“The New Cartoonist” publication launches

Cartoonist Pete Songi has launched a new digital magazine called The New Cartoonist. The inaugural issue is 48 pages long and features over 50 cartoonists along with interviews, articles, and animation videos. The cover was drawn by Mark Winter (AKA Chicane).

Pete says the idea for the magazine dates back several years and was inspired by a short-lived UK publication called The Cartoonist. In 2024, Pete helped bring two cartoon exhibitions to his local pub. The overwhelming response to his call for cartoons for the exhibits made him realize that many talented cartoonists are not fortunate enough to have regular gigs with larger media newspapers and magazines. He wants The New Cartoonist to be a space for established and up-and-coming cartoonists. 

The first issue’s cover is by Chicane – who is also the profiled cartoonist. Chicane is originally from New Zealand but is now residing in the UK. He does political cartoons, gag cartoons, caricatures, satire, and animation for both UK and New Zealand publications.

The current issue has articles on A.I. and Rejection as well as video profiles, events, exhibition/book reviews, and a couple of whimsical yarns. Pete also interviews political journalist and Daily Mirror Associate Editor Kevin Maguire (including an attempt at a cartoon by Kevin) about the changing media and current UK politics. Notable cartoonists in this edition include Martin Rowson, Nicola Jennings, Steve Bright, Kathryn Lamb, Royston, Banx, Nick Newman, Joe Dator, Clive Goddard & Mike Stokoe.

Each edition will profile a cartoonist and TNC will visit the cartoonist’s studio to discuss process and inspiration. Below is the video for the first Studio Spaces feature. 

The New Cartoonist is on a digital bi-monthly and costs £2.50.

If any cartoonists want to submit cartoons for future editions, you can contact Pete through TNC’s website. The theme for the next edition is “success”. Pete notes that as a new venture, there’s no compensation yet aside from a free listing with a link to your website or social media account. Cartoonists’ submissions are not limited to the UK.