A complete, restored issue of Judge from 1887-12-31 — all 18 pages of color political cartoons and topical humor, free to page through at comicbooks.com.

On the cover: # "Bubbles" - Judge Magazine, December 31, 1887 This cartoon, credited to artist Hamilton, satirizes a rotund, mustachioed gentleman in ornate military dress and decorations, blowing bubbles. The title "Bubbles" and subtitle reference "Sir J. E. Milais' Christmas Picture," indicating the artist is parodying a famous contemporary painting. The satire likely mocks either a specific political or military figure of 1887, portraying them as insubstantial or frivolous—bubbles being ephemeral. The elaborate uniform and medals suggest someone of high rank or pretension. The dark, cavernous setting contrasts with the lightness of bubbles, possibly suggesting hollowness behind impressive external trappings. Without identifying the specific figure, the cartoon critiques vanity, military posturing, or political pomposity through the bubble metaphor.

🖼️ 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