The question is provocative—should old cartoonists just fade away?—but it’s also a reflection of a real conversation happening in the art and publishing world. As industries change, new voices emerge, and technology reshapes the landscape, some people wonder if veteran cartoonists should step aside to make way for younger talent.
The truth, however, is more complicated. Cartooning is an art form built on continuity, reinvention, and a balance between tradition and innovation. Old cartoonists—those with decades of experience—hold a unique place in that ecosystem. They are not just relics of the past; they can be active contributors to the present and guides for the future.
Here are 10 key things to know before answering the question of whether old cartoonists should “fade away” or continue to draw, ink, and publish for as long as they wish.
1. Cartooning Is a Lifetime Craft
Cartooning, unlike some physically demanding professions, does not have a fixed “retirement age.” The ability to observe, think critically, and distill complex ideas into lines and humor often improves with age. Cartoonists like Sergio Aragonés, Jules Feiffer, and Posy Simmonds have produced some of their most insightful work in their later years.
2. History and Cultural Memory Matter
Veteran cartoonists are living archives. They have worked through multiple political eras, social movements, and artistic trends. Their work often reflects long-term societal shifts that younger audiences may not have experienced firsthand. This historical perspective enriches the cartooning landscape.
3. Experience Brings Depth and Nuance
Decades of drawing and storytelling teach lessons that can’t be rushed. Older cartoonists understand pacing, timing, and the subtle art of saying more with less. They have faced—and survived—editorial censorship, changing markets, and cultural pushback. That resilience and wisdom give their work a depth that newcomers may still be developing.
4. The Digital Shift Doesn’t Mean Irrelevance
Yes, social media and webcomics have brought in fresh talent and new formats, but many veteran cartoonists have adapted successfully. Some publish on Instagram, run Patreon accounts, or collaborate with younger artists in hybrid formats. Age doesn’t prevent adaptation—it’s often a matter of willingness to learn new tools.
5. Gatekeeping Works Both Ways
In the past, older cartoonists often benefited from long-term contracts and relationships with editors, which sometimes made it harder for new talent to break in. Today, the gatekeeping danger is reversed—publishers may chase “youth appeal” so aggressively that they undervalue seasoned professionals. The healthiest creative space includes both established and emerging voices.
6. Mentorship Is a Legacy
Old cartoonists are not just artists—they can be mentors. Many have taught classes, hosted workshops, or provided one-on-one guidance to younger creators. Through organizations like Toons Mag and the Cartoonist Network, cross-generational collaborations have led to exciting projects.
7. The Audience Still Cares
Many readers have followed certain cartoonists for decades. For them, a new comic by an old favorite is like a conversation with an old friend. Longtime fans can be fiercely loyal, and their continued support can sustain an artist’s career well into later life.
8. Reinvention Keeps Them Relevant
Some of the most enduring cartoonists continually reinvent their work:
- Shifting from political satire to children’s books
- Moving from newspaper strips to graphic novels
- Collaborating with animators or game designers
These shifts prove that longevity doesn’t mean stagnation—it can mean evolution.
9. Creativity Doesn’t Expire
There’s no evidence that the creative spark is tied to age in the same way physical stamina might be. Artists like Will Eisner created groundbreaking work well into their seventies and eighties. In fact, lived experience often deepens creativity.
10. Fading Away Should Be a Choice, Not an Expectation
Ultimately, the decision to “fade away” should belong to the cartoonist, not to industry trends or public opinion. Some may choose to retire, focus on personal projects, or slow down. Others may draw until their last day. Forcing creative people out because of age risks losing valuable voices, history, and innovation.
Should Old Cartoonists Just Fade Away: Old Cartoonists Are Cultural Treasures
The real question isn’t whether old cartoonists should fade away—it’s how we can better integrate their wisdom and perspective with the energy and experimentation of younger artists. A thriving cartooning world needs both.
Instead of pushing veteran artists aside, the industry and audience can celebrate them as living links between past and future—bridges connecting generations of readers and creators. Their pens may draw in older hands, but the lines they create still have the power to move us, make us laugh, and make us think.
