Andreas Brandt (Sebby) – “New Times” and the art of laughing at modern life

German cartoonist Andreas Brandt, known as Sebby, captures the chaos of modern life in his comic series “New Times” – mixing humor, irony and sharp social insight.

Andreas Brandt, widely known by his pen name Sebby, is one of Germany’s most recognizable cartoonists. His latest series, “New Times,” has quickly become a cultural talking point — a witty and visually sharp reflection of how modern people chase trends, multitask endlessly, and still feel left behind. In an age of overwork, digital chaos, and constant reinvention, Sebby’s drawings offer something rare: a moment to stop, laugh, and breathe, as reported G.business.

The artist behind the lines

Born in 1963 in northern Germany, Brandt began his career in advertising before becoming a full-time cartoonist in the late 1990s. Over the decades, his illustrations have appeared in major European newspapers and magazines. He first rose to fame with “Animal Times” (Tierische Zeiten), a long-running strip where animals mirror human absurdities with biting humor.

“New Times” – humor as social commentary

In “New Times”, Sebby takes aim at the absurdity of digital culture: the race for likes, diet fads, self-optimization apps, and endless notifications. His humor is quiet but cutting. Each cartoon captures a fragment of everyday life — a coffee-break confession, a social-media meltdown, a failed attempt at mindfulness — and turns it into a mirror for the modern psyche.

Why it resonates

Unlike loud satire, Sebby’s humor feels personal. Readers recognize themselves in his work: tired of the “new normal,” skeptical of every trend, longing for simplicity. That recognition is the secret behind “New Times” — it’s not just funny, it’s therapeutic.

Artistic style

Sebby’s minimalist drawing style focuses on expression, not decoration. Clean lines, muted colors, and short dialogue make his cartoons instantly readable. The simplicity makes the humor hit harder, inviting reflection rather than distraction.

Beyond “New Times”

Brandt’s earlier projects, including “Tierisch gute Zeiten” and multiple cartoon anthologies, established him as a master of concise, thoughtful humor. His work is distributed by Bulls Media and exhibited across Germany.

The bigger picture

“New Times” arrives at exactly the right cultural moment: when many feel trapped between burnout and the demand to stay “up to date.” Through laughter, Sebby reminds us that slowing down is not failure — it’s survival.

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