Comics and Cartoons

HoboJerk: "I'm reading a comic intro to criminal law..."

As a comics fan, and a wouldabeen cartoonist and animator, I have to rant about the genre's confused vocabulary in English.

"Comic" could mean merely humorous (a comic story), or, might be a stand-up comic, or, could refer to a comic strip or panel. or even a comic book or a "graphic novel."

"Cartoon" could mean a comic panel or comic strip, or could mean animation.

I'm starting the rumor that the Japanese have forty-seven different distinctions for illustrated-storytelling and animation genre.

But, if "comic" introduction to law meant comic-strippy like the "Cartoon History of" books. ... kewl!