Content Warning: This article contains references to suicide.

The Far Side is darker than many readers realize. While it is world-renowned for its absurdist humor and attracts fans of all ages, some assume that means it is always lighthearted and family-friendly. Although that can often be true, many Far Side comics are surprisingly dark.

Gary Larson has a sense of humor that can throw his readers off guard. His punchlines are always clever and surprising, but his curveballs have a tendency to get unexpectedly dark. Larson is always pushing the envelope in his comics, and sometimes, he does so in ways that his audience would say are going too far. Whether that means his jokes get disgusting, murderous, or bleak, these comics exist to shock readers. These comics rank among the most shockingly dark in the history of The Far Side.

10 "Get, You Rascal! Get! ..."

First Published: April 1, 1981

As is often the case with The Far Side, there are layers to this one. On the surface, The Far Side showcases a predator outside its natural habitat. The crocodile transitions from the swamp to the nursery room. According to the nurse, this crocodile is a repeat offender, continually getting into the nursery. The nurse even asked her colleague to conduct a head count to ensure the killer croc hadn't eaten one of these babies. Given the crocodile's track record, it may have already eaten some babies in the past.

Beyond the surface level of this joke, what's interesting is that the crocodile's intentions may be more innocent than some readers might assume. Crocodiles have a habit of putting babies in their mouths just to transport them from one location to another. Maybe the croc is taking these babies to the swamp instead of eating them, adopting one as its own.

9 "There They Go Again ... Leaving the Nest Too Early"

First Published: April 9, 1981

This comic might prove to be the pinnacle of Gary Larson's sense of humor and the he can take the series. The phrase "leaving the nest" refers to when a child moves out of their parents' home, akin to a baby bird leaving its nest. Anyone who moved out of their childhood home when they were anxious to leave, but not financially stable enough or mentally mature enough to sustain the situation, knows there is such a thing as leaving the nest too soon.

These birds are commenting on what happens when leaving the nest too soon, except it seems to be two humans leaping off a cliff named Lovers' Leap. The name is synonymous with areas where people tend to either fall by accident or deliberately choose to jump. While the birds might perceive the scene innocently, there’s a strong chance they have just witnessed a couple’s suicide pact.

8 "As the First Duck Kept Margaret's Attention, the Second One Made Its Move"

Published: August 20, 1981

Getting murdered by a two-duck inside job probably isn't the most ideal way for anyone to die. Not only because of the murder part, but because being killed by two ducks is a bit embarrassing, not to mention such a random occurrence. One can't explain why two ducks would even want to kill them, but then again, that's what makes it the perfect murder. No one would expect a duck to be a homicidal maniac, let alone two of them at once.

This is one of Gary Larson's more disturbing comics, largely because it lacks a clear punchline. If the ducks were replaced with real people, the scene would simply look like a grisly crime scene. Even as it is, it depicts a crime, but swapping ducks for humans would create a far more gruesome image, one without the dark humor that comes from seeing ducks commit murder.

7 "Oh No, Elliott!? Why? ... Why? ..."

First Published: 1981

As often as Gary Larson produced laughs for readers, he created just as much controversy. In one of his most controversial comics, an unsuspecting snake enters an apartment complex and finds their roommate has hanged themselves. In any other scenario, that's a seriously grisly scene to walk in on and an ittedly depressing thought to have. However, the more ghastly aspects of this intense scenario are alleviated by the fact that the subjects in question are snakes.

For all intents and purposes, this snake might not even be dead. It's hard for a snake to wrap around itself to the point of death, as in some cases, snakes tie themselves up intentionally. Gary Larson's obsession with snakes is fascinating, especially knowing where it takes his imagination.

6 "Mary Had Three Helpings of Corn..."

First Published: September 10, 1987

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Gary Larson might've been more than a little obsessed with nursery rhymes. Putting twists on classic children's tales was a recurring idea for the Far Side creator, and this one ranks among his darkest. He uses wordplay to put a spin on "Mary Had a Little Lamb," changing Mary from literally owning a lamb to explaining what she had for dinner. This elderly Mary enjoyed a four-course meal that included three helpings of corn, two baked potatoes, extra bread, and the lamb in question served on a platter.

It all implies a long con on Mary's behalf, either by shepherding a lamb that she was planning to kill all along, or she had been cooking lambs alive like this since she was a child. Either way, it'd be morbid if it weren't so hilarious.

4 "Tethercat"

First Published: 1988

As often as Gary Larson took his comics into dark territory, few received the kind of backlash that "Tethercat" did. The concept of the comic is self-explanatory, as the dogs are playing tetherball with a cat. It was a harsh visual for any feline lover to stand, and as it turns out, outraged cat lovers refused to stand for it. This was dark enough that it turned out to be Gary Larson's most controversial comic, and the one that he thought would end his career.

Some may debate whether this is truly Larson’s darkest comic or if he has created darker ones. Even if it isn’t, the public reaction was strong enough to give the impression that Larson couldn’t get any darker than this. However, judging by the darker stories he released afterward, it seems he may have tried to top it.

3 "Well, Yes, That is the Downside, Fluffy..."

First Published: February 21, 1994

It’s hard to say who the real villain is here. On one hand, the dogs conspiring to murder Margaret would be guilty in any crime story. On the other hand, you have to wonder what kind of person Margaret must be to drive three adorable poodles to such extremes. These dogs are willing to give up years of pampering just to see Margaret put in the ground. In that sense, it’s a tragic situation for the dogs as well.

As for Margaret, one of The Far Side's secret recurring characters, her tragedy lies in the fact that she's about to be offed by a trio of cuddly animals. A human being killed by Man's Best Friend is a sad way for a life to end. The sad irony of the strip might resonate more profoundly if the dogs in question were a little more vicious and not so tiny.

2 "I Know You Miss the Wainwrights"

First Published: October 11th, 1994

Darwinism is prevalent in every part of society. The concept of Survival of the Fittest is typically associated with animals competing for resources. Still, even in a more common workplace scenario, it's a dog-eat-dog world out there. Every neighborhood, even a suburb, has an alpha predator pitted against a meeker prey that said predator views as a target. This is likely what befell the Wainwright family before this comic, and that's the analogy that this father essentially lays out for his son.

The Wainwrights being eaten by wolves is dark enough, but the boy having to learn the harsh realities of Darwinism at a young age is even darker. What's also overlooked is the wide-eyed glances these wolves direct at the father-son duo. It appears that the predators have just found their next meal. Perhaps the father is weaker and dumber than he leads on.

1 A Snake Eats a Baby

First Published: Unknown

It's rare to find a without a caption, but those lacking captions prove that a picture is worth a thousand words. No words are necessary here, as the joke speaks for itself. Some will argue whether there's even so much of a punchline, much less a joke, beyond the gruesome scene of a snake with a giant hump in its underbelly in a baby-less crib. It doesn't take rocket science to figure out where the baby went.

Some will say that Gary Larson was obsessed with snakes as much as he had a penchant for dark humor. Bring the two together, and readers have on their hands, arguably, the darkest Far Side comic that Gary Larson has ever produced. The Far Side clearly has a fair share of unbelievably dark strips, but this one might take the cake.