Cartoon vs. Comic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 10, 2023
A cartoon is a simplified, often humorous illustration; a comic is a narrative series of cartoons or a medium using sequential art to tell a story.
Difference Between Cartoon and Comic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Cartoon and Comic are both forms of visual art that use illustrations to convey messages or tell stories, but they serve different purposes and are presented in distinct formats. A cartoon is typically a single illustration or drawing, often designed to be humorous or satirical. It might depict a snapshot of a situation, a commentary on current events, or simply a joke. Cartoons are often found in newspapers, magazines, or editorial sections, conveying the artist's or publication's perspective on a particular subject. Conversely, a comic refers to a medium that uses a series of illustrations in sequence to tell a story or create a narrative. These sequential art pieces can be short, like comic strips in a newspaper, or longer, like comic books or graphic novels.
Diving deeper into the world of comics, one finds an expansive universe of genres, styles, and formats. From superheroes to memoirs, comics can cover a plethora of topics and tones. Comics often contain dialogues, narratives, and multiple panels that guide readers through the story. On the other hand, a cartoon, especially in the context of editorial cartoons, might present a powerful message without the need for extensive dialogue or multiple panels, relying instead on the strength of a single image and perhaps a caption.
When exploring animation, the word cartoon can also refer to a motion picture that uses animated techniques to depict characters and tell stories. Animated shows, especially those targeting younger audiences, are often referred to as "cartoons." However, the term comic is less frequently associated with animation and remains rooted primarily in the world of illustrated narrative.
In essence, while both cartoons and comics utilize illustrations to convey messages, cartoons are often singular, static images, often humorous or satirical, and comics are sequential art pieces that craft a narrative. Recognizing their unique characteristics allows for a deeper appreciation of each form's role in visual storytelling.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A single, often humorous illustration
A narrative series of illustrations or sequential art
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Primary Use
Satire, humor, commentary
Storytelling, narratives
Format
Single image
Multiple panels in sequence
Common Mediums
Newspapers, magazines, animations
Comic strips, comic books, graphic novels
Dialogues/Captions
Usually minimal, often just a caption
Often extensive, with speech bubbles and narrative boxes
Compare with Definitions
Cartoon
Cartoon can describe an animated television show or film.
My favorite cartoon as a child was Tom and Jerry.
Comic
Comic can describe the comedic or humorous aspects of something.
The play had both tragic and comic elements.
Cartoon
Cartoon might indicate a draft or design, especially in art or architecture.
The artist presented a cartoon of the mural proposal.
Comic
Comic might refer to a stand-up comedian.
The comic delivered a fantastic set at the club last night.
Cartoon
Cartoon implies a ludicrously simplistic, unrealistic, or one-dimensional portrayal.
The movie gave a cartoonish representation of the historical event.
Comic
Comic implies a humorous periodical or magazine.
Every Sunday, he eagerly awaited the comic section of the newspaper.
Cartoon
Cartoon refers to a simplified illustration often intended for humor.
The political cartoon in the newspaper made everyone laugh.
Comic
Comic can describe something humorous or causing laughter.
The comic actor had the audience in stitches.
Cartoon
Cartoon can refer to a full-size design for a picture or design.
The tapestry was made following a detailed cartoon.
Comic
Causing or meant to cause laughter
A comic monologue
Cartoon
A cartoon is a type of illustration that is typically drawn, sometimes animated, in an unrealistic or semi-realistic style. The specific meaning has evolved over time, but the modern usage usually refers to either: an image or series of images intended for satire, caricature, or humor; or a motion picture that relies on a sequence of illustrations for its animation.
Comic
A comedian
He is training as a stand-up comic
Cartoon
A drawing depicting a humorous situation, often accompanied by a caption.
Comic
A periodical containing comic strips, intended chiefly for children
The shop sold newspapers and children's comics
Cartoon
A drawing representing current public figures or issues symbolically and often satirically
A political cartoon.
Comic
Characteristic of or having to do with comedy.
Cartoon
A preliminary sketch similar in size to the work, such as a fresco, that is to be copied from it.
Comic
Of or relating to comic strips.
Cartoon
A usually short, animated movie or television program.
Comic
Amusing; humorous
A comic situation involving the family's pets.
Cartoon
An animated character in a movie or television program.
Comic
A comedian.
Cartoon
A comic strip.
Comic
A person whose behavior elicits laughter.
Cartoon
A ridiculously oversimplified or stereotypical representation
Criticized the actor's portrayal of Jefferson as a historically inaccurate cartoon.
Comic
Comics Comic strips.
Cartoon
To draw a humorous or satirical representation of; caricature.
