The Vikings depicted in The Far Side were easily distracted, even in the middle of pillaging. The comic strips humorously explored misconceptions about Vikings, incorporating surrealism. The Far Side depicted Vikings partaking in unconventional activities, like stretching before launching an attack on a kingdom.
In this strip, Vikings are portrayed as mischievous troublemakers, egging houses in the middle of the night. The absurdity of the situation, combined with the surreal image of Vikings engaging in this kind of activity, creates a hilarious and unexpected twist on the typical Viking stereotype. It's a reminder that The Far Side is never afraid to take historical figures and turn them into comedic characters.
When one thinks of Vikings, the image of them smashing things comes to mind - perhaps a shield or a sword. Yet, in this Far Side strip, we see a different kind of smashing. A Viking is seen using a mallet to smash pottery instead of engaging in battle. This unexpected and comical twist adds a layer of humor to the idea of Vikings and their actions. It presents a different side to these fierce warriors, showing that they too can engage in lighthearted activities.
Many characters in The Far Side find themselves in unfortunate situations due to bad timing. Whether it's encountering dangerous aliens or walking into dicey situations, Larson's characters always seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The bubble gum-chewing Viking in this particular strip is no exception, as he unwittingly becomes the perfect target for his peer who is eager to smash something.
Proper table manners dictate that in some cultures, elbows should not be placed on the table. In a Gary Larson comic strip, however, Vikings are shown to have different ideas about etiquette. At a Viking feast, one member of the clan is appalled by another's lack of table manners and uses it as a teaching moment. Despite their reputation for raiding villages, the Vikings in the comic still strive to display decorum at dinner.
The Far Side comic "Plundering Hours," published in 1994, humorously depicts Vikings adhering to a sign that designates "plundering hours" for a Small Defenseless Village. This showcases Larson's talent for portraying absurd situations and adds humor by making the Vikings unexpectedly rule-abiding.
In the 1981 comic "Lid Off The Mayonnaise," Larson employs irony as a group of strong Vikings struggle to open a simple mayonnaise jar. This demonstrates Larson's skill in creating ironic situations out of unexpected scenarios. In the future, maybe the Vikings should opt for a squeeze bottle to avoid another lid debacle.
Gary Larson's The Far Side is a popular comic strip series that ran from 1979 to 1995, known for its surreal exploration of life and inclusion of both humans and anthropomorphic animals. In 2020, Larson decided to start creating new comics for The Far Side and is now sharing them on his official website.