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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute“Midvale School for the Gifted” is a Far Side cartoon by Gary Larson: a student at a school for gifted children pushes on a door marked “PULL.” The joke comes from the mismatch between the school’s name and the student’s difficulty with a simple instruction.
What happens in the Midvale School for the Gifted cartoon?
The cartoon places a student at a door labeled “PULL.” The student is pushing it instead. A sign identifies the building as Midvale School for the Gifted, making the ordinary door mistake the punchline: the setting suggests exceptional ability, while the student appears not to notice the instruction.
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The visual contradiction is the joke. That describes what the image shows; it does not establish what Larson intended beyond the cartoon itself.
Who created it, and when did it first run?
It is a Gary Larson cartoon from The Far Side. The official GoComics Store page for the specific print says it “originally ran on November 24, 1986.” A 2022 federal court filing cites the comic with a January 1, 1986 date, so the sources conflict. November 24 is the better-supported date for this item because it appears on the official store page, but the discrepancy matters if an exact chronology is essential.
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The cartoon has also become a recognizable shorthand for the door gag: a 2020 Washington Post article invokes “the Midvale School for the gifted” in that context.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What print versions does the official store list?
The official GoComics Store listing offers archival-paper prints in color and black-and-white, each in two paper sizes:
Rank #2
- Author: Larson, Gary.
- Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
- Pages: 192
- Publication Date: 2003
- Edition: Illustrated
| Version | Paper sizes |
|---|---|
| Color | 8.5 × 11 inches; 11 × 14 inches |
| Black-and-white | 8.5 × 11 inches; 11 × 14 inches |
The listing gives paper dimensions, not a comparison of how either version looks when displayed. Check the official Midvale School for the Gifted print page for current availability, format details, and price.
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Rank #4
Rank #3
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
