Editorial Cartooning

EDDR 101

What is an Editorial

Cartoon? It is an illustration expressing opinion

and interpretation. The word cartoon is

derived from two words: caricature and

lampoon.

Caricature – is an exaggerated description

generally by sketching. It is a pictorial

representation of a person or an object in

which the defects or peculiarities are

exaggerated so as to produce a ludicrous

(funny, silly and laughable) effect.

Caricatures of Famous

Personalities


Cartoon? Lampoon – is a piece of malicious writing, a

personal written satire that attacks andridicules. It is sketched rather than written.

The editorial cartoon is one of the oldestand most notable items on the editorialpage.

The editorial cartoon, like the leadeditorial, may also perform any of thethree functions of the news press:


Cartoon? To inform

To influence

To entertain

A good cartoon appeals to the sense ofhumor in the process of persuading thereader to accept some opinion. It is aneffective social force.

Like an editorial, a cartoon deals withjust a single idea.


Cartoon? The typical editorial cartoon is about

political and social conditions andproblems, though the subject mattercovers a wide range of topics andpurposes.

Some cartoons are good-natured andhumorous, while others are serious andsophisticated.

It uses universal symbols which areeasily understood.


Cartoon? It is intended to express, not to impress.

It is original; it may be a rendering of an

old subject in a fresh way.

Cartoon ideas cover a wide

range of subjects, namely:

1. Inspirational

e.g., the school is represented as a mother

taking care of her children.

2. Satirical

e.g., the embarrassment of having boys

wearing earrings.

3. Correctional

e.g., problems involving people taking

prohibited drugs.

Two General Forms of Editorial

Cartoon:

According to Mr. Danilo A. Badua, the

editorial cartoon comes in two general

forms:

AC Cartoon – Attacks and condemns. It

points out the weaknesses or bad features

of a situation so that the reader will come to

realize that such exists, and he is eventually

led to make his judgment and decision. It

may also expose the commission of a wrong

that must be set right.

AC Cartoons:

Two General Forms of Editorial

Cartoons:

DC Cartoon – Defends and commends. It

upholds and supports worth emulating

deeds, accomplishments, and

achievements. It aims to praise and inspire.

DC Cartoons:

What Editorial Cartoon is

NOT: It is not a poster which is crammed with

many elements.

It is not a comic strip over-decorated with

dialogue balloons and numerous labels.

It is not a photo that needs elaborate

captions.

It is not an imitation of style.

It is not pornographic and immoral.

It is not corny and overworked.

Two Important Elements of an

Editorial Cartoon:

1. Editorial Value

It should be relevant to the subject or issue.

It shows the funny side of life’s happenings

and moments of truth and significance.

It influences public opinion.

Two Important Elements of an

Editorial Cartoon:

2. Technical Value

It employs good figure-ground relationship.

It makes use of varied but attractive line

construction.

It shows appropriate exaggeration of

shapes, proportions, and character

expressions.

Cartoon elements supplement and

compliment one another.

References:

Cruz, Ceciliano-Jose B. Advanced

Campus Journalism. Manila: Rex Book

Store, Inc., 1997.

Badua, Danilo A. Art Time Our Time.

Bayombong: SMU Publishing House,

2008.

Editorial Cartooning

Education

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