Cartoons in Scholarly Publishing: Considerations for Authors, Reviewers, and Editors

Cartoons in scholarly publishing are effective ways to improve communication and engagement. They can transform scientific concepts into visually interesting and easy- to-understand formats, thereby helping the concepts reach to larger groups more easily. Depending on the type of cartoons (concept cartoons, humor illustrations, and editorial cartoons), benefits may vary. It is recommended to maintain relevance, elegance, and quality in cartoon presentations. Potential insults must be carefully avoided to maintain respectful communication. The objectives of the current article were to examine the complex roles of cartoons in scholarly publishing, to provide recommendations for drawing scientific cartoons, and to discuss challenges in incorporating cartoons into scientific publishing.