The year 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of MAD Magazine, America’s longest-running periodical of humor and satire. Throughout its long history, one of the most immediate, defining, and influential aspects of MAD has been its unique art; the magazine is a treasury of illustrated humor.

MAD Art is a hilarious look at five decades of America’s premiere showcase for parody, satire, and wit. All of MAD’s “Usual Gang of Idiots” are represented, beginning with Harvey Kurtzman and Will Elder and continuing on through more recent Idiots like Richard Williams and Hermann Mejia.

MAD fans will find fascinating one