A cartoon is a form of expression, or communication, that refers to several forms of art, including humorous captioned illustrations, satirical political drawings, and animated film. Originally, the term referred to full-scale drawings for various forms of fine art, such as frescoes and tapestries. From the mid-nineteenth century it acquired the meaning of a pictorial parody, humorous and often sa
tirical in its portrayal of social and political events. Magazines such as Punch and The New Yorker, popularized this visual form of joke, which has continued to be used with great effect on society. Providing the most incisive commentary on matters of current concern, the editorial cartoon in particular has been instrumental in monitoring and impacting the social and political lives of those in positions of power and influence. Animated cartoons cater more to younger audiences, entertaining children with the adventures of anthropomorphize animals, superheroes, and child protagonists.
