Key Difference – Cartoon vs Comic
Comic and cartoon are two closely interrelated terms, but they have different meanings. A comic is a publication, usually a book, containing comic art in the form of sequentially juxtaposed panels representing individual scenes. While the individual illustrations in the book may be referred to as cartoons, the comic book itself cannot be called a cartoon. On the other hand, a cartoon typically refers to an illustration or a series of illustrations published in newspapers and magazines. Short animated movies and television shows are also called cartoons. This is the main difference between comics and cartoons.
Key Takeaways
- Comics are publications that use comic art to narrate a story, whereas cartoons are illustrations drawn in a non-realistic or semi-realistic artistic style.
- Comics have a specific structure with panels, textural devices such as balloons and captions, while cartoons can have various structures.
- Cartoons are often humorous, while comic books are not always humorous and can belong to different genres.
What is a Comic?
A comic is a publication that uses comic art to tell a story. Comic art employs cartoons or similar forms of images. These illustrations are in the form of consecutive juxtaposed panels representing individual scenes. Comics use various textual devices like balloons, captions, and onomatopoeia to indicate sound, effects, dialogues, and other information. The size and arrangements of comic panels also contribute to the narrative pacing. Although the term “comic” suggests comic books with humorous stories, comic stories can belong to different genres and may not always have a humorous tone.
Famous Funnies, published in the United States in 1933, is considered the first modern comic. Some believe that comics originated in 18th-century Japan or 19th-century Europe. Characters like Spiderman, Superman, Batman, Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, and Wolverine are comic book characters. The Adventures of Tintin and the Adventures of Asterix are two of the most popular comics written in the French language.
What is a Cartoon?
The meaning of the word “cartoon” can have subtle differences. It can refer to a simple illustration, a style of drawing, or an animation. Essentially, a cartoon is an illustration drawn in a non-realistic or semi-realistic artistic style. Cartoons in print media can be classified into categories like editorial cartoons, gag cartoons, and comic strips, and they often aim to evoke humor and laughter.
Editorial cartoons are serious in tone and use satire or irony to criticize social issues, often appearing in news publications. Comic strips are a short series of drawings and speech bubbles in sequence. Gag cartoons or panel comics consist of only one illustration and depict an everyday situation with a twist. The punch line is at the bottom of the page. The illustrations in comic books also fall under cartoons.
Animations, especially those targeting children and evoking laughter, are also referred to as cartoons. They can be television programs or short animated movies.
What is the difference between Cartoon and Comic?
Definition:
A cartoon is an illustration drawn in a non-realistic or semi-realistic artistic style, while a comic is a publication consisting of comic art in the form of sequentially juxtaposed panels representing individual scenes.
Structure:
Cartoons can have various structures, while comic books use a specific structure that includes panel size, panel placement, and textual devices like balloons and captions.
Humor:
Cartoons are often humorous, while comic books are not always humorous.
Publications:
Cartoons can be found in magazines and newspapers, while comic books are separate publications.