Why Gary Larson Hated Cats, According to Nine Classic Far Side Strips
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Polygon takes a nostalgic look back at nine classic Far Side comics by Gary Larson, exploring why the legendary cartoonist consistently portrayed cats as chaotic villains.
Gaming culture loves an iconic antagonist, and according to a classic retrospective over at Polygon, comic legend Gary Larson found his ultimate villain not in dark fantasy bosses or sci-fi overlords, but in our feline companions. While Larson famously treated cows as the noble, if simple-minded, heroes of The Far Side, he reserved a very different energy for cats. A recent breakdown by Brian VanHooker highlights nine classic strips where felines are cast strictly as chaotic menaces, unbothered household terrorists, or deserving victims of slapstick justice.
Whether they are casually driving cars like Stephen King villains, terrorizing local mice, or treating their human owners with absolute contempt, Larson's cats rarely catch a break. Even when a strip frames a cat as the victim, the humor usually leans toward the clever dogs waiting in the wings to settle the score. It is a fun cultural deep dive for anyone looking to understand one of print comedy's most distinct running bits.
For modern players who spend plenty of time bonding with virtual pets or laughing at chaotic animal simulators, looking back at these timeless panels offers a great slice of nostalgia. Head over to Polygon for the full list and a look at the actual comic strips that prove Larson truly believed cats were absolute menaces.
Tags: Gaming Culture, Pop Culture, Nostalgia, Comics
Original article: Polygon