Illustrating the Impunity: A Year in Political Cartoons

With Wit and Urgency: A Look Back at the Cartoons of 2025

As we close the chapter on 2025, it's crucial to reflect on how political cartoons have captured the essence of a tumultuous year. This collection, featuring talented artists Martin Rowson, Ella Baron, Nicola Jennings, and Ben Jennings, showcases not just artistic skill but a deep engagement with pressing societal issues.

The Year of Trump

Perhaps no figure loomed larger in the collective consciousness than Donald Trump. His antics continued to fuel a narrative filled with absurdity and outrage. More than as a single character, the depiction of Trump became a symbol for a world questioning authority. Ella Baron noted, “In a year where I've drawn too many cartoons about powerful people acting with impunity, the fall of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor stood out.” It speaks volumes that even amid a cycle of critique, artists can still find justice stories worth illustrating.

The Fall of The Crown

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's significant downfall is insightful, representing not just a royal scandal but a metaphor for accountability. His case illustrated the fragile nature of privilege when exposed to scrutiny. Baron emphasized the need for humor in dark times, stating, “Dark humor feels vital to make light of everything that's going wrong, but I've also been trying to draw cartoons that highlight reasons for hope.” Indeed, Mountbatten-Windsor's fall serves as a reminder of the ever-pressing quest for justice.

Exploring Other Figures

While Trump and Mountbatten-Windsor captured the spotlight, the year also saw impactful representations of other influential figures, most notably Vladimir Putin. Nicola Jennings remarked, “I approach drawing them with curiosity and the eye of analysis.” The cartoonists' ability to dissect expressions and features serves as a reflection of the personalities they embody—a means to unmask the motivations driving these high-stakes players.

The Power of Satire

“A caricature is as much about the person's expressions as it is about their features.” – Nicola Jennings

It's fascinating how satire becomes a sharp lens through which to examine authority and governance. Each character drawn, whether Trump or Putin, holds potential for critical engagement. The aim is not merely to ridicule but to spark conversations among readers about power dynamics and societal values. Consider, for instance, the portrayal of Keir Starmer. As Ben Jennings expressed, “The tricky thing for cartoonists was to keep having something new to say in a year that often felt more akin to a recurring nightmare.”

Art as Resistance

In 2025, our collective struggles brewed into a kind of despair that echoes in each cartoon. But rather than submission, these creators harnessed their art as a form of resistance. In shaping viewer perceptions, they wield a potent tool in influencing public opinion—one drawing at a time. Ben Jennings captured this sentiment poignantly: “Cartooning remains a versatile medium to try and capture the heated climate of our current times.”

Important Highlights

• The fragile ceasefire in Gaza, captured in Ella Baron's illustrations.
• Significant political victories, such as the rise of progressive figures like Zohran Mamdani.
• Continued discussions around the fallout of austerity and national identity.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

While we leave 2025 behind, the stories depicted through these political cartoons remind us of the power of humor and critique. Each character drawn serves to empower and challenge readers to care, question, and demand accountability. As we move forward, remember that every caricature is a call to action, a plea for attention to the issues that define us.

Final Thoughts

2025 was a year rife with opportunities for satirical commentary, but it is also a wake-up call for how we engage with authority and global issues. Let us carry these lessons into the next year, using our voices—amid a chorus of laughter—to hold power accountable.