The case for memes as a new form of comics

The Internet has undeniably transformed the landscape of cartooning, providing artists with innovative tools and new avenues for distribution. This digital revolution has also given rise to viral memes since the late 1990s, which are now being recognized as a new form of comic art. Michelle Ann Abate, an English professor at The Ohio State University, explores this idea in her recent paper published in INKS: The Journal of the Comics Studies Society. Abate argues that memes, particularly image macros, function similarly to traditional comics, both cognitively and creatively. With a background in graphic novels and comics, she has authored several books examining the history of this art form, covering a wide array of titles such as Charles Schulz's Peanuts and The Far Side. Her upcoming release, "Singular Sensations: A Cultural History of One-Panel Comics in the United States," was inspired by her research during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown, Abate found herself sharing single-panel comics and memes with friends, leading her to realize the striking resemblance between the two. She notes, "In terms of how they function, how they operate, the connection of the verbal and the visual, there's more continuity than there is difference." This prompted her to delve deeper into the concept of memes. The term 'meme' was first introduced by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book, "The Selfish Gene," where he described it as a unit of cultural transmission. Dawkins' definition encompasses various forms of cultural expression, including ideas and trends, showcasing the lasting impact of memes in our digital society.