Abstract:
This paper involves an examination of the contemporary Australian alternative comics
scene as a lively farm of lampooning and derision in the late 20th Century. Many of the
artists, creators and cartoonists involved antagonise, irritate and ridicule with their graphic
humour and horror, provoking irreverent laughter as well as an element of fear and amazement
within their limited audience. In so doing, they take advantage of what is, compared
to the mainstream print media, a relatively unregulated outlet of creativity and visual
communication. The work produced by this wideranging group of artists is representative
of a broad repertoire of graphic styles and comic art genres. The attitude of these artists has
strains of 'larrikin' and 'ratbag' humour. This satire adds vitality to the visual culture of the
nation and contributes to the ongoing critique of Australian life. No subject is sacred and
Prime Ministers, Premiers and politicians, pop stars and princesses, parents, Olympic
mascots and sporting champions, and even subcultures have been the target of the artist's
pen as it sets out to satirise the Australian situation and lifestyle through the sequential artform
of the small press, alternative, independent comic. This short history traces the key
figures at work in the 1990s .
