Frankenstein sketch—a crossroad with Dorothy and the Oz crew. With unmatched wit, Larson set the stage for many a monstrous misadventure to follow.

Gary Larson’s The Far Side remains timeless, threading humor with humanity, rooted deeply in the deceptively simple world of comic sketches. Embracing Frankenstein’s monster, it celebrates every wild thread of storytelling.