By Bob Tedder • Book sales of over 45 million should be a reliable indicator of an author’s prowess. In this particular instance, there is one small problem with this assertion. Gary Larson, who retired in 1995, technically is not an author. His books are collections of cartoons which for 15 years festooned the pages of more than 1,900 newspapers. For those who remember him, “The Far Side Gallery 2” will be a refreshing dose of nostalgia. For those who have never experienced Larson’s off-kilter wit and wickedly perverse sense of humor, I will guarantee at least one laugh per page.
In turn, first consider who Gary Larson is and what he routinely delivers. Larson’s biography is readily available on Wikipedia. It’s a good place to derive an understanding of what has been called his macabre, offbeat and sometimes controversial sense of misplaced humor. Wikipedia expands this understanding with a separate entry on The Far Side’s genesis, wide-ranging proliferation and continued popularity. Whether you choose to arm yourself with this preliminary information or not, you should spend some time in Larson’s universe – and there’s no better place to start than with the copy of “The Far Side Gallery 2” now located in the Speckled Paw’s ever-growing library.
Wait! Where’s the book review? Well, ask yourself how does one review a book which consists of literally hundreds of cartoons? The picture as a thousand words axiom definitely placed an insurmountable limit on my paltry effort. Therefore, my review will be a challenge: Match your wits with Gary Larson. I’ll give you a caption and a page number. Try and imagine the cartoon Larson drew. One small declaration concerning this exercise: It will take an exceptionally supple imagination even to come close. So I shall submit these five challenges.
- Murray didn’t feel the first pangs of real panic until he pulled the emergency cord (112)
- Down at the eat and slither (37)
- Wow that desk looks better. Everything’s squared away yessir, squaaaaaared away. (55)
- Late again. This better be good. (152)
- Bear! Bear! (115)
Meanwhile, have fun with your next cup of coffee. The book’s on me, the chuckles are entirely on Lawson.