Cartoonist Blog

Dark humor in cartoons has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting societal changes and pushing the boundaries of comedic expression. This form of humor, which finds comedy in subjects typically considered serious or taboo, has deep historical roots and has undergone various transformations in the cartooning medium . ​ Early Origins The foundations of dark humor can be traced back to ancient literature . For instance, Aristophanes, a playwright from ancient Greece, infused his comedies with satirical and often dark elements, addressing themes like war and societal norms through humor . Similarly, works such as François Rabelais's Pantagruel (1532) and Jonathan Swift's Gulliver’s Travels (1726) employed dark humor to critique society and human nature.   19th and Early 20th Centuries In the 19th century, dark humor began to permeate various art forms, including cartoons. Artists like Charles Addams , who contributed to The New Yorker from the 1930s to the 1980s,...

Single-panel cartoons , also known as one-shot cartoons , deliver humor and insight within a single frame, capturing wit and commentary succinctly . Here are some of the most iconic examples:​ The Far Side Gary Larson 's ' The Far Side ' presents surreal and satirical humor, often featuring animals and unconventional scenarios that challenge everyday perceptions. ​ Speed Bump Dave Coverly's 'Speed Bump' offers clever observations on daily life, delivering punchlines that provoke thought and laughter. ​ Jim Shoenbill's Illustrations Jim Shoenbill's cartoons turn everyday life on its head, creating a world where animals talk and objects have personalities , all within a single frame.   Bill Whitehead's Cartoons Bill Whitehead's work showcases humorous single-panel cartoons that entertain by presenting quirky characters and situations . ​ Herman Jim Unger's ' Herman ' is a single-panel comic strip known for its dark humor and clever p...

Throughout history, cartoons —both in print and animation—have sparked controversy by addressing sensitive social, political, and cultural topics. Their provocative nature often challenges societal norms and prompts public discourse. Below is an overview of some of the most contentious cartoons and animated works:​ 1. Political Cartoons " Join, or Die " (1754) : Created by Benjamin Franklin , this early American political cartoon depicted a segmented snake representing the American colonies. It urged unity against British rule and became a symbol of colonial resistance. ​ Thomas Nast 's Depictions of Boss Tweed (1870s) : Nast's relentless caricatures of New York politician William "Boss" Tweed exposed corruption within Tammany Hall. Tweed reportedly lamented, "Stop them damn pictures... I don't care so much what the papers write about me—my constituents can't read—but damn it, they can see pictures." ​ Ed Valtman's Vietnam War Cart...