Jen Sorensen (born September 28, 1974) is an American editorial cartoonist and illustrator known for her progressive political comics and sharp satire. She creates a weekly comic strip focusing on current events, with work appearing in publications such as The Nation, The Progressive, Ms. Magazine, and over 20 alternative weeklies across the United States. Sorensen became the first woman to win the prestigious Herblock Prize in 2014 and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning in 2017.
Early Life and Education
Jen Sorensen was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and developed an early interest in cartooning. She attended the University of Virginia, where she contributed to the student newspaper, University Journal, creating a daily comic strip titled Li'l Gus from 1994 to 1995. She was also involved in the satirical magazine The Yellow Journal during her time at the university.
Career
Slowpoke and Early Work
Sorensen's professional cartooning career began with contributions to various comic anthologies, including Action Girl and The Big Book of the '70s. In 1998, she published her first collection of comics, Slowpoke Comix #1, leading to the creation of the weekly comic strip Slowpoke in 1999. The strip quickly gained traction, focusing on U.S. politics, social justice, and cultural commentary.
As of 2012, her cartoons have been published under her name rather than the Slowpoke title, though some publications continue using the original name.
Illustration and Comics Journalism
In addition to her editorial cartoons, Sorensen has illustrated for publications such as Nickelodeon Magazine, The American Prospect, MAD Magazine, and Women's Review of Books. She has also produced long-form journalistic comics, including a piece on healthcare reform commissioned by Kaiser Health News and an illustrated synopsis of Pride and Prejudice for NPR.
The Nib and Splinter News
From 2014 to 2018, Sorensen served as the comics editor for Splinter News (formerly Fusion). She has also been a frequent contributor to The Nib, a platform dedicated to political and editorial comics.
Awards and Recognition
Herblock Prize (2014)
In 2014, Sorensen became the first woman to win the Herblock Prize, awarded for excellence in editorial cartooning. The judges praised her work for its focus on critical issues such as gun control, racism, income inequality, healthcare, and sexism, along with her ability to incorporate informative elements within her comics.
Pulitzer Prize Finalist (2017)
Sorensen was named a Pulitzer Prize Finalist for Editorial Cartooning in 2017 for her politically charged cartoons tackling topics like poverty, union membership, and the Trump administration's policies. The Pulitzer Board highlighted her work's ability to challenge viewers to look beyond the surface of social and political issues.
Other Awards:
- Xeric Award (2000)
- Alternative Newsweekly Awards (2005, 2012)
- Grambs Aronson Award for Cartooning with a Conscience (2009)
- Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award (2013)
- Clifford K. and James T. Berryman Award (2023)
Books and Publications
Sorensen has published multiple collections of her work, mainly through Alternative Comics and Ig Publishing. Her collections focus on U.S. politics and social justice, often blending humor with serious commentary.
Notable Works:
- Slowpoke Comix #1 (1998)
- Slowpoke: Café Pompous (2001)
- Slowpoke: America Gone Bonkers (2004)
- Slowpoke: One Nation, Oh My God! (2008)
Influence and Legacy
Sorensen's work has had a significant impact on the world of editorial cartooning, especially as a woman breaking barriers in a historically male-dominated field. Her blend of humor, thoughtful critique, and visual storytelling continues to resonate in both traditional and digital media platforms.
She remains a prominent voice in progressive cartooning, using her platform to advocate for social justice and political awareness.