The Horrific Reality Of Today’s Social Issues Illustrated By This Artist (21 New Pics)

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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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Red PANda (she/they/he/ze) 17 hours 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!

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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.”

Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Kiyoko_tanaka (she/her) 1 day ago

As a Japanese woman I second this

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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Nimitz 23 hours ago

People downvoting this? It's true! Peaceful protesters got more time than racists rioting, vandalizing, looting, and starting fires. Can we not agree that that's pretty f****d up?

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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.”

Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Panda Pandemic 1 day ago

Can someone explain this one? I want to understand it, but I don't.

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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Ace 1 day ago

Heh.

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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!”

Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Red PANda (she/they/he/ze) 17 hours ago

There were obviously way smarter ways to go about this than harming innocent civilians.

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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Kyle Moore 17 hours ago

Yes... like calling for the extermination of all jews by your government as an official policy

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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.”

Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Nimitz 23 hours ago

The fight continues and we continue to survive! It's really sad that public hate has come back into fashion ever since Trump came on to the scene. Here's hoping we can overcome it again in the 2020s!

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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Panda Pandemic 1 day ago

These are good they're just bumming me out a wee bit.

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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.”

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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Chrissie Anit 1 minute ago

"Almost k*lled" - THAT is what comes to the artist's mind when referring to Trump?!? Is the artist a MAGA follower?!?

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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Panda Pandemic 1 day 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!!!!! :/

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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)

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Nimitz 23 hours ago

I know so many people who just complain and don't vote. If you don't vote, that means the people on extreme ends of the political spectrum that you complain about so much have even more influence. Vote. Write letters. Donate. Show up! Do something besides nothing at all.

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Ink With Impact: Maaike Hartjes' Comics For Change (New Pics)