The Most Hilarious Elephant Cartoons from The Far Side

Unforgettable Elephant Antics: A Journey Through "The Far Side"'s Funniest Moments

The Culinary Conundrum: Ancient Humans and Elephant Feasts

Gary Larson envisions early humans grappling with the perplexing question of elephant edibility. The comic humorously depicts their primitive attempts to track which elephants are safe for consumption using tally boards, all while an enormous elephant stands conspicuously nearby, underscoring the comedic absurdity of their "academic" endeavor.

Long-Distance Lamentations: The Plight of the Poached Elephant

In a poignant and darkly humorous commentary on poaching, Larson illustrates an elephant making a long-distance call, only to discover that its missing leg has been repurposed as a garbage can. This panel cleverly uses dark humor to address a serious issue, highlighting the stark reality of the ivory trade's impact.

The Ivory Intrigue: An Elephant's Party Predicament

A social gathering takes an unexpected turn when an elephant attendee notices a piano adorned with ivory keys. Given the tragic origins of ivory, the sudden shift in mood is portrayed as entirely justified and understandable, offering a subtle yet impactful critique.

The Unforgettable Burden: An Elephant's Eternal Memory

Larson humorously interprets the saying "an elephant never forgets" literally. The comic shows an elephant attempting to drown its sorrows at a bar, only to realize that its exceptional memory prevents it from truly forgetting, creating a perfectly melancholic joke built around this well-known animal trait.

The Peculiar Malady: Edgar's Tiny Hands

Edgar, an elephant, tries to conceal an unusual condition from his peers. The comedic punchline is the sudden appearance of a tiny human hand on Edgar, providing an unexpected and absurd visual gag that is characteristic of Larson's style.

The Butler's Secret: A pachyderm in the Parlor

In a twist on the classic whodunit, a detective confidently declares that the butler is responsible for a colonel's demise, citing goring and trampling as the cause. The presence of an elephant among the suspects subtly casts doubt on the detective's conclusion, adding a humorous layer to the mystery.

Armed and Amusing: An Elephant's Unexpected Weapon

Safari hunters typically fear an elephant's immense size, formidable tusks, and unpredictable temperament. Larson heightens the absurdity by arming an elephant with a tiny knife, suggesting this seemingly insignificant weapon should be the hunters' primary concern, playing on unexpected fears for comedic effect.