Comic
A comic book.
Cartoon
To make humorous or satirical drawings.
Comic
A source of humor in art or life.
Cartoon
(comics) A humorous drawing, often with a caption, or a strip of such drawings.
Comic
Pertaining to comedy, as a literary genre.
Comic genius
A comic stereotype
Cartoon
(comics) A drawing satirising current public figures.
Comic
Using the techniques of comedy, as a composition, performer etc; amusing, entertaining.
Cartoon
(arts) An artist's preliminary sketch.
Comic
Unintentionally humorous; amusing, ridiculous.
Cartoon
(arts) A full-sized drawing that serves as the template for a fresco, a tapestry, etc.
Comic
A comedian.
She started out as a joke-writer on the radio, and first performed as a comic at the ages of 30.
Cartoon
(animation) An animated piece of film which is often but not exclusively humorous.
Comic
A story composed of cartoon images arranged in sequence, usually with textual captions; a graphic novel.
Cartoon
A diagram in a scientific concept.
Comic
(British) A children's magazine.
Cartoon
To draw a cartoon, a humorous drawing.
Comic
Relating to comedy, as distinct from tragedy.
I can not for the stage a drama lay,Tragic or comic, but thou writ'st the play.
Cartoon
(arts) To make a preliminary sketch.
Comic
Causing mirth; ludicrous.
Cartoon
A design or study drawn of the full size, to serve as a model for transferring or copying; - used in the making of mosaics, tapestries, fresco pantings and the like; as, the cartoons of Raphael.
Comic
A comedian.
Cartoon
A large pictorial sketch, as in a journal or magazine; esp. a pictorial caricature; as, the cartoons of "Puck."
Comic
A professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts
Cartoon
Same as comic strip.
Comic
Arousing or provoking laughter;
An amusing film with a steady stream of pranks and pratfalls
An amusing fellow
A comic hat
A comical look of surprise
Funny stories that made everybody laugh
A very funny writer
It would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
A mirthful experience
Risible courtroom antics
Cartoon
A motion picture consisting of a series of frames, each being a photograph of a drawing rather than a frame produced by filming a scene of true action, and in which the objects are displaced slightly in succeeding frames so as to give the appearance of motion when projected as a motion picture on the screen. The types of characters portrayed in such films are often similar or identical to those in a comic strip.
Comic
Of or relating to or characteristic of comedy;
Comic hero
Cartoon
A humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine
Comic
Comic pertains to the medium of comics — sequential art that tells a story.
She has a vast collection of comic books from the '80s.
Cartoon
A film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
Cartoon
Draw cartoons of
Common Curiosities
Are cartoons always intended to be funny?
No, while many cartoons are humorous, some convey serious or satirical messages, especially in editorial contexts.
What's the difference between a comic strip and a comic book?
A comic strip is a short series of comic panels, often found in newspapers, while a comic book is a longer publication containing a more extended narrative.
Can comics be serious in tone?
Yes, comics can cover a range of genres and tones, from humorous to serious, fantastical to biographical.
Do cartoons always have captions?
No, while many cartoons, especially editorial ones, have captions, some convey their message solely through imagery.
Are all cartoons drawn by hand?
While many cartoons were traditionally hand-drawn, digital tools and software are now widely used in cartoon creation.
Are animated movies considered cartoons?
Yes, animated movies and shows, especially those for younger audiences, are often colloquially referred to as "cartoons."
Are cartoons used only for entertainment?
No, cartoons can educate, inform, satirize, or offer commentary, in addition to entertaining.
What's a graphic novel in the context of comics?
A graphic novel is a longer, bound comic, often with more complex narratives, akin to a novel but in illustrated form.
Is a caricature the same as a cartoon?
While both are illustrative forms, a caricature is a drawing that exaggerates specific features for comic or satirical effect, whereas a cartoon conveys a broader message or story.
Can comics be considered a form of literature?
Yes, especially in the case of graphic novels, comics are increasingly recognized as a legitimate and impactful form of literature.
Is manga a type of comic?
Yes, manga is a style of Japanese comic or graphic novel, often read from right to left.
Can comics be interactive?
With the advent of digital media, some comics are now interactive, allowing readers to engage in various ways.
In what medium did cartoons first appear?
Cartoons have ancient origins, but in a modern sense, they began appearing in newspapers and magazines in the 19th century.
Can the term "comic" refer to a person?
Yes, "comic" can also refer to a comedian, especially one who performs stand-up comedy.
Why are cartoons often used in editorials?
Cartoons quickly convey opinions or commentary on current events, using humor or satire to engage and influence public opinion.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
