Does the New Statesman need more cartoons? Yes!

The current issue of the New Statesman leads off with a characteristically elegant and thorough feature by its deputy editor, Helen Lewis, on the fate of the political cartoon. In short, she fears for its future. The most poignant element, however, is a sidebar headed ‘Cartoons in the New Statesman‘. After reviewing the magazine’s magnificent record in the area – Low! Vicky! First professional publication of Matt! – it winds around to the fact that a recent redesign eliminated the regular editorial cartoon: ‘This was brought up by several of the cartoonists I interviewed.’ Lewis then asks readers whether they miss it, and would like it back.

Speaking as a New Statesman reader (and also a lapsed subscriber), I do, and I would. But there’s something in addition that might help the ecosystem of cartooning even more, and make me even happier: more one-off gags, or ‘pocket cartoons’. The NS used to publish a fair number.