A Historical Overview of Transnationalism in Malaysian Cartoons

Abstract

The influence of global styles in Malaysian cartoons can be traced back to the 1930s through the publication of various imported and local cartoons in local newspapers such as Straits Times, Warta Jenaka, Utusan Zaman, Majlis, and Berita Harian. In this context, transnationalism emerged in the form of translated international comic series and cartoons that were available through syndication, as well as the adaption of the characters and story lines of western works by local cartoonists. The characteristics of transnationalism can also be traced in the form of stylistic influence and modification. The objectives of this essay are to trace the development and identify the factors that have contributed to the emergence of transnationalism in Malaysian cartoons. By using the art historical approach of formalistic and contextual analysis, the essay will trace the historical development of transnationalism in Malaysian cartoons in the Pre-Independence Era (1930s-1957), the Post-Independence Era (1958-1990), and the Contemporary Era (1991-2018). The essay will focus on cartoons published in mainstream newspapers and major humor magazines such as Gila-Gila and Gempak. In addition to outlining and providing an overview of the historical development of transnationalism in Malaysian cartoons, this essay will indicate that the country is rather more on the receiving end of transnationalism than influencing the rest of the world.