Humor Books

I have reached a point now where I am continuously reading 100 to 200 pages of sci-fi/fantasy novels, then throwing them away and searching for the next Jack Vance work. I keep finding that he has already written entire, masterful books on random notions that I have had about what the next few decades will bring....and he wrote them decades ago. I've been tearing through his work at a steady clip, and haven't been disappointed yet.

For example, I just wrapped up Blue World, which is somewhat of a cross between Moby Dick and The Old Man and the Sea. It's a masterpiece, and more metaphorical and symbolic than most of Vance's works. On one hand it can be read as a straight-forward adventure story about the descendants of shipwrecked starfarers attempting to defeat an aquatic monster. However, it can simultaneously be read as an indictment of religion, orthodox thinking, and institutionalized bureaucracies as being stultifying narcotics that sap human free-will and advancement.

It is amazingly and deliciously subversive. A good read even for those who don't like science fiction or aren't familiar with Vance.

Jack Vance has some great books, but has also written quite a few not-so-great ones. I expected this book, which was originally a short story but later expanded to novel size, to be one of the not-so-good ones. I was pleasantly surprised. The action is fairly constant throughout the first 3/4 of the book. Things slow down towards the final chapters, and the ending is slightly disappointing. Still, all in all, this is a better-than-average story.

Jack Vance is one of my favorite authors although admittedly he has written a few duds. At his best, as in The Blue World, he has an uncanny knack of making his quirky and exotic societies and locations seem real and believable. While Blue World is technically Science Fiction it's really a story of human triumph and ingenuity. A shipload of people stranded on a world without land, who not only survive but flourish could just as easily have been a 16th century galleon stranding its crew on a desert island.

An entrenched quasi-religious priesthood built up over generations to worship a very large & vindictive sea creature (called a Kragen probably after the Kraken of Norse mythology) who demand orthodoxy and are willing to kill those who oppose their views or threaten to harm the monstrous Kragen is soundly based on human experience.

The interaction of those who want to rid themselves of the beast and those of orthodox view led by the "priests" who see the Kragen as a god-like entity to be worshiped and fawned over is at the heart of the story and rings so true it could be describing the U.S. Senate's conservative vs. liberal debates. The justification for war to rid the world of unorthodoxy is as old as time and shows a real understanding of human nature that Vance often uses to advantage.

Blue World is Sci-Fi at its best.

First, to all those who have never read Jack Vance: he is nothing like the vast multitudes of "space-opera" writers of today. And if you are expecting more of that kind of pulp you may not like his stories. If you are willing to let go of your notions of what scif-fi should be, then Vance is the writer for you! His writing style is detailed but very concise, and he rarely (basically never) wastes the reader's time with superfluous space-filler. This means his novels are usually quite short. His stories often have very strong themes (with a subtext of humor) and are generally very believable thought experiments; in the sense that all entities and characters act belivably within the context.

Blue World is a thought experiment. The setting revolves around a society situated on a planet with no land that must rely on a giant sea-plant for all of their needs. There is a strong conflict in the story between the the society (or members of it) and external factors (specifically a giant sea monster), but the real magic of this story is the interaction and conflict that goes on within the society (the sea monster is simply the catalyst, and the general theme of conflict is between religious conservatism and scientific progress). The individual characters in Blue World are generally static and proceed along specific trajectories from the outset. However, this is not a weakness since the interaction BETWEEN characters leads to dynamic and unpredictable results. It is almost as if the whole society of Blue World is Vance's character. It works very well.

A few further notes: the details in this story include a strange "religion" based sea-monster appeasment, comunication systems using towers and an interesting symbolic lights, and a whole slew of well thought out ways to use a sea-plant to build a civiliazation. Very imaginative!

My only complaint, the book is too short! But all great books are and this one leaves a lasting impression.

This was the first Vance novel I ever read- humans marooned on a world without solid land. The themes of human beings as the most alien creatures we'll ever meet, the exotic societies, the strange worlds we are cast down on all combined to a memberable book. Look for how the folks on this planet gather iron; it's an image that has stayed with me for over thirty years.

"The Great Cow Race" picks up where "Out From Boneville" left off. It is the second volume in the nine volume Bone series. Written and drawn beautifully by Jeff Smith, it is an adventure filled with humor and mystery.

In this section of the story, Phoney Bone is trying to rig the betting on the great cow race by starting rumors about Rose (Thorn's Grandmother who always wins the race) being too old, and about a new incredibly fast mystery cow, which turns out to be Smiley Bone in a homemade cow suit. The main adventure story continues as well, as we learn more about Thorn through her dreams about a time she can't remember, and hints of an unusual past from comments by Rose and Lucius (the bar owner in Barrelhaven who has a long unspoken love for Rose).

This volume is heavier on the humorous stories, and as a result there is very little learned about the overall storyline of the series. For that reason, I rate it slightly lower than the first volume, but it is definitely worth reading.

jeff smith is one geat artist and writer we well iove bon

The Bone series is the greatest group of books that I have! "The Great Cow Race" contains fantasy, adventure, humor, mystery, and more! And it all comes in one book! I really recommend it!

Jeff Smith's "Bone" series is a critically acclaimed but criminally overlooked epic for a reason. Critics recognize Smith's masterful storytelling abilities and are drawn to his mix of all-ages humor and decidedly adult darkness, but the black and white art and lack of superheroes is anathema to most comic book readers, making it a hit only in the "underground" sense.

Smith combines the kind of classic storytelling perfected by the likes of the legendary Carl Barks and Bill Watterson - gleefully funny cartooning with outrageously expressive faces and gestures - with the epic and engaging plotting of a sweeping fairy tale. "Bone" walks a tightrope and walks it well, managing to be something fans of both Donald Duck and Bilbo Baggins can enjoy.

Timeless is every way, "Bone" is an expansive story about three "bone creatures" (you'd have to see them to understand) that find themselves in a valley peopled with an assortment of crazy and interesting characters. Looming over it all is the menace of a great evil, first glimpsed by the ferocious (and funny) rat creatures, but later revealed to be something much more disturbing.

Thank goodness for trade paperbacks, which have allowed new readers unaccustomed to weekly stops at the comic store to follow this marvelous, epic, enchanting series.

In this second volume (out of nine total), Smith ramps up the humor - the idea of an old lady racing a bunch of cows is hilarious - while slowly, deliberately dropping hints that all is not as it seems with some of the village folk, specifically grandma. "The Great Cow Race" continues to sparkle with humor and retains the light tone of the first volume, "Out From Boneville," while Smith offers us just enough looks at the larger tale to keep us going. A fine effort on his part.

"Bone" is essential reading that no lover of the comic artform should skip. Little doubt people will still be reading "Bone" 50 years from now. Broad in scope yet personal and quaint, this is a charming story in every way that will long outlast 90 percent of other comic works on the shelf.

Volume #2 of the 'Bone,' graphic novel series collects issues #7-11 originally released in 1992-1993. Those who enjoyed the first volume will surely enjoy this second collection even more, as the characters and storylines introduced in vol. #1 hit their full stride and become further fleshed out in fun and effortless fashion. Reading through the 'Bone,' series is reminiscent of listening to a well-crafted pop song in that there is seemingly little effort taking place to enjoy the work and moments later after you're done digesting it you suddenly realize what a rich and complex work the piece actually is, functioning on several unique layers. 'Bone,' works exactly in such a fashion and trust me when I say that you'll never have more fun while reading through a book and digesting the nuances afterward as you will with this series.

Wit, wisdom, and little known facts of the world of spirits fill these pages. I have a worn out copy on my bar in my house. Guests always pick it up to glance throught it and end up putting it down hours later... A definte must for every person who enjoys spirits. Every bar should have one as well.

It may be the only comprehensive one of its kind, but when there are others it will still be the best because the author knows so much about the subject and does his homework. It is almost as good as conversation with the author himself when he's working. And that's the height of wit.

A rich and varied compendium of interesting, entertaining, and thoughtful quotes on drinking, Bottled Wisdom is the perfect tonic for the ill-view that a minority in our society take toward the culture of alcohol. Best shared with a friend over a tasty beverage, this book offers humorous and thoughtful quotes. In fact, some of the best quotes are surprising in content and authorship. Just as a visit to a quality bar should be, this anthology will make you smile, laugh, and reflect on life. You will make new friends and be happy to see some old cronies in these pages. Pollman has done his homework and offers a varied and rich anthology. Reigle's illustrations are good and complement the text without overpowering the words. For the imbiber that has everything, this book is the perfect holiday gift.

Mark has done a fabulous job of collecting some classic "wisdom" as well as a whole lot of wonderful new material. I now have a habit of purchasing a copy of the book for all of my ex-U.S. co-workers (after a visit with Mark at the pub, of course) to show them that American humor and ingenuity are alive and well !! I suspect that there are a number of foolish publishers out there "cryin' in their beer" over this lost opportunity ! This book is a great gift for yourself or anyone who appreciates great wit and a tasty libation.

Mark Pollman's book, "Bottled Wisdom", is my defense against the British opinion that nothing American can possibly be as good as the "English way". Pub owners, employees and patrons here in London have been fascinated by Mark's book (ps, Mark, you may have some more new customers!) -- a thoroughly enjoyable read. One word of warning: don't read while drinking, unless your fellow imbibers don't mind being sprayed when you laugh uncontrollably!

Planet Nine strikes again! Bruno the Bandit is tall, dark, and luckless from a family of bandits. Even though he's in his thirties, Bruno is still living at home with his mother, father, companion/sidekick/will rat him out in 5 seconds micro-dragon Fiona and "Uncle". A firm grasp on pop-culture is necessary to get all the gags, jokes and jabs as Bruno seeks ancient books of forbidden knowledge, endures prison, his world's version of Peoples Court and daytime television and even marriage...to an another man. I'm not going to ruin any plotlines, so you'll just have to pick up a copy to find out the rest!

If you stumbled across Sluggy Freelance and liked it, give Bruno a try.

Bruno is really one of the better strips there is on the net. Its great he got a book out, too.

This is definetly one of the better comic strips out there. Bruno the Bandit is completely original, and fresh, the main character contiues to surprise me. Bruno is not only a dumb crook, murderer etc, but also greedy, selfish, and at times meaner than his enemies. It makes hime very interesting to read about, you'd think he would rather save the world than make a few gold sovergeins, but not Bruno. He kills baby unicorns, and clubs baby seals, all to further his own ends and this makes the book very refreshing from other strips, for he continues to save people, usually out of shear stupidity! I recommend you to purchase this book!!

Like many internet comics, I stumbled on this gem by accident. I read the strips abounding with weird wizards, sassy micro-dragons, clumsy rouges, goat-headed Goddesses, bartending demons, and various other oddities, laughed so hard my sides hurt, and got addicted. Unlike certain other reveiwers who have no basis for their mindless dislike, I think Bruno is one of the best internet comics out there, parodying everything from pop culture to classic fantasy stories. Ian McDonald has terrific insight, and I hope the strip continues to be successful for many years to come.

This is the "typical" story of your rogue that has it all done by brute force and not necessarily the smartest way. That would not have been anything special if we hadn't got Fiona, the always present Micro-dragon sideckick. With her inteligence, sarcasm, and great humour that turns this stupid/smart robbers pair in one of the funniest around.

I have been a faithful FoxTrot reader for years. Roger, Andy and their kids Peter, Paige and Jason are always good for a reality check with a large dose of laughter. I've got two girls and let me tell you, I see a lot of my kids in Paige with, I believe, even a healthy dose of Jason thrown in. And they have Peter's bottomless stomach. Of course, they're faithful FoxTrot readers too. I used to read the strip to them, explain what was going on, but now they get it just fine and we three all laugh together. Then my girls try and explain the strip to their dad, who pretends he doesn't get it.

The FoxTrot folks are a great family, one we sort of got used to checking up on every day, so we took the news that Mr. Amend was going to cease daily distribution of his wonderfully funny people and turn his strip to Sunday only, with a bit of sadness. Still, we have these terrific FoxTrot books to keep us going with our FoxTrot fix. Mr. Amend is to be commended for his great gift to our culture and his great gift to so many lives. I truly believe a laugh a day, helps keep the blues away and the FoxTrot gang are always good for a laugh. Heck there are a lot of laughs in the FoxTrot books. I know, I have them all and I am, along with my girls and my hubby dear, eagerly awaiting the next one.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, we don't have an iguana, but my girls do have a pet gecko and, you guessed it, his name is Quincy.

I've been a Foxtrot reader for a long time and personally I think there is something suspiciously wrong with people who don't find Bill Amend's characters funny as all get out. If you want a good laugh, check out Bill in your local newspaper, or better yet, get one of the Foxtrot books. They are all great, really, they are.

Like many of Mr. Amend's fans I'm a bit disappointed he's switching his strip to Sunday-only, but fortunately I can still read him daily in the Foxtrot books. Get them one and all and you can keep right on a laughing.

I loved this book! It was just one hilarious comic strip after another! Absolutley a must-have.

I get so engrossed in all foxtrot books, but I think this one defenitly topped my list. It was hysterical from cover to back. Keep up the good work!

I liked this book, especially because you went in to Jason and his iguana, Quincy. I think that when they harass Paige, the way she gets back at them is hysterical. Thanks for all the books, please make more, and keep the good work up. ~Brittany~

The Garfield Day- to Day Calendar is a great thing to look forward to every morning because it gives you a laugh and wakes you up.

Garfield is the best cartoon in the world im his #1 fan. I have been since i was born. they should have a lot more of garfield.......one more thing...GOD BLESS AMERICA......

The pictures are cute,after you read you must be a Garfield fans

This book is hillarious, and if your not a morning person the comic strips featured in it will wake you up with laughter. I definatly recommend this book to all Garfield fans!

The Garfield Day- to Day Calendar is a great thing to look forward to every morning because it gives you a laugh and wakes you up.

We love this book. I read a review of it in one of my sons turtle magazines and knew I had to get it. Even though the story is about a girl, this is a must for all boys who love gross things. My son took it to show n tell at preschool and it was a huge hit with all the kids and teachers.
We read it over and over and never stop laughing.

My five-year-old LOVES this book. Aside from the laugh-out-loud humor and engaging characters, the illustrations are fabulous. I can't wait to see more from this author/illustrator team!

The story and illustrations of this new and refreshing book make Carmen's Sticky Scab fun and enjoyable. Ginger has done a wonderful job capturing events surrounding a pesky scab...situations that we can all relate to (in one way or another). This book is well written and illustrated. One that can be enjoyed over and over. Carmen's Sticky Scab is MUST for your library! Thumbs up on this great book! Let's hope it's the first of many from this wonderful new author!

This was so cute and funny - any kid would love this story and read it over and over. The kind of ending that will have any kid (or adult) laughing out loud. Anyone with children in the family should pick this book up

Scabs, sharks, bossy grown-ups, and a boy named Andy who apparently doesn't eat enough . . . I would never have expected to love a book about scabs. But the humor won me over. My kids love this book and my 1st-grader wants to read it to me at least once every single day. For every kid who's ever had a scab and the grown-ups who love them--buy this book and prepare to laugh!

I love this book! I may buy more for friends. It arrived on time in excellent condition.

Alas, Bernard "Hap" Kliban is gone, but his genius lives on in "Cat", a book of cartoons that captures the personality of the cat as seen by cat lovers. Strangely enough, Kliban was a cartoonist for "Playboy", contributing cartoons for that publication until his death. The cat cartoons were discovered by a "Playboy" editor and the 1975 book "Cat" was born.

Kliban's cats are rotund bug-eyed creatures with a smile on their faces that says the joke is on you. The cartoons include the cats doing nonsensical things as well as performing deeds that you always suspected they might be guilty of as they interact with dogs, mice, people, and in some cases impersonate people. Included among the cartoons is a cat playing a banjo singing a tune of his own making with the lyrics "Love to eat them mousies. Mousie's what I love to eat...". For those that can remember the days when a television was a heat emanating device that invariably attracted napping cats there is a cartoon of a couple sitting in front of a television with a transparent cat standing in front of the screen. Their comments: "We enjoy the television set now that we got ourselves a transparent cat!". Interspersed among the "Kliban cats" are truly beautiful and elegant drawings of Kliban's own real-life cats, to whom he dedicated this book.

If you enjoyed Gary Larson's "Far Side" series and you are a cat lover I'm sure you'll enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.

ENGAGEMENT CALENDAR
"Get ready for a year of Cat gluttony and sloth, mayhem and misadventure, and--as always--a fine disregard for the law. (Laws governing physics and animal behavior come in for especially vigorous abuse from these feckless felines, as well as the law Thou Shalt Not Swipe Thy Neighbor's Sushi and that other law, Don't Juggle With Kittens.) ¶ Now in their third decade of worldwide popularity, the Cats show not the slightest sign of starting to behave like adults. Or like small-c cats, either. They will do whatever it takes to send you through 2006 with a smile on your face. Even if it means hugging a big, smug fish. Even if it means taking a bath. Even if it means missing a meal. Well, perhaps not that last one. ¶ 112 page, spiral-bound weekly engagement calendar with 53 reproductions, and clear plastic covers. Size: 6 5/8 by 8". Calendar features 53 weekly grids and full-page 2006 and 2007 yearly grids. Includes international holidays and a page for notes. ISBN 0-7649-3049-4 . . . Other calendars: wall, mini-wall, and 365-day. Additional publications available in our Kliban Gallery."--© Pomegranate

WALL CALENDAR
"The debauch continues. Cats have a go at Abstract Expressionism (and simultaneous inadvertent body art), feed a wild variety of birds from a park bench with nary a thought to their own nominally predatory nature, doze in the soporific vapors of a plate of pasta, and pop furtively and in sizeable numbers from the tall grass at the rustle of a sandwich being unwrapped. Other hi- and low-jinx take place as well. ¶ 13 x 12" wall calendar (opens to 13 x 24") with twelve full-color reproductions. ISBN: 0-7649-3053-2 . . . Other calendars: weekly engagement, mini-wall, and 365-day.Related items available in Kliban Cat Gallery."--© Pomegranate

I bought this book by accident. Well, not really, but I allowed another reviewer to seduce me into buying the new Kliban Cat Calendar and I saw this book listed as well on the calendar's detail page. I saw the words 'anniversary edition' and decided to order it. It was only after I received it that I discovered that seventeenth anniversary of "Cat" was in 1992, two years after Kliban's death. So 2002 is really the 27th anniversary. All that being said, I want to state that this little book would be fantastic no matter what it's age is, or what the age of it's reader is either. I love this book.

There, I've said it, this crusty old man goes all soft hearted when he leafs through a 25 year old book of cat cartoons. As well he should! Kliban captures something entirely different from other feline cartoonists. They aren't kitten cute, nor are they wicked Garfields, as Art Spiegelman points out in his introduction. Instead they are the light hearted chubby denizens of a world of whimsical, good natured self-interest. They relax at the beach, dream of the stars, and steal cheese sandwiched with equal aplomb. They exchange traditional concepts of cat beauty for an enticing comfyness which only a cat lover could understand.

