Media Portrayal of Societal Issues: A Systematic Literature Review of Cartoon Research

The COVID-19 pandemic generated unprecedented socio-political and economic disruptions, intensifying the need for effective communication strategies. Cartoons, as visual and semiotic tools, gained prominence across print and digital platforms for their ability to condense complex issues into accessible and engaging narratives. This study employs visual semiotics within a systematic literature review framework, guided by PRISMA to examine how cartoons communicate societal issues. Drawing on 43 studies (2007–2026), the paper integrates detailed literature discussion with critical analysis. Findings indicate that cartoons function as powerful communicative devices during crises by leveraging satire, symbolism, exaggeration, and humour. However, the review also reveals significant gaps in theoretical grounding, methodological rigor, and platform-sensitive analysis. The study calls for stronger interdisciplinary frameworks and more empirically grounded research.