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The Horrific Reality Of Today’s Social Issues Illustrated By This Artist (21 New Pics)
Interview With Artist
Not long ago, we introduced you to comic artist Maaike Hartjes, who explores uncomfortable topics such as racism, politics, human rights, and other social issues. Maaike has a knack for putting things into perspective, challenging readers to confront important matters rather than look away.
The artist also draws some relatable, lighthearted comics as well, however, with things getting pretty rough out there, Maaike tends to focus on tougher issues. In an interview with Bored Panda, Maaike shared: “With all the horrible things happening in the world (war, climate disasters, political changes, etc.) my comics have become even more political. At the same time, I'm also drawing more fun stuff because I could use a break. I've just joined Comictober and am now drawing a lot of Halloween comics.”
More info: Instagram | Facebook | maaikehartjes.nl
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We also asked Maaike to describe the essence or theme behind her comics herself.
She wrote: “I’m drawing very personal comics about my life and everything that interests me. It can be autobio or political or both, but in the end, I draw what's on my mind and what's important to me.”
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The artist told us more about her typical day when working on a new comic.“I’m a freelance illustrator so I can plan my own working day. I usually wake up late and scroll the news and Instagram before breakfast. This usually gives me a lot of inspiration, so then I get up to sketch my new ideas on my iPad.
After some work, I take a long walk, make some mistakes, and when I get back I continue drawing. In the evening/at night I finish the comic I plan to post the next morning.”
#4
Panda Pandemic 2 months ago
Can someone explain this one? I want to understand it, but I don't.
#5
Emma London 2 months ago
The sad thing is that most of the pro-Israel people hate Jewish people (they just hate Muslim people more I guess) and when this is over, they go back to hating all non-Christians again.
We were wondering whether Maaike has ever scrapped a comic idea after starting it. She replied: “Oh yes, I do this all the time! I have a huge file with idea sketches and only finished 10% of them. The sketches or unfinished comics that are left behind either don't work well enough, or a new idea for a comic pops up that gets priority. I have more ideas than I can draw!”
#7
Red PANda (she/they/he/ze) 2 months ago
I see Palestinians on social media all the time begging for help to get out of there, it’s terrible that this has been going on for so long now without an intervention. Like, it’s LITERALLY genocide. You know what else was genocide? The Holocaust. Something so terrible we all swore to never let it happen again. Well, look where we are now, we’re standing by the sidelines while the Holocaust is happening again. Sorry for ranting I’m just really frustrated about this!
Maaike shared a time when a reader’s response really made her feel good about her work.
“I'm touched by all the people who share my comics, especially the anti-racism and political ones. Someone recently told me they saw my work used in an anti-racism presentation, and I felt so honored.”
#8
Kyle Moore 2 months ago
Yes... like calling for the extermination of all jews by your government as an official policy
#9
Lastly, the artist added: “I wish people would realize more how amazing comics are. They're such a great way to tell a story in a simple, fun, and quick way and can reach a lot of people. Of all art forms comics seem most underrated to me, while they have enormous potential.”
#13
#14
#15
Panda Pandemic 2 months ago
I am slowly realizing I have yet to fall asleep and it's 6am. My brain is not functioning and I am not comprehending these comics. Send help please!!!!! :/
#17
Chrissie Anit 2 months ago
"Almost k*lled" - THAT is what comes to the artist's mind when referring to Trump?!? Is the artist a MAGA follower?!?
#19
Invisible Potato 2 months ago
well, they did. they murdered 1200 people and took 250 hostages and then play a victims in hopes they get away with it.
#20
#21
StarCrossedFriday 2 months ago (edited)
Seriously? Is this the idea now, that Israel is trying to kickstart WWIII?
Add New Image
What do you think ?
RamiRudolph 2 months ago
Wow, those were fücking garbage. I wanna read comics for fun, not to get fücking lectured.
StarCrossedFriday 2 months ago
Some balance would’ve been nice here. The world isn’t as simplistically black and white as these portray.
RamiRudolph 2 months ago
Wow, those were fücking garbage. I wanna read comics for fun, not to get fücking lectured.
StarCrossedFriday 2 months ago
Some balance would’ve been nice here. The world isn’t as simplistically black and white as these portray.
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