While the culture between the States and Brits may have similarities, some things are different. Case in point: the sense of humor. Even the way they spell it is different. I remember I drew up a batch of gag cartoons for a British client which they loved. They wanted more so I sent another batch -- which they hated. We both credited that "separated by a common language" cultural difference as the reason why. I sent on a third batch, which they liked even better than the first. I could see no difference between all of these cartoons, but something about a third of them didn't work for them.
Well, let me step out of the way and hand this over to Dick Buchanan, who has a better explanation and some great cartoon examples comparing British Punch cartoon topics with American magazine cartoons. (He did this once before, if you recall.) Thanks and take it away, Dick!
HUMOR VS. HUMOUR Part Two
(1941 – 1960)
A while back the Cartoon Clip revisited the old question “What is the difference between American humor and British humour?” The Clip File presented clear examples of the difference with a collection of simple cartoons which showed how British and American cartoonists tackle identical subjects. The only conclusion reached was that British cartoonists have a high proclivity to use pseudonyms.
Feeling more examples may be needed to truly compare and contrast the different approaches to popular topics/tropes/clichés and whatnot, we have delved into The Cartoon Clip File once more and found some splendid cartoons to add to the previous collection, further illuminating, once and for all, the difference between American and British humor. Or so we hope . . . Take a look at these British single joke and American gag cartoons . . .
SHIP IN A BOTTLE
FRITZ WILKINSON. Collier’s March 15, 1941
SMILBY (Francis Wilford-Smith) Punch September 23, 1953.
PATENT OFFICE
ERIC PETERS. Collier’s December 11, 1943.
A.F. WILES. Punch October 21, 1953.
FAMILY PICNIC
L. H.(Lawrie) SIGGS. Punch Summer Number May 26, 1952.
HANK KETCHAM. Collier’s June 8, 1948.
VISITING DAY
KENNETH MAHOOD. Punch September 30, 1953.
HANK BAEB. The Saturday Evening Post November 14, 1953.
PARADES
DICK ERICSON. The Saturday Evening Post June 22, 1957.
KENNETH MAHOOD. Punch January 28, 1953.
THE NOVELTY & JOKE BUSINESS
ANTON (Antonia Yeoman). Punch January 16, 1952.
IRWIN CAPLAN. The Saturday Evening Post March 26, 1949.
PARROTS
JACK MARKOW. This Week Magazine July 15, 1945.
L. H. (Lawry) SIGGS. Punch October 28, 1953.
ART
PHIL INTERLANDI. Look Magazine April 16, 1957.
MICHAEL FFOLKES (Brian Davis) Punch August 26, 1953.
ARTISTS
IONICUS (Joshua Armitage) Punch. Collier’s April 8, 1950.
DAVID (Dave) HUFFINE. American Magazine November, 1944.
READING THE WILL
HANK KETCHAM. Collier’s April 8, 1950.
HICKEY (George Hickson). Punch July 22, 1953.
UNDER THE WEATHER
CHON DAY. The Saturday Evening Post. October 22, 1960.
ALEC. Punch December 20, 1950.
Related:
From the Dick Buchanan Files: Humor v. Humour 1947 - 1965
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