"Unnatural Selections" By Gary Larson
0"Unnatural Selections" by Gary Larson is a collection of comic strips that presents a satirical look at life, nature, and human behavior. The title itself is a play on words, as it suggests a departure from the natural world into a realm of absurdity, where the rules of nature are bent or entirely ignored. Larson is known for his unique brand of humor, which often combines elements of dark comedy and surrealism, and "Unnatural Selections" is no exception. The comic strips in this collection explore a wide range of topics, from the bizarre interactions between animals and humans to the strange and whimsical occurrences in the natural world.
One of the most distinctive features of Larson's work is his ability to create humor through the unexpected. In many of the strips, animals are anthropomorphized, taking on human-like characteristics or engaging in situations that are both nonsensical and amusing. For example, in one strip, a group of birds is shown engaging in a conversation about their feelings, which is both absurd and insightful in its exploration of the complexities of animal life. In another, a cow is depicted in a therapy session, grappling with existential questions about its purpose in life. These moments of absurdity are what make Larson's work so compelling, as they challenge our perceptions of the natural world and invite us to see it through a different, often humorous, lens.
While Larson's humor is often absurd, it also carries a sharp social commentary. Many of the comic strips in "Unnatural Selections" critique human behavior, particularly our treatment of the environment and animals. Larson uses his humor to point out the contradictions and injustices inherent in human nature. In one strip, a group of humans is shown discussing the extinction of various animal species, only for the punchline to reveal that they are completely oblivious to the fact that their own actions are contributing to the problem. This kind of dark humor serves as a reminder of the damage we do to the world around us, while also illustrating the ridiculousness of our denial or ignorance of these issues.
Another notable aspect of Larson's work is his use of visual storytelling. Each comic strip is carefully constructed, with the illustrations playing as much of a role in the humor as the dialogue. The characters are often exaggerated, their expressions and postures adding to the absurdity of the situation. Larson's art style is simple yet expressive, with clean lines and minimalistic backgrounds that allow the characters and their actions to take center stage. This simplicity, however, does not detract from the depth of the ideas being explored. In fact, it enhances the impact of the humor, as the focus remains on the witty, often poignant commentary that Larson is making about society and the world around us.
Despite the often cynical or dark themes, Larson’s work is filled with a sense of joy and wonder. There is a playful spirit that runs throughout "Unnatural Selections," a sense that anything can happen in this world of absurdity. This is particularly evident in the way Larson presents the animals and humans in his comic strips. The characters, though often placed in bizarre or unsettling situations, always seem to retain their own form of agency or autonomy. Even in the face of chaos, there is a sense of freedom in the way they react, making the strips both humorous and, in a way, uplifting.
In conclusion, "Unnatural Selections" by Gary Larson is a thought-provoking, humorous, and at times, unsettling collection of comic strips that challenges our perceptions of the natural world and human behavior. Through absurdity, dark humor, and visual storytelling, Larson explores complex themes such as environmental degradation, the absurdity of human existence, and the complexities of life in the natural world. While his work often critiques human behavior, it also celebrates the joy and absurdity of life, reminding us to approach the world with both humor and a sense of wonder.