New York Times best-seller!
“Every one of these cartoons is just something that drifted into my head when I was alone with my thoughts. And, for better or worse, I ‘jotted’ them down. It was only later, when perhaps I received an angry letter from someone, that it struck me: Hey! Someone's been reading my diary!”
—Gary Larson, from the preface to The Complete Far Side
Revered by its fans as the funniest, most original, most “What the ... ?”-inspiring cartoon ever, The Far Side® debuted in January 1980 and enjoyed an illustrious 14 years on the world’s comics pages until Gary Larson’s retirement in 1994. The Complete Far Side celebrates Gary’s twisted, irreverent genius in this ultimate Far Side book, a lavish production, which takes its place alongside collector’s-edition art books.
A masterpiece of comic brilliance, The Complete Far Side contains every Far Side cartoon every syndicated—over 4,000 if you must know—presented in (more or less) chronological order by year of publication, with more than 1,100 that have never before appeared in a book. Also included are additional Far Side cartoons Larson created after his retirement: 13 that appeared in the last Far Side book, Last Chapter and Worse, and six cartoons that periodically ran as a special feature in the New York Times Science Times section as The Far Side of Science. Creator Gary Larson offers a rare glimpse into the mind of The Far Side in quirky and thoughtful introductions to each of the 14 chapters. Complaint letters, fan letters, and queries from puzzled readers appear alongside some of the more provocative or elusive panels. Actor, author, and comedian Steve Martin offers his pithy thoughts in a foreword, and Gary Larson’s former editor describes what it was like to be “the guy who could explain every Far Side cartoon.”
The Complete Far Side © 2003 by FarWorks, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Far Side® and the Larson® signature are registered trademarks of FarWorks, Inc.
ktmcb
Posted February 6, 2010
I have previously purchased this for myself and as a gift. This set is huge and complete. I spend hours reading the comics and laughing with every turn of the page. The gift I gave also was very well received and I have gotten calls about the funny comics as the recipient reads them. If you love the Far Side comics add this to your home collection! Best bet, wait for a sale since this is a costly set.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I used to get a Far Side daily calendar from my friend Melissa every year, and I in turn, gave her one. I was forever scrawling comments on them or writing our names over the characters' foreheads. A favorite given to me:
"No Zak, it Wilga's turn to lick bowl."
I was a kid when i had last looked at The Far Side. Now as on adult I decided to revisit the Far Side. Reading them all in chronological order was great because you could see him progress as well as notice some of the patterns in his creations. Clippings of often negative "To the Editor" newspaper columns sprinkled throughout are a nice touch. Gary Larson himself writes a bunch of forwards for the sections and they are very insightful.
The only drawback is these books are heavy!! Anyway, if you purchase this collection you can have then forever to pass on to future generations.
Kurtboard
Posted June 20, 2009
It has been many years since I sat down and read some Far Side comics and these books brought back all of the laughs and enjoyment I remembered as a kid while reading them. I am quite happy with this collection. It is organized by year and many of the comics are in full color. My only warning is: the two books are huge; I think the package was over 20 pounds and the books are so tall (14 inches) they don't fit on my book shelf. So now they proudly sit on the top of the shelves. Also due to the weight this order did not qualify for free shipping. These are best read at a table so your furniture can hold the 10 pounds per book rather than you. Enjoy the comics, I certainly did.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 15, 2006
This is a must get! Never have I seen such a well organized, beautifully put together piece of art! If you like Gary's great sense of humor, this is a great addition to the library!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 11, 2003
This is heavy- in a good way. This book was produced with extremely high production values (how often is cloth used anymore?) to go along with the high quality that Larson put into each cartoon. For those of you who pick up Far Side calenders each year, just to continue a daily fix, people who have every single collection, or those curious as to why so much fuss is being made about a single panel of lines and words, this book demands appreciation. This collection cannot help but scream for similar treatment to be done to other classic series (Calvin and Hobbes) and is a display piece in every sense of the phrase.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 25, 2003
I am a huge Far Side fan and have been for years. When I heard that Larson was retiring in '94 I was miserable. I still had years of Far Side calendars to bring laughter even if it was not new material. My days have not been the same since Larson stopped the Off The Wall calendar and I first heard that this set was in the works when looking for other Far Side books to fill my fix. Two years later, I finally have it and it is worth every penny. The design of these volumes is beautiful and no fan will be disappointed. These books will keep me satisfied and I am glad that Larson would do this for the fans of the cartoon.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 13, 2003
This collection is the best single representation I have ever seen of a comic artists work! The quality of materials used is just shy of an Easton Press collectors edition. The completeness and additional materials (letters, additional comics, etc.) included are insightful, humorous and add real value to the comic reading experience. If you should happen to run into someone who isn't a Gary Larson fan, you can drop this collection on their head and make them extinct! Cost is my only nit here but, in my view, the package is worth the price. Bill Watterson, please consider this route for our buddies 'C & H'!
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Posted October 28, 2008
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Posted August 23, 2012
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Posted November 28, 2009
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Posted December 3, 2009
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Posted October 16, 2010
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Posted March 13, 2010
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Overview
New York Times best-seller!
“Every one of these cartoons is just something that drifted into my head when I was alone with my thoughts. And, for better or worse, I ‘jotted’ them down. It was only later, when perhaps I received an angry letter from someone, that it struck me: Hey! Someone's been reading my diary!”
—Gary Larson, from the preface to The Complete Far Side
Revered by its fans as the funniest, most original, most “What the ... ...