We have been publishing cartoons by Hoby on the w4mp site for many years, and we know readers enjoy them. However their accessibility has always been an issue. From time to time we’ve experimented with ways to describe the cartoons in the alt-text of the image but it’s now clear that, with the right prompt, LLMs are good at the job.

Here’s the latest cartoon:

And this is what Google Gemini came up with, given the prompt:

“this is a four frame cartoon featuring two characters, Trey and Sir Justin. Trey works for Sir Justin who is an MP. Please generate a description suitable for alt-text”

A four-panel, black and white cartoon featuring an MP, Sir Justin, and his aide, Trey.

Panel 1: Trey is at his desk in an office, with Big Ben visible out the window. He is on the phone with his boss, Sir Justin, who says, “Hello? Trey? Hi, it’s Sir Justin. Listen, you must be bored couped up in the office with all this nice weather we’ve been having.”

Panel 2: A close-up on Trey listening to the phone. Sir Justin continues, “Why don’t you come down to the constituency for a change of scenery and some fresh air?”

Panel 3: Trey looks flattered as Sir Justin says, “I need some help with an important event and I think you’re the only one with the requisite skill and expertise.” Trey replies, “That’s very flattering sir, thank you!”

Panel 4: The scene cuts to a golf course. Sir Justin, dressed in golfing gear, is holding a club. A dejected-looking Trey stands beside him, holding a heavy bag of golf clubs. Sir Justin thinks to himself, “Can’t believe I fell for that. Especially as it’s not the first time.” He then says to Trey, “Five iron please.”

Which is pretty good. So we’ll start doing this regularly.