Customer Reviews

Cows of Our Planet: A Far Side Collection

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm not sure how Gary Larson continues to write consistently funny books. But, I'm not going to complain. This book has a laugh on every page. Once again there are the hilarious human and animal characters that make up Larson's wacky world. In addition, there is a centerfold of cows of our planet. It is definitely a worthy addition to the Far Side collection. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a good laugh in their life.

As with all of the other Far Side collections, Gary Larson brilliantly incorporates his sense of witty humor into his cartoons about life, ranging from cavemen to scientists to cows. There is something for everyone in this book, and I guarantee there will be a few cartoons that you will be tempted to photocopy and post on the bulletin board or fridge door. I am continually amazed at how Larson can make a one-panel cartoon so funny, while other cartoonists can write eight panel cartoons that don't even come near my funny bone. "Cows of Our Planet" striked it right away.

If at any time in your life you feel a little down, stressed, or tired, and need a few laughs -- crack open a Far Side collection like this one and you'll be chuckling in no time. For added humor, check out the colored insert of different 'cows of our planet' from which the collection gets its name. You'll be paying closer attention to the cows grazing in the pasture the next time you drive out into the country :)

Gary Larson is one of my favorite all-time cartoonists. I used to read his cartoons regularly when they used to appear in the daily newspapers, and his zany off-the-wall sense of humor never failed to amuse me. Many of his cartoons are based on some common American phrase, expression, or other form of cultural reference. So back in the days when I just landed in the US "Far Side" served an invaluable educational lesson as well. Naturally, like many of his fans, I was very saddened when Gary Larson decided to retire. Still, after all these years, I enjoy pulling out some of the old Far Side cartoons every once in a while. It always surprises me and pleases me to discover that they had not lost any of their original freshness and charm.

One of Larson's favorite themes was that of anthropomorphic animals, and cows in particular. This is precisely a collection of such cartoons. They are some of the best cartoons on these themes. Even if you are not the biggest fan of the Far Side, you will probably enjoy most of them. A really fun collection.

This book takes its name from the full color fold-out centerfold showing an array of cows, many of which are rarely seen; some of which are extinct. Included in this dubious display of bovine beasts is the rare, but deadly, Amazon River Cow. Then there is the Skyscraper Suckerfoot and the Tennessee Portaford. Unfortunately, not all of these are all that funny, but some are entertaining.

Fortunately, the rest of the book contains some classic Far Side comics. Farmer MacDougal suddenly realizes that his collie Shep has gotten just a little too sociable for the good of Farmer MacDougal's sheep and beer. We learn what happens to young cowpokes who actually attempt to ride into the sunset. We also get to see brave archeologists discover the mummy's purse! Ever wonder what happens to Boot Hill when the gunfighters wear high heels?

On the down side, "The Complete Far Side 1980-1994" collects all these comics. Though that collection is quite expensive, it is cheaper to buy that collection than to buy all the individual Far Side collections. On the other hand, the paperback books, such as this one, are certainly easier to handle and read.

I have always enjoyed Gary Larson's Far Side cartoons. I am only sorry that he retired from the strip. Perhaps one day he will regal us again with stories of the animal and human kingdom.

Enjoy!

These cartoons are hysterical; my particular favorites are those that involve puns or wordplay. For example, on page 62 the illustration features clowns and flying pies. The caption reads, "In the corridors of Clowngress." On page 43, there is an illustration of Moray eels at a cocktail party and the caption reads, "Social morays." No topic is beyond Larson's reach. There is Mike Wallace's interview with the devil, Acts of God as a vaudeville production, the devil giving an updated weather forecast where the predicted cold front never appeared and the inside tour of the Acme Fake Vomit Company.
The best cartoonists are geniuses and Larson is one of the best. I enjoyed every cartoon in this collection; they are funny and profound at the same time.

This book takes its name from the full color fold-out centerfold showing an array of cows, many of which are rarely seen; some of which are extinct. Included in this dubious display of bovine beasts is the rare, but deadly Amazon River Cow. Then there is the Skyscraper Suckerfoot and the Tennessee Portaford. Unfortunately, not all of these are all that funny, but some are entertaining.

Fortunately, the rest of the book contains some classic Far Side comics. Farmer MacDougal suddenly realizes that his collie Shep has gotten just a little too sociable for the good of Farmer MacDougal's sheep and beer. We learn what happens to young cowpokes who actually attempt to ride into the sunset. We also get to see brave archeologists discover the mummy's purse! Ever wonder what happens to Boot Hill when the gunfighters wear high heels?

On the down side, "The Complete Far Side 1980-1994" collects all these comics. Though that collection is quite expensive, it is cheaper to buy that collection than to buy all the individual Far Side collections. On the other hand, the paperback books, such as this one, are certainly easier to handle and read.

I have always enjoyed Gary Larson's Far Side cartoons. I am only sorry that he retired from the strip. Perhaps one day he will regal us again with stories of the animal and human kingdom. Enjoy!

This book is a very good 1. Not feeling so great? Read a few cartoons and your day will begin to brighten. The centerfold of cows of the planet is a definate plus. How he gets all of his ideas. I have no clue. But all the same, there great. If you could use a laugh, pick up this book.

Bradley

I'm pretty sure people don't randomly buy Larson's books for themselves or others having not been a fan for many years. This book is every bit as bizarre (as expected from Gary Larson) and I LOVE it!! Have to admit my all time fave is, and always will be "Cow Poetry"
As for Amazon ... super service as always!! Thanks.
PMA - Ohio

This was a gift that had the recipient cracking up from cover to cover....and the cow centerfold is PRICELESS!

haha. i love gary larsons work.and of course his cow jokes. this book is good for ages 12-100 if you buy it i know you will love it.the cows of our planet are smarter than you know..


by harold the dariy cow.