A complete, restored issue of Judge from 1882-08-12 — all 16 pages of color political cartoons and topical humor, free to page through at comicbooks.com.

On the cover: # "Before Alexandria" — The Judge, August 12, 1882 This cartoon depicts **John Bull** (personification of Britain) in a small boat labeled "H.M. NAVY," receiving assistance from **Uncle Sam** (America) during what appears to be a naval crisis "Before Alexandria." This likely references the **1882 British bombardment of Alexandria, Egypt**, during a nationalist uprising. The cartoon sarcastically portrays America as providing minor but appreciated help to Britain's military efforts. John Bull's comment—"You are little, but you're good"—is a backhanded compliment, suggesting America's naval power was modest compared to Britain's, yet still useful. The satire mocks both British naval prestige (needing American help) and American aspirations for naval influence, while commentary on American-British relations during imperial interventions in the Middle East.

🖼️ Every page has a plain-English note on what you’re looking at — the figures, the references, the point of the satire.

← Back to Judge: The Rival in Color All exhibitions