singlepanel

Singlepanel refers to a visual work that presents a complete idea, moment, or joke in a single image, often accompanied by a short caption or dialogue. The format relies on a self-contained moment that does not require additional panels to convey its meaning, and it is commonly found in cartoons, editorial illustrations, and meme-style images.

Historically, single-panel cartoons have appeared in magazines and newspapers since the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They distinguished themselves from multi-panel comic strips by delivering a full effect in one frame. The New Yorker, in particular, has long published standalone cartoons as a core feature, with artists such as Peter Arno, Charles Addams, and Saul Steinberg contributing iconic single-panel work. Over time, the form has also become a staple of political and social commentary, as well as general humor.

Form and style typically emphasize concise visual storytelling. The single image provides the situational context, while a caption or speech bubble supplies punchlines, irony, or wordplay. Visual cues, composition, and timing are essential, as the humor must land instantly for the viewer. The tone ranges from light and observational to satirical or surreal.

In the digital era, singlepanel illustrations have expanded beyond print into webcomics, social media, and licensing markets. Artists publish or syndicate standalone pieces, often leveraging immediacy and shareability to reach broad audiences. The format remains popular for its efficiency and its ability to communicate a moment of insight with minimal exposition.

See also: single-panel cartoon, one-panel humor, editorial cartoon.