The Complete Far Side 3 Books Collection Box Set by Gary Larson - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Volume One: January 1980 to June 1984
Volume Two: July 1984 to June 1988
Volume Three: July 1988 to December 1994

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781449460044

Overview:
The Complete Far Side is a landmark anthology collection that gathers Gary Larson’s iconic single-panel cartoons into a single, beautifully bound paperback box set. Spanning three volumes, Volume One covers the early explosion of Larsonian wit from January 1980 through June 1984, Volume Two continues July 1984 to June 1988, and Volume Three closes the arc from July 1988 to December 1994. This edition features a newly designed slipcase, making it as stylish as it is entertaining. Readers will encounter Larson’s uniquely offbeat view of science, nature, culture, and the absurdities of everyday life—cartoons that fans have described as “the funniest” and most “What the...?” moments in comic history. It includes more than 4,000 cartoons in total, with roughly 1,100 never before published in a book, plus late-career pieces from The Far Side after retirement and timely science-themed panels. Foreword by Steve Martin and insightful introductions by Larson add extra depth to the experience. A truly tactile treasure for fans, scholars, and anyone who loves clever, curious humor.

What Makes This Collection Special:
This collection stands out because it curates The Far Side’s complete syndicated run while highlighting Larson’s evolution as a humorist who could turn zoology, physics, and human foibles into instant classics. The three-volume sequence invites a binge-reading journey—watching Larson’s voice develop from witty one-offs to sharper social satire. The revised slipcase reinforces its status as a premium gift and display piece, perfect for coffee tables, libraries, and desk corners. It’s not just a box of cartoons; it’s a curated slice of late-20th-century humor that resonates with science fans, nostalgia lovers, and contemporary readers who crave a smart, subversive laugh.

Books Included in This Collection:
Volume One: January 1980 to June 1984
From the moment The Far Side burst onto calendars and newspaper pages, Volume One captures the origin energy of Larson’s world. Expect quirky animal wit, clever wordplay, and the first hints of the subversive lens that defined his career. These cartoons mix curiosity with a dash of mischief, inviting readers to see everyday life from an absurd, thought-provoking angle. This volume lays the groundwork for a distinctive voice that has kept readers returning for decades, making it a must-have for any collector seeking the earliest spark of The Far Side’s enduring charm.

Volume Two: July 1984 to June 1988
Volume Two deepens Larson’s signature blend of science flirtation and surreal observation. The humor grows increasingly inventive, with panels that playfully skew our assumptions about evolution, technology, and human behavior. Readers will notice a more confident rhythm and sharper punchlines, alongside beloved recurring motifs—zookeepers, scientists, and everyday misadventure—delivered with Larson’s unmistakable misaligned perspective. This middle act of the trilogy is a perfect bridge for fans who want a fuller arc of The Far Side’s most quotable, re-readable moments.

Volume Three: July 1988 to December 1994
The finale of the boxed set gathers Larson at his most refined and fearless. Volume Three showcases a matured velocity, with panels that blend scientific curiosity with social satire in unforgettable ways. This volume also collects pieces Larson created after retirement, including cartoons featured in Last Chapter and Worse and selections that appeared in the New York Times Science Times as The Far Side of Science. The result is a gripping, cohesive closing chapter that rewards long-time readers and newcomers alike with a flood of instantly quotable humor and surprising, insightful commentary.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This three-volume collection is ideal for adults and older teens who relish clever humor grounded in science and everyday life. It’s a superb gift for fans of graphic humor, readers who grew up with The Far Side, and anyone who enjoys cartoons that make you think while you laugh. Collectors will prize the comprehensive scope and the premium, shelf-ready presentation, while new readers can discover why Larson’s work remains a cultural touchstone. Teachers and librarians will find it a rich reference for discussing illustration, satire, and cross-disciplinary humor in a light, accessible format.

Key Benefits:

• Complete three-volume collection with a premium slipcase
• Over 4,000 cartoons spanning 14 years of The Far Side’s syndication
• Includes more than 1,100 previously unseen cartoons in book form
• Post-retirement material and science-themed panels add depth
• Foreword by Steve Martin and expert introductions for context
• A timeless gift for collectors, science fans, and humor lovers

About the Author:
Gary Larson (born August 14, 1950, in Tacoma, Washington) is the genius behind The Far Side, a revolutionary single-panel comic that challenged conventions with science-forward absurdity and offbeat nature scenarios. Larson’s formal education focused on communications at Washington State University, supplemented by studies in the sciences—a combination that informed his distinctive humor. He received the Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1990 and was invited to give the centennial commencement speech titled “The Importance of Being Weird.” His work, created over fifteen years of daily cartoons, remains celebrated for its clever balance of curiosity, whimsy, and subversive insight into human and animal behavior.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
Owning The Complete Far Side in this three-volume collection is like possessing a time capsule of late-20th-century wit that still crackles with relevance. The new slipcase elevates it to a display-worthy centerpiece, while the robust paperback format makes it inviting to dip into again and again. It’s an ideal keepsake for dedicated fans, a unique coffee-table bestseller, and a thoughtful gift for science lovers, students, teachers, and anyone who appreciates smart, quirky humor that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.