Cartoon Journalism- The Work of Joe Sacco

Universities worldwide have adopted the book Palestine in their history and cultural studies courses as a means of communicating the conflict in the Gaza Strip. It is arguably the best or at the least one of the better texts available on the topic. However, unlike other standard college issued books, Palestine is a comic book or, given its' length, a graphic novel. I too read this text in my course work.

It's an odd mix, to combine the same medium that brings Batman and Sin City to life and use it to communicate one of the most violent and volatile conflicts on the planet, but it's surprisingly effective. In fact, more so than most print or broadcast journalism I've ever seen.

Palestine is the work of journalist/cartoonist Joe Sacco, a passionate and independent worker who strives to educate the masses through his works. Last night I had the opportunity to sit amongst 400 others at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and hear Sacco speak on his experiences in Gaza, Bosnia and Iraq. As a man who started with a dream to write prose stories for a news organization, settled into designing rock concert posters in Berlin and finally found his passion with comics, he has been as non-traditional with his career as anyone I've come across.

Listening to such a man is inspirational. He's involved in global issues and the cause for human betterment. He's found a way to be both creative and successful. Finally, Sacco has avoided the comfort of systems and written his own story in life. As an entrepreneur, his spirit motivates and as a human, his compassion invigorates. My attending and taking so much from this lecture is a testament to the fact that we should never stop learning from one another.


The Walker Art Center is kind enough to share their lectures online.

To view a video of the complete Joe Sacco lecture visit:
The Walker Channel

The Walker also held an interview with Sacco on their Blog:
Sacco Interview

To view a complete list of his works and a bio checkout:
Joe Sacco's Publisher's Page