Cartoons are usually classified as moving or print cartoons. Moving cartoons are animated in some way and are usually broadcast on television and in movies. Print cartoons are still images that are commonly reproduced for newspaper and magazine strips. Print cartoons contain several panels depicting action in succession, or sometimes one, known as single panel cartoons Cartoonists may work in one area specifically, or both.
Still cartoons are usually created by a small creative team, often a writer and an illustrator, or one person that does both. The layout for a still comic is usually three to six panels long. Once this layout is created, it is illustrated and the text is added. The creators pass along the finished comic to the printing department of their periodical.
According to Museum.tv, the development of animated cartoons started in the 1910s. Production was slow as 24 panels needed to be drawn for every second of animation. Since animated cartoons require the quick sequence of many still images, dozens of animators have to work together to draw, color, sequence, and add sound to moving cartoon images. Modern animated cartoons are produced by entire animation studios that handle every aspect of their creation.
Cartoons are primarily used for entertainment purposes but political cartoons are very popular and are used to depict and satire current events in politics and society. Satire is parody used to depict hypocrisy and the author's dissent. These cartoons express strong opinions about political doctrines, social trends, and pop culture.
Although many cartoons were intended for children, including "Bugs Bunny" and "The Jetsons," some can be considered inappropriate for younger viewers but are still technically cartoons. "The Simpsons," "Family Guy," and "South Park" depict very adult themes and issues in humorous ways, and usually air in prime time or later.