Chris Slane: A New Age Cartoonists

Till now, we have seen old school cartoonist who only used to draw cartoons and in magazines, newspapers but today we are going read about new age cartoonists who is not only a editorial cartoonist but also an author, a storyboard artist, a puppet artist, an illustration artist and a comic creator. I am talking about Chris Slane, a cartoonist from New Zealand.

Christ Slane

Chris took Bachelor of Town Planning degree from the University of Auckland. He used to contribute for the student magazine ‘Craccum’. Mr. Slane was fascinated by the War Picture Library and the Disney artwork by Mr. Bark. Slane used to visit his classmates house which was full on British War comics, his friend got bored but Slane continued to visit and enjoyed the art. Slane was so mesmerized by the artwork; he said in his one of interview that, “I spent hours in there looking at the great detailed art”.

Slane’s cartoons have been appearing in the NZ Listener magazine since 1991. He worked for many comic books like 'Maui: Legends Of The Outcast’, which tells a story of a mythological character popular in New Zealand ', 'Nice Day For A War: Adventures of A Kiwi Soldier in WW1’ which tells the war story in comical and interesting way

Nice day for a war comic by Slane and Elliott

, Maori history, legends and a contribution to Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars Tales. Slane also co-creator of the puppet troupe 'Hands Up', Slane wrote, constructed and performed satirical items for Television New Zealand's 'Tonight Show', designed and performed puppet characters for the children's series 'Space Knights' as mentioned on his website, www.slane.co.nz.  Slane has also contributed to the field by writing an essay named, "The Role of Cartoons in Town Planning". Slane first did cartoons for New Zealand Privacy Commissioner where his father was working; he now also draws for big corporations like Microsoft who are very keen about privacy policies.

When someone questions him about relativity of his cartoons he answers,’ People enjoy the act of recognition. It's about simplifying reality, taking out the essential elements and reproducing them. I think that's in all art – something we recognize that we're hard-wired to appreciate’. Slane who credits his experience in the field for the successful survival over the years in different areas related to media, frankly tells, he started his career in New Zealand when change was happening in the media. This boosted his career. Now Slane presents his cartoon to millions virtual viewers online, he has separate Facebook Page for all his major works in comics,he communicates via twitter(@Slanecartoons), a website and a blog. He even gives opportunity to purchase his art work online. These all things surely make him a new age cartoonist.

Chris Slane Cartoon on Whistle -Blower Act

Do you think presence on all the media is major factor of Slane's success?