Who Are The Main Characters In Ben Garrison'S Big Book Of Editorial Cartoons?

Ben Garrison's 'Big Book of Editorial Cartoons' is a collection packed with his signature satirical and politically charged artwork, but it doesn’t follow a traditional narrative with 'main characters' in the way a novel or comic might. Instead, the 'stars' of his cartoons are often real-world political figures, cultural icons, and symbolic representations of ideologies. You’ll frequently see exaggerated depictions of people like Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and other prominent politicians, all rendered with Garrison’s distinctive, hyper-detailed style. These figures aren’t characters with arcs—they’re vehicles for his sharp commentary on current events, often portrayed in absurd or provocative scenarios to highlight their perceived flaws or societal issues.

Beyond actual people, Garrison leans heavily into allegorical figures. Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, and personified versions of concepts like 'Social Justice' or 'Capitalism' pop up regularly, acting as stand-ins for broader cultural debates. His work thrives on these visual metaphors, using them to distill complex political themes into single, striking images. What makes his cartoons memorable isn’t just the targets he picks but how he morphs them into larger-than-life caricatures—sometimes heroic, often grotesque, always loaded with opinion. If you’re flipping through the book, expect a parade of familiar faces twisted into his ideological lens, each cartoon feeling like a punchy, uncompromising take on the chaos of modern politics.

Personally, I’ve always been fascinated by how editorial cartoons can say so much with so little—no lengthy speeches, just a snapshot loaded with meaning. Garrison’s stuff is especially polarizing, but that’s part of the fun. Whether you agree with his perspective or not, there’s no denying his skill at turning headlines into art that sticks in your mind. His 'characters' are less about personality and more about the roles they play in the cultural theater, and that’s what makes his work such a lightning rod for discussion.