Comments on: Book on Trudeau paints him as modern Twain, Nast

By: Peter Murphey

Peter Murphey — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:19:49 +0000

“The reason for this is simple. No one ever has, and no ever can, agree on who and what is best. Until everyoneâ€“every single human, everâ€“can agree on such a thing, the term is needlessly inciting, not to mention inaccurate.”

I don’t think that’s reason enough to cut poor old “best” from the staff. I think it’s subjectivity is a given as it is a term of opinion
or high praise not an absolute measure. “Shakespeare is the most ‘effective’ playwright of all times,” is just as subjective an opinion as “best” but it lacks a certain power, which that opinion is deserving of.

Maybe instead “best” could become a subcontractor and be hired on a part time basis.

By: Garey Mckee

Garey Mckee — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:39:03 +0000

I think that’s the best point Wiley’s ever made. Hey, wait a minute…

By: Ted Rall

Ted Rall — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:23:35 +0000

I agree with Wiley. The word “best” should be permanently retired from discussions about cartoons, and other artforms. That includes awards for “best cartoon” or “best cartoonist,” as well as books called things like “best cartoons of…”

The reason for this is simple. No one ever has, and no ever can, agree on who and what is best. Until everyone–every single human, ever–can agree on such a thing, the term is needlessly inciting, not to mention inaccurate.

By: Peter Murphey

Peter Murphey — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:43:16 +0000

I agree, absolute pronouncements can be a dangerous thing
in the art field but so can the “everything is good because it’s all a matter of taste” mindset.

“It always amuses me when I hear from angry right wingers, lashing out at me by accusing me of being â€œanother Doonesburyâ€. Thatâ€™s supposed to be an insult?”

You should only be worried if they try to praise you with “Mallard Fillmore” comparisons.

By: Wiley Miller

Wiley Miller — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:23:22 +0000

Well, I suppose that one could argue that being the “most effective” editorial cartoonist would make him “the best”, it’s just that I don’t like such imperial and absolute pronouncements on something so subjective as art. But I don’t think there’s much doubt that Trudeau’s work has driven more political discourse than any other cartoonist in his time.

It always amuses me when I hear from angry right wingers, lashing out at me by accusing me of being “another Doonesbury”. That’s supposed to be an insult?

By: Peter Murphey

Peter Murphey — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:11:57 +0000

For once I agree whole heartedly with Wiley in his evaluation, although not his terminology. Trudeau is the “most effective” editorial cartoonist out there, but I would have no problem saying that he’s the “best” as well. I think his strength lies in his ability to write consistent, and well developed characters who give depth and humanity to his editorial skewering. Often, political strips are only about the polemic and that can get tired and empty pretty quickly.

By: Wiley Miller

Wiley Miller — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:30:12 +0000

I have long contended that Garry Trudeau has been the most effective editorial cartoonist over the past 35 years. Note that I said “most effective”, not “best”, as I don’t believe is such a thing as a “best” cartoonist in any field.

I think Henry Kissinger summed it up best when he said, “the only thing worse than waking up in the morning and seeing your name in ‘Doonesbury’ is to waking up and NOT seeing your name in ‘Doonesbury’.