Great Moments In Comic Book History #37: MAD Magazine Plays Both Sides

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Jedadiah Leland

In January of 1961, Mad Magazine taught a nation of young readers how to cover their bets. With the magazine due to go to press before the results of the 1960 presidential election would be known, Mad Magazine #60 was published with a double cover.

25 cents was not only a cheap price to pay for Mad’s trademark humor and satire but it was also the price of an invaluable political lesson. Thank you, Mad Magazine!

Previous Great Moments In Comic Book History:

MAD Magazine Is Shutting Down

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Jedadiah Leland

I just heard from a friend of mine who is in a Facebook group with a MAD writer that, after the next two issues, MAD will no longer be publishing original material. Instead, it’ll publish reprinted material until it’s subscription responsibilities are fulfilled and then the magazine will cease publication.

Obviously, MAD isn’t the cultural force that it once was but it’s still an American institution. In a time when even having a sense of humor can be a subversive act, MAD will be missed.

Remembering Jack Davis (1924-2016)

Posted on July 27, 2016 by gary loggins

cracked rear viewer

If you grew up reading MAD magazine, you certainly know the name of Jack Davis. His unique style made him one of MAD’s most popular cartoonists, and his exaggerated, “big footed” characters weren’t just confined to the humor mag. Davis, who served in the Navy during WWII, did work for Navy News while in the service. After the war, he relocated to New York, and soon began illustrating for William Gaines’ EC Comics on their horror, crime, and war books. Davis became one of the original MAD artists, and from there drew everything from movie posters to album covers to TV Guide covers. Jack Davis passed away today at age 91, leaving behind a legacy of artwork for all to enjoy. Here are twelve examples of the distinctive art of Jack Davis: