{"product_id":"gary-larson-and-the-far-side-9781496817631","title":"Gary Larson and the Far Side","description":"Kerry D. Soper reminds us of \u003ci\u003eThe Far Side\u003c\/i\u003e's groundbreaking qualities and cultural significance in \u003ci\u003eGary Larson and \"The Far Side.\"\u003c\/i\u003e In the 1980s, Gary Larson (b. 1950) shook up a staid comics page by introducing a set of aesthetic devices, comedic tones, and philosophical frames that challenged and delighted many readers, even while upsetting and confusing others. His irreverent, single panels served as an alternative reality to the tame comedy of the family-friendly newspaper comics page, as well as the pervasive, button-down consumerism and conformity of the Reagan era. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn this first full study of Larson's art, Soper follows the arc of the cartoonist's life and career, describing the aesthetic and comedic qualities of his work, probing the business side of his success, and exploring how \u003ci\u003eThe Far Side\u003c\/i\u003e brand as a whole--with its iconic characters and accompanying set of comedic and philosophical frames--connected with its core readers. In effect, Larson reinvented his medium by creatively working within, pushing against, and often breaking past institutional, aesthetic, comedic, and philosophical parameters. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDue to the comic's great success, it opened the door for additional alternative voices in comics and other popular mediums. With its intentionally awkward, minimalistic lines and its morbid humor, \u003ci\u003eThe Far Side\u003c\/i\u003e expanded Americans' comedic palette and inspired up-and-coming cartoonists, comedians, and filmmakers. Soper re-creates the cultural climate and media landscape in which \u003ci\u003eThe Far Side\u003c\/i\u003e first appeared and thrived, then assesses how it impacted worldviews and shaped the comedic sensibilities of a generation of cartoonists, comedy writers, and everyday fans.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Kerry D. Soper\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e University Press of Mississippi\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/03\/2018\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeries:\u003c\/b\u003e Great Comics Artists\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 224\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.75lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.52d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781496817631","brand":"University Press of Mississippi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42710677651593,"sku":"9781496817631","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0636\/9240\/6921\/files\/img_cfbfac6c-be3a-4b7c-a225-a8d06c0fc27a.jpg?v=1719542536","url":"https:\/\/sonsanddaughtersbooks.com\/products\/gary-larson-and-the-far-side-9781496817631","provider":"Sons and Daughters Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}