Cartoons have become a popular medium for delivering messages, combining humor, and visually representing ideas. Whether you’re writing a research paper or creating a presentation, it’s important to give proper credit to the cartoonists and their work. But how exactly do you cite a cartoon in APA format? In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide on citing cartoons in APA, whether they are in print or online.
Citing a cartoon in APA might seem tricky at first, but once you understand the basic elements involved, it becomes much simpler. We will walk you through the process step by step, providing examples and explanations along the way. So, whether you’re referencing a political cartoon from a print newspaper or a cartoon strip from an online source, we’ve got you covered.
Join us as we dive into the world of APA citation and unravel the mysteries of citing cartoons. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have all the tools you need to properly acknowledge the creators of the cartoons you use in your academic or professional work. So let’s get started!
How to Cite a Cartoon in APA
Are you looking for the perfect way to sprinkle some cartoonish fun into your academic writing? Well, look no further! In this section, we’ll dive into the delightful world of APA citation for cartoons, where creativity meets scholarly precision. So, grab your sense of humor and let’s get started!
Finding the Right Cartoon to Cite
Before we jump into the citation details, let’s talk about finding the right cartoon for your research. Don’t worry; you won’t have to sneak into a Saturday morning cartoon marathon to get your material!
-
Online Cartoon Databases: Check out websites like CartoonStock or GoComics, which offer a treasure trove of cartoons from talented artists. Remember to note down the essential details, like the artist’s name, cartoon title, and publication date.
-
Newspapers and Magazines: Look for cartoons in print media such as newspapers or magazines. If you find a gem in The New Yorker or your local newspaper, jot down all the necessary information.
Now that we’ve got our cartoon, let’s cite it in APA style!
The Basic APA Format for Cartoon Citations
To cite a cartoon properly, you’ll need to follow a specific citation format to maintain consistency and academic integrity. Here’s a breakdown of the essential elements for an APA citation:
-
Artist’s Last Name, Initials: Start with the artist’s last name and initials, followed by a period.
-
(Year, Month Day): In parentheses, provide the year of publication, followed by a comma, month, and day. If the publication date is unavailable, use “n.d.” instead.
-
Title of Cartoon: Use sentence case to write the title of the cartoon, encapsulating it within quotation marks. Remember to capitalize the first word and any proper nouns.
-
Publication Title: Next, include the publication title in italics, followed by a comma.
-
Volume and Issue (if applicable): If the cartoon appears in a specific volume and issue, include these details after the publication title.
-
Page Number: Finally, add the page number on which the cartoon appears.
Keep this format in mind as we juggle our way through a couple of examples!
Example 1: A Single-Panel Cartoon
Let’s say we stumbled upon a brilliant single-panel cartoon by the amazing artist John D’oh. Here’s how we’d weave it into our citation tapestry:
D’oh, J. (2022, September 30). “The Perils of Excessive Coffee Drinking.” Sip Magazine, 8(3). p. 42.
Example 2: A Cartoon from an Online Source
Now, we’ve discovered a rib-tickler by the talented cartoonist Jane Laughter on GoComics. Let’s cite it with finesse:
Laughter, J. (2023, February 14). “Love in the Digital Age.” GoComics. Available at: https://www.gocomics.com/laugher-cartoons/2023/02/14
Wrapping Up with Cartoons and Creativity
Remember, citation doesn’t have to be a humorless affair! Citing cartoons in APA style can be as enjoyable as a good laugh. So, the next time you want to add some whimsy to your academic work, follow the APA format, unleash your creativity, and sprinkle those cartoons in with confidence!
Now that we’ve mastered the art of APA citation for cartoons, let’s move on to the thrilling world of citing memes in MLA style. Just kidding! Memes don’t belong in formal research (but don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone if you sneak a chuckle or two on your own time).
Wishing you endless laughter and scholarly success in 2023 and beyond!
FAQ: How to Cite a Cartoon in APA?
Question 1: How do you cite a cartoon in APA
When it comes to referencing cartoons in APA style, we’ve got you covered! APA stands for the American Psychological Association, but don’t worry, their guidelines can be applied beyond just psychology papers. Here’s how you can cite a cartoon, whether it’s from a print source or an online platform.
Step 1: Identify the Necessary Elements
To cite a cartoon properly, you need to gather some key information. The general format includes the following elements:
- Cartoonist’s Name: The talented individual behind the cartoon.
- Publication Year: The year the cartoon was published.
- Cartoon Title: The title that makes the cartoon unique.
- Publication Title: The name of the publication where the cartoon appeared.
Step 2: Citations for Print Cartoons
If you stumbled upon a print cartoon in a newspaper, magazine, or even a comic book, use the format below for your reference list:
Format: Cartoonist’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Cartoon Title [Cartoon]. Publication Title, page number(s).
Example: Watterson, B. (1985). Calvin and Hobbes [Cartoon]. The Essential Calvin and Hobbes, p. 35.
Here we pay tribute to the beloved Calvin and his wise tiger friend Hobbes by including the cartoonist’s last name and first initial (Watterson, B.) and noting the year of publication (1985). The cartoon title is placed in square brackets and is followed by the source’s publication title, “The Essential Calvin and Hobbes,” and the corresponding page number (p. 35).
Step 3: Citations for Online Cartoons
In this digital age, cartoons can be found online in various formats – from social media platforms to dedicated cartoon websites. When you stumble across an online gem, follow this format for your APA reference list:
Format: Cartoonist’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Cartoon Title [Cartoon]. Publication Title. URL
Example: Larson, G. (1982). The Far Side [Cartoon]. Andrews McMeel Publishing. https://www.gocomics.com/
Gary Larson is a cartoon genius whose iconic “Far Side” cartoons have entertained us for years. We cite his cartoon by including his last name and first initial (Larson, G.), the publication year (1982), and the cartoon title in square brackets (“The Far Side”). The publication title is then listed as Andrews McMeel Publishing, followed by the URL https://www.gocomics.com/ where you can find this delightful gem.
Question 2: How do you cite a print cartoon
Print cartoons might seem old-fashioned, but they still have their charm! To cite a print cartoon, follow the guidelines outlined in the previous answer. Remember to include the cartoonist’s name, publication year, cartoon title in brackets, publication title, and page number(s) where the cartoon appears.
Now, you’re armed with the knowledge to confidently cite cartoons in your APA papers or any other writing endeavors! Remember, cartoons are not just a source of laughter; they can also be valuable in academic or professional contexts. So go forth, cite responsibly, and spread the joy of cartoons!
