PUPPETS OF POLITICS : POLITICAL COMICS BY ISHITA AGARWAL

 POLITICAL COMICS 

In the recent years, modern journalism has evolved with a lot of innovative techniques to make it enjoyable for the audience. Using cartoons as a way of expressing political events is one such trend.

A political cartoon is a type of editorial cartoon which uses graphic depiction to express political opinion. It could be in form of a sketch, digital art or even an outline of a figure. These cartoons not only showcase the artistic skill of the artist but also represent satire in order draw attention to corruption, political violence and other such political events.

This trend of pictorial satire was first developed in England by James Gillray referred to as the father of political cartoons. British periodical “Punch” which was founded in 1841 led to popularising the term political cartoon and its widespread use. One of the most prolific cartoonists was John Tenniel, chief artist of the Punch. 

James Gillray’s The Plumb-pudding in Danger (1805). The world being carved up into spheres of influence between Pitt and Napoleon.

By the advent of 20th century, many newspapers from all across the world started featuring political cartoons as a way of political expression. Modern political cartoons can be found on the editorial page of many newspapers. They contain metaphors and symbols which reflect the artist’s uniqueness.

These cartoons sometimes also intend to mock or crack a joke about a political party or event. Such cartoons are called pocket cartoons.This practice is very common in Indian newspapers such as The Hindu, the times of india, Indian express and many more such prominent newspapers.

Cartoon by Surendra published in The Hindu, also the most viewed in 2019.

Editorial cartoons and editorial cartoonists are recognised by a number of awards, for example the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning (for US cartoonists, since 1922) and the British Press Awards' "Cartoonist of the Year 

These cartoons sometimes also stir controversy among the political party it is targeted at. Sometimes the party followers find it disrespectful to being made fun of especially if it is a serious issue. The freedom of press is put to danger if such cartoons catch eye of the political leaders. Cases of defamation are common in cases where controversial matter is published. Examples include the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy and Charlie Hebdo shooting (stemming from the publication of cartoons related to Islam) and the 2007 Bangladesh cartoon controversy. Even then these newspapers are continuing fearless journalism and setting new trends.

 

References :

The Hindu most viewed comics

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