Kerry D. Soper reminds us of The Far Side's groundbreaking qualities and cultural significance in Gary Larson and "The Far Side." In the 1980s, Gary Larson (b. 1950) shook up a staid comics page by introducing a set of aesthetic devices, comedic tones, and philosophical frames that challenged and delighted many readers, even while upsetting and confusing others. His irreverent, single panels served as an alternative reality to the tame comedy of the family-friendly newspaper comics page, as well as the pervasive, button-down consumerism and conformity of the Reagan era. In this first full study of Larson's art, Soper follows the arc of the cartoonist's life and career, describing the aesthetic and comedic qualities of his work, probing the business side of his success, and exploring how The Far Side brand as a whole--with its iconic characters and accompanying set of comedic and philosophical frames--connected with its core readers. In effect, Larson reinvented his medium by creatively working within, pushing against, and often breaking past institutional, aesthetic, comedic, and philosophical parameters. Due to the comic's great success, it opened the door for additional alternative voices in comics and other popular mediums. With its intentionally awkward, minimalistic lines and its morbid humor, The Far Side expanded Americans' comedic palette and inspired up-and-coming cartoonists, comedians, and filmmakers. Soper re-creates the cultural climate and media landscape in which The Far Side first appeared and thrived, then assesses how it impacted worldviews and shaped the comedic sensibilities of a generation of cartoonists, comedy writers, and everyday fans.

Since "The Far Side's debut in January 1980, fans have bought more than 40 million "Far Side books and more than 60 million calendars. Now, at long last, the ultimate "Far Side book has arrived as a hefty, deluxe, two-volume slipcased set. A masterpiece of comic brilliance, The Complete Far Side contains every "Far Side cartoon ever 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. 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, and actor, author, and comedian Steve Martin offers his pithy thoughts in a foreword.

The fourth in a series of best-selling collections of the syndicated cartoon that's sold more than a million books!

Cartoons from BRIDE OF THE FAR SIDE, VALLEY OF THE FAR SIDE and IT CAME FROM THE FAR SIDE.

More lunatic outpourings from America's bestselling cartoonist- wilder than wild, blacker than black and funny enough to be a major health hazard...