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10 Unforgettable “Far Side” Comics That Celebrate Dinosaurs (Beyond the Thagomizer!)

bekir September 2, 2026 3 min read 4 views

Gary Larson’s “The Far Side” is a timeless classic, and his dinosaur comics hold a special place in the hearts of many. While the infamous “thagomizer” comic cemented its place in scientific history, it was just one piece of a vast collection of hilarious prehistoric art. Join us as we explore 10 other unforgettable “Far Side” comics that showcase Larson’s unique brand of humor and his enduring fascination with dinosaurs.

A Touch of Humanity

Larson regularly depicted dinosaurs as doing normal human stuff, and the comedy came from these giant prehistoric monsters acting so calmly. Like this one, there’s nothing that funny about flossing, but when a T-rex talks about it, it’s hilarious.

Larson had a knack for imbuing dinosaurs with human characteristics, creating scenarios both relatable and absurd. This comic perfectly exemplifies that, featuring a T-Rex casually discussing the importance of flossing. The juxtaposition of such a colossal creature engaging in mundane activities is what makes “The Far Side” so endearing.

Breakfast of Champions

This strip, about a juvenile T-rex looking for the prize in the bottom of a cereal box, is another one with dinosaurs acting like humans. The comedy is only enhanced here by the writing on the box, “Free kid inside!”

Who says dinosaurs didn’t enjoy breakfast? This comic depicts a young T-Rex eagerly searching for the prize hidden in a cereal box. The inscription “Free kid inside!” adds another layer of humor to this already delightful scene.

An Important Announcement

Here, Larson depicts a dinosaur press conference where one dinosaur declares that the climate is changing and mammals are taking over. It’s a really clear example of Larson’s other big dinosaur theme: extinction.

Larson often explored themes of extinction in his comics, and this one is no exception. In this “press conference” comic, a dinosaur delivers a stark warning about climate change and the rise of mammals. It’s both humorous and thought-provoking.

An Involuntary Time Traveler

In this woman’s defense, that does look a lot like a dryer.

Sometimes, humor comes from the unexpected. This comic features a cavewoman mistaking a dinosaur for a clothes dryer. It’s a simple gag, but its absurdity is what makes it so funny.

Ptero in the Skies

This one, from August 9, 1985, is a bit of a play on the difficulty people have with dinosaur names. As a dinosaur nerd, though, I feel compelled to say that pterosaurs, like the one pictured here, are not dinosaurs.

Larson often played with language and scientific accuracy in his comics. This one pokes fun at the challenges of remembering dinosaur names, while also subtly reminding us that pterosaurs, though related, aren’t technically dinosaurs.

A Fierce Predator

Okay, I’ll add one chicken comic to this list, only because it’s also a dinosaur comic (and again, birds are dinosaurs).

While pterosaurs might not be dinosaurs, chickens certainly are! This comic cleverly incorporates the fact that birds are avian dinosaurs, adding another layer of humor.

Bad Advice

Again, pterosaurs aren’t dinosaurs, but this joke, from January 18, 1986, is too funny to resist. It becomes all the funnier when you take a look at the limbs of the caveman in the back.

Another pterosaur gag! This time, the humor comes from the questionable advice being given, and the bewildered expression on the caveman’s face.

Paleontologists Just Gotta Have Fun

Some of Larson’s best dinosaur jokes are actually about the paleontologists, like this one. While people might expect paleontologists to be dull, sober scientists, Larson loved to depict them, and other scientists, as ridiculous children.

Larson often poked fun at the stereotypes surrounding scientists, portraying them as quirky and childlike in their enthusiasm. This comic perfectly captures that spirit.

What a Stupid-Looking Mammal

This is one of Larson’s best Far Side comics without any words. The visual of dinosaurs as schoolyard bullies, picking on a mammal for its fur, is funny enough, but the dinosaur in the back, noticing that it's snowing, gives the comic levels.

This wordless comic relies entirely on visuals to convey its humor. The image of dinosaurs bullying a furry mammal and then realizing it’s snowing is both hilarious and poignant.

A Beloved Joke

Aside from the thagomizer comic, this has got to be Gary Larson’s most famous dinosaur image. From December 15, 1982, this absurd cartoon shows dinosaurs smoking cigarettes with the caption “The real reason dinosaurs became extinct.”

No discussion of “Far Side” dinosaur comics is complete without mentioning the infamous cigarette-smoking dinosaurs. This comic combines Larson’s trademark humor with a touch of dark irony, making it one of his most memorable creations.

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