Anyone who’s hung ‘round these parts for any amount of time at all knows of my love for political cartoons. An art form as as old as our Republic, comics can convey a message- protest, anger, ridicule, etc.- far more succinctly than the written word. What this says about the collective American IQ and attention is something I’ve made my feelings about abundantly clear (and not in a flattering way). The reality, though, is that we live in a world where many Americans can’t be bothered to read, process, and absorb ideas, so a message presented visually often stands a much higher chance of making an impact.
Portland is fortunate enough to be home to several talented artists who dabble, at least in part, in political commentary. Jen Sorensen is one of my favorites, as is Shannen Wheeler, who’s not quite as political, but every bit as talented and funny.
My absolute favorite is Matt Bors, whose wry sense of humor and ability to skewer his subject with intelligence and wit is rare indeed. Bors leaves little doubt where he comes down on an issues, and his comics have a clear and unmistakable ideological theme, but he’s not dogmatic or insulting. Less acerbic than Ted Rall, edgier than David Horsey, and a tad more ideological than Jack Ohman, Bors cartoon voice represents an impressive talent. I heard him speak a few months ago at a panel discussion at the Pacific Northwest College of Art; in person he comes across as the personality you’d expect to be drawing the comics he does. Bors’ view of the world seems to be one who recognizes that what this world lacks most of all is common sense and a commitment to our common humanity. Pretty basic, but also sorely lacking these days.
From where I sit, it’s a travesty that Bors, given his obvious talent and wit, isn’t a highly compensated and valued member of the commentariat. Lord knows we could use more voices like him. If brain-dead partisan hacks like Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity can become multi-millionaires by spreading ignorance and propaganda, you’d think someone as erudite and reasonable as Matt Bors could make a comfortable living…and perhaps even gain some notice and notoriety for his work.
As much as it pains me to admit this, writers are a dime a dozen. Artists like Bors are a rare bird, and can reach an audience I can’t. That said, I’m insanely jealous; drawing is the one talent I lack completely. Despite my efforts over the years, I can’t draw a decent stick man. It’s the old “athletes want to be actors and actors want to be athletes” thing. I want to be able to draw, but alas, that not in the cards for me. Not that I could hold a candle to Bors…even if I could draw.