Love is an important and operative word in this little volume. Not one of Kliban's cartoons is made at the expense of cats. Instead, each opens a door to the essential nature of our furry friends, and the non-judgmental affection that they display to those in their circle of trust. A snarl turns into a lick, a meow into a purr and then all is well. Kliban is the only artist I know who has managed to really capture the feline Mona Lisa smile. You know, the one that cats use to melt their owners. Cats forgive with a grace from which us humans could learn a great deal. And Kliban captures it all. Many of the cartoons are not really cartoons, but innocent studies of the artists own cats, drawn with genuine affection.

Art Spiegelmann, artist and author of MAUS, provides a short and delightful introduction to the anniversary edition, and there are 16 pages of Kliban's color work for our further delectation. Everyone who likes cats needs to have this book around. Placed somewhere so that it will fall to hand in those irritating moments when we need to look at cats in order to remember what it is to be human.

This book is my absolute favorite, I have recently decided. My B. Kliban legacy goes back, way back, to my grandmother (we call her "Darling") who fell in love with the Qats back in the seventies (now keep in mind this is not some frumpy old lady. At the time she was the coolest little activist hippie this side of South Street.) Then there's my mother, who, out in San Fransisco around the same time used to roll with laughter at the Cat cartoons with her zany friend.
Enter me. As a kid, I never really understood Kliban--I also didn't have a cat yet. Then I did--first came Serena, then Zubi, and finally Torquil Hevoir James (AKA Booboo Kitty.) And so I loved B. Kliban. And this book is the most hilarious thing I've ever seen. Now that I'm going off to college, I think I'll frame some pages for my dorm room. And place them randomly around the campus. Most people I know who don't have cats really don't get it, but that's okay. I mean, the drawings are beautiful and whacky enough to get anyone. And the concepts--what was this guy on? Catnip, I believe. Whatever the inspiration, Cat is definitely the besties and the greaties.
P.S. I don't actually have this particular edition of the book; I didn't even know it was still in print. I have Darling's hardcover copy from 1976, and I love the cover: "Cat" in huge red letters with two of Kliban's pen-and-ink cats looking at it from below. Beautiful, beautiful.

If he was seen in a town where all of America`s charming "eccentricities" are concentrated (any L. Ron Hubbard High School alumni out there?), if he was spotted giving a diatribe on logical, rational thought, then it could only be The Champion of Reason!

A well-paced and thought-out book, TCoR is a lot of fun to read. It takes place is a town that is a microcosm of American insanity, and depicts one man`s struggle as a superhero who fights foolishness. He certainly has an uphill battle ahead of him.

One of the best aspects of this book is the characterization. The major characters are unique and interesting, especially when shown against the backdrop of the sheep-like inhabitants of Addleton. People are unique and interesting, and are able to hold your attention throughout the book, so that you wind up cackling madly at the misfortune of some while holding your breath to see if others will get through unscathed.

As with "The Geographer," Jim Riva has skillfully blended humor with genuine emotion. While it is very easy to laugh at his book, it is even easier to connect with characters, no matter how nasty or low some may seem. Also as with "The Geographer," some of the writing stretches the boundaries of believability - The Champion`s multi-page speeches are a prime example. That much aside, however, it is still worth a read. Buy it, read it, and give it to someone who needs an intervention from The Champion of Reason... or perhaps to another would-be Champion.

Ever felt the urge to strike a blow against ignorance and stupidity? Then the Champion of Reason is your kind of guy. I chuckled (also snickered and guffawed) as the Champion campaigned to free the world (or at least one Midwest town) from banality and small-mindedness. Riva aims his wit like a bull-exploding-raygun and invariably hits the bullseye of the bull.

I am reminded of Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow ( though The Champion Of Reason is not nearly as dense) and Vonnegut's classic novels. Has anyone secured the film rights to this yet? It could yield a dandy script. But don't wait to see the movie. Read the book.

One of the few books I have read that gives me reason to bust out loud laughing by myself. With tears in my eyes, I can confidently offer this selection to the harshest of critics. It's too bad more books don't get this far but I guess that's got more to do with the writers then the readers.

