A New Penguin Leunig

by Michael Leunig

Michael Leunig is a true original. His cartoons are the work of a wildly imaginative mind: he is a poet and metaphysician as well as an artist. Leunig's subjects are as ambitious as his technique is simple. World cataclyse the flood, loneliness, cruelty, lust and greed. Through these runs the vein of his compassion and humanity - his humour - illuminating many a dark theme.

Genres: Humor, Cartoon, Graphic Novels, Australia, Comics

Paperback

First published April 28, 1983

About the author

Michael Leunig, typically referred to as Leunig (his signature on his cartoons), was an Australian cartoonist. His works include The Curly Pyjama Letters, cartoon books The Essential Leunig, The Wayward Leunig, The Stick, Goatperson, Short Notes from the Long History of Happiness and Curly Verse, and The Lot, a compilation of his "Curly World" newspaper columns. Leunig also wrote a book of prayers, When I Talk To You.
He was declared an Australian Living Treasure by the National Trust of Australia in 1999.

Reviews

[Manny]

In case you've never seen a Leunig, here's one I particularly like:

[Judy]

Love all Leunig. So many gems.

[Gerry]

I appreciate that I am not the most suitable person to judge cartoon books for they often leave me cold. Unfortunately this one was no different and I only purchased it because (a) it was an unusual Penguin and (b) I knew nothing about Leunig and thought I would have a look at some of his work.

My next comment is probably more a reflection on me rather than a criticism of his work, which I am sure is very competent, but I did not find many of the cartoons amusing, perhaps because I had difficulty in understanding them fully!

One of the more amusing ones was showing a pop group, Friends of the Earth, performing in front of a full house and an object is thrown from the crowd and it is appropriately labelled, 'An organically grown tomato'!

For me the best thing about the book was a fine Introduction by Barry Humphries, a fellow Australian of Leunig, who Explains Leunig's appeal. He does state, 'Mr Leunig's point of view may be seen by some who adore putting artists in pigeon holes as tragic and even misanthropic. To me he is too preoccupied with beauty and imagination to be this narrowly assessed.' Okay, but for me there was little beauty but certainly plenty of imagination.

[Emily Mcleod]

A blast from the past reading this in 2025. I loved the anti war and anti American imperialism concepts explored. It made me feel better to know that as a young teen in 2006 there were adults outside my own family who were horrified by the Middle East invasion and American war mongering. There are a lot of other relatable concepts explored, like anxiety and disillusionment that struck me. Also, love the illustrations and the commentary.

Would suit a Stage5 or Stage6 audience and has lots to unpack from a visual literacy, sociocultural perspective and satirical approach to commentary.

It is nice to reach into the past and see things from a new perspective as an adult.

[M]

darker than I expected, but humbling and magical as always with Leunig

[Christina M.]

Leunig's work is a delight. Humor, philosophy, wit, whimsy. The world needs more of it. Michael provides.
Thank you.

[Michael]

What a terrific read. This is by far the sharpest edged, the angriest of the Leunig work I’ve read. It is brilliant at taking on the hypocrisy of a day and age that trains people for torture and that sends people to war based on lies, when we should know better. In picture and in brief word, the author packs a punch. A big one. I loved it. I loved the challenge of it. It reminds me of the Afghan women’s poetry. Just two lines, but bam it hits you between the eyes.

[Claire S]

Irony, truth and explorations of attitudes towards 'the other'? Must have!

[LauraW]

Very enjoyable. There were a few I didn't get, but, then, I am an American, so I guess that is to be expected. lol.

[Wendy]

Very entertaining and clever. A good relaxing flip through :-)

[Tim]

The greatest cartoonist of all time, in my view. Well obviously it's my view. I'm not going to give Teddy Pendergrass' view here am I?

[Stephen Huntley]

Simply superb. Leunig will be looked back on by the future folk as our generation's foremost creative genius.

[Ellen]

Don't be fooled by the gentle lines and smiling characters. Leunig simmers with barely suppressed rage about the war on terror and Howard-era politics in this razor-sharp collection.

[Jamie (treesofreverie) McMahon]

I read this book at the Pelion Hut on the Cradle Mountain track recently. A lovely collection!