Cartoonist Blog

Humor is a fundamental aspect of human communication , and in cartooning, it serves as a bridge between the artist's intent and the audience's perception. Understanding the science behind humor in cartoons involves exploring cognitive processes, visual elements , and cultural contexts that contribute to comedic effect. ​ Cognitive Mechanisms of Humor At the core of humor lies the incongruity-resolution theory , which suggests that humor arises when there's a discrepancy between expectations and reality, followed by a resolution that aligns with the punchline. In cartoons, artists often set up a scenario that leads the viewer to anticipate a certain outcome, only to subvert that expectation with an unexpected twist, eliciting laughter . ​ Neuroscientific studies have identified specific brain regions involved in humor processing. For instance, the right medial temporal gyrus is active during the detection of semantic violations, while the right middle frontal gyrus eng...

Memes play a significant role in webcomic culture , influencing both content creation and audience engagement. They serve as a bridge between traditional comic artistry and the dynamic, participatory nature of internet culture . ​ Memes as Cultural Commentary Webcomics often incorporate memes to provide timely and relatable content that resonates with a broad audience. This fusion allows artists to comment on current events, societal trends, and shared experiences, making their work more accessible and engaging. For instance, the " This is fine " meme, originating from a webcomic by KC Green, depicts a dog calmly sitting in a burning room, symbolizing denial amidst chaos. Its widespread use across various platforms highlights how webcomics can encapsulate complex sentiments in a simple, relatable image. ​ Virality and Audience Interaction The inherent shareability of memes enhances the viral potential of webcomics . When a comic aligns with existing meme formats or c...