'Champ' is one of my favorites, a laugh-out-loud book with a lot to say about the state of social thought and behavior. Jim Riva has a definite (if somewhat unconventional) knack for telling a tale (check out his 'The Geographer'), and his major characters are unique, to say the least, and likeable in an eccentric-relative sort of way. In the course of this romp through small-town America (or is it? ), the 'superhero' Champion of Reason takes on the small-mindedness of every dogmatic thought system plaguing modern society. Riva draws things together in a satisfying way, and when you finish you'll be ready to start again.

This book is a sleeper. No, it will not cause yawning, boredom, nodding, and snoring. Quite the contary. It is a sleeper in the sense of something unnoticed that could suddenly become popular. If this story of a super hero preaching logic and reason ever gets into the hands of a good screenwriter then look out. This sleeper will awaken! Read this for laughs and get some real lessons or vice versa. You will not avoid getting both. Just don't get insulted because the story will point out a likely shallowness in some area of your life, proving then, that the Champion of Reason lives, and not even kryptonite will harm him. Long live the truth!

Gary Larson knows how to add humor to any creature on any planet

My Grandpa has this book and every time I visit his house, I read it. If I get finished with it and his other Far Side book, I read them all over again! This book is awesome!

This 1993 compilation collects about 361 Far Side illustrations. I found this collection to be a bit less riotous than some others of Larson's collections, and in many cases I had to think more to understand the joke.

For example, there is an illustration showing workers in a chicken processing factory. It took me a moment to realize that there was a basket on the wall with a "GIZZARDS" bucket below the basket. There is another illustration of the famous "Larry of the Lemurs," who was significantly less famous than his African counterpart, Tarzan.

I also thought there were a number of illustrations that were very funny. Adam calls Eve to ask her out on a date and the first thing she thinks is that she doesn't have a thing to wear. Another good one is the lady walking through the sinister woods with a vacuum cleaner and the caution that nature abhors a vacuum.

A few illustrations failed to tickle my funny bone. The image showing a dog hallucinating about cat mirages went no where with me. Another one about shortening Dodge Ball City to Dodge City after the arrival of the Earp brothers fell flat for me as well.

Gary Larson always offers an "outside the box" view of the world. Often his images offer a new twist on a cliché, either reinterpreting the cliché with an image, such as two robots sitting side-by-side, noting that each knew how to push the other's buttons. Sometimes Larson changes one word to achieve a new variation on an old phrase, such as when Jeannie Jeannie Eatszuchinni testifies against her brother, Mr. Pumpkineater. Regardless of how well each image or caption works, you can be assured that this book will stretch your mental muscles, and perhaps you will be able to look at the world in different and more humorous way.

Larson released this collection in 1993 and it has more than stood the comedy test of time. The Chickens are Restless is about 2/3rds the height of an A4 bit of paper, all Far Sides are in black and white and are either full page or two to a page. Classic Far Sides inside include the classics Ernie getting a wrong number call from God then for the rest of his life telling his friends he had talked with God, Popeye on the Dating Scene, Death seeing his girlfriend in the movie theatre with Dr Jack Kevorkian, dumb painter in hell holding the work order upside down, Edna being forced to sell her brussel sprouts house, Hookhand telling the tale of "The Two Evil Teenagers", testimony against Mr Pumpkineater being given by his sister Jeannie Jeannie Eatszucchini and the cow sitting on the electric fence saying to the others, "Look if it was electric could I do this" as the angry farmer is about to flick the switch.

Every Far Side Collection is a must own but if you are strapped for cash the better value for money option is usually the larger Far Side Galleries which are a collection of three of these smaller books.

Mutinous canines, alien-spotting rednecks, dung beetles, and all the assorted occupants of the spaced-out mind of Gary Larson are here in this fun-filled compilation.

Larson is one "acquired taste" that I am glad to have developed.