Leah’s Favorite Comic: The Far Side

Though a comic from the 1980’s The Far Side by Gary Larson is a cult classic, perfect for all the strange and twisted people of the world. There is no central theme other than satire that runs throughout The Far Side; characters range anywhere from Satan to cows. Larson’s work is full of puns that sometimes bring out a groan of terrible hilarity from even the most strong-minded reader (that is if the joke does not offend you). His “punny” words are juxtaposed with iconic drawings done usually within one frame. Larson has been known to use mini-frames set within a larger one, but you do not see that very often.

The Far Side is however, only appreciated by people with a slightly sardonic sense of humor. The problem is that Larson depicts controversial issues- gender relations, animal rights, and even religion- in a light of irony that many people find offensive. The Far Side work is meant to point out some of the idiosyncrasies of human nature and the inconsistencies of our society in addition to being just another comic. It is most assuredly not a comic for the easily offended and when reading The Far Side it is very important to take everything that Larson writes with a grain of salt, remembering that what you are reading is a satire.

The Far Side in all its glory only ran from 1980- 1995, and is best known in compiled book form. The comic may not be popular in its own right, but it is still quite common to find Far Side calendars, t-shirts, and other merchandise. I recommend The Far Side as an easy way to laugh at yourself and ridicule the world in which we live. Feel free to look it up on-line or in your favorite bookstore.

Leah’s Favorite Book

It is a very difficult chore indeed for an avid reader to choose her very favorite book, but I have done so. When I say “avid reader”, I mean that I am always reading something, and two novels at once, to accompany reading for college. I read science fiction, fantasy, and some non-fiction. I enjoy historical fiction, mysteries, and even a western now and again.  So, when I tell you that my favorite book (well, actually it is a series of books) is entitled the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, written by Patricia C. Wrede, I want you know exactly where I am coming from.

 

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles (EFC or The Chronicles) are an extremely easy read. Though the books total to about 300 to 400 pages, the whole thing should not take more than a few days or a week to read. The Chronicles are enjoyable for all ages content wize, and they are the kind of books that allow you to discover more depth and adventure with every read. Wrede’s detailed descriptions of the scenery provide the perfect playground for the imagination. Her flowing dialogue and topic transitions mix with the scenery to make it feel like a motion picture, though there is not a single illustration within.

 

The Chronicles are the story of a young princess, Cimmorene, who becomes the willing servant to a dragon, Kazul, in hopes of escaping the dreadfully dull knights and princes clamoring for her hand in marriage. While in Kazul’s service she becomes head cook, meets various other captive princesses and befriends a very tidy witch named Morwen and her seven or eight feline familiars. She continues on in her service going on various errands and adventures through the Enchanted Forest and surrounding kingdoms, encountering amicable giants, magic spells, evil wizards and one very friendly magician. Wizards, witches and weapons aside in the end Cimmorene finds her prince charming lives happily ever after, but on the way finds that the road to ever after is tangled and twisted to be sure.

 

The books comprising EFC are Dealing with Dragons, Searching for Dragons, Calling on Dragons, and finally, Talking to Dragons, each book taking you on a wild adventure through the Enchanted Forest on some kind of heroic quest. Each book may be read separately, though, I suggest that the Chronicles be read in the compiled form; each individual book so smoothly follows its predecessor that the end of one always leaves you eager to begin the next.                      

There are many, many more exciting journeys throughout the book, but it would be unfair to those who have not read The Chronicles to expose them now, though I will tell you that handkerchiefs, soapy water with a zest of lemon, and magical swords all play a part. It is, obviously, a fantasy novel, fiction and very enjoyable. It is great for young teens because it broadens the horizons of the mind and though an easy read, introduces new vocabulary and increases familiarity with the language. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles are great for adults as well, because in today’s high tech-high stress society they provide a nice relaxing story full of imagery, adventure, and romance.

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