As news happens, political cartoonists around the globe take up their brush pen or pencil and come up with images and often a few choice words to comment on the events of the day. Each week, The World’s Carol Hills selects a group of cartoons that reflect on issues in the news. For cartoons prior to June 2009, please click here.
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Cartoon Slideshow: Julius Malema is Back
Many South Africans thought former ANC youth leader Julius Malema had gone quietly into the night. The young firebrand was fired by the ANC earlier this year. But the controversy over the shooting of striking miners by police has given Malema a populist springboard back into the political limelight.
Cartoon Slideshow: Syria Slides Toward Civil War
Marco Werman talks with The World’s cartoon curator Carol Hills about how cartoonists are using both humor and tragedy, and sometimes a mixture of both, to represent the stalemate in Syria.
Cartoon Slideshow: Pussy Riot Sentenced
You’ll see ski masks, tights and short skirts in these cartoons about the case of Pussy Riot, the Russian punk band who took to the altar of Moscow’s main cathedral in February to belt out a song against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s Vanishing Act
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi hasn’t been seen in public since June. Marco Werman speaks to The World’s Carol Hills who is following the story.
From North Korean Propagandist to Satirist in Exile: The Work of Song Byeok
Song Byeok does satirical art critical of the North Korean regime, including a painting of Marilyn Monroe’s body, with the head of Kim Jong Il.
Chinese Cartoonists Try to Push Boundaries
Kuang Biao is one of the most talented and gutsy cartoonists who has dared to visually comment on sensitive subjects.
Joe Sacco’s New Book ‘Journalism’ Illustrates War, Displacement, and Disenfranchisement
In his latest book, “Journalism,” cartoon reporter Joe Sacco brings together a collection of his short form reportage from the past decade.
Was European Cave Art the Earliest Form of Cinema?
Some cave paintings dating as far back as 30,000 years may have been man’s earliest entertainment. French archaeologist and filmmaker Marc Azéma has spent 20 years studying movement in animal cave paintings in France and Spain and he’s concluded that the images were designed to be looked at sequentially, much like a cartoon or film.
Cartoon Slideshow: A Painting Causes an Uproar in South Africa
The painting, which showed Zuma with his genitals exposed, has caused a furor in South Africa.
Cartoon Slideshow: Egyptians Go to the Polls
A friendly Sphinx extends his paw to cast a vote while ancient pyramids are turned into ballot boxes and voting booths in these cartoons about Egypt’s historic elections. But look closely, one ballot box turns out to be a mirage and another is being clutched by a group that doesn’t want to let go: Egypt’s military. The World’s Carol Hills narrates.
Cartoon Slideshow: Greece Considers a ‘Grexit’
Cartoonists ponder the big question: What if Greece “Grexits” and leaves the eurozone? Look for ruins in ruin, bottles of ouzo, tightening belts, loaded guns, torches, togas, and Angela Merkel zinking the unzinkable in these images from (mostly) European cartoonists.
62-Year-Old Indian Cartoon Prompts Controversy
A cartoon that was published in India more than 60 years ago has caused a showdown between India’s Education Ministry and the nation’s Dalit community.
Cartoon Slideshow: Iranian Cartoonist Sentenced
Iranian cartoonist Mahmoud Shokraiyeh has been sentenced to a flogging for depicting an Iranian politician in a soccer jersey.
Cartoon Slideshow: The Saga of Chen Guangcheng
The Chinese civil rights lawyer Chen Guangcheng become a household word in the space of about 10 days. His daring escape from house arrest, his circuitous route to the US Embassy in Beijing, the tense negotiations between the US and China, the deal reached, his decision to leave the Embassy, and then the deal gone sour. Chinese netizens and cartoonists (using pen names) have followed the saga with solidarity, humor and solemnity.
Cartoon Slideshow: Doubts about a Ceasefire in Syria
There’s a lot of blood on the floor and bloody hands in these cartoons about the countdown to the ceasefire deadline in Syria. The only person who seems to believe Syria will meet the April 12th deadline is Kofi Annan. But US officials are doubtful that Bashar al-Assad’s “pledge” to observer the ceasefire has any credibility because of past broken promises.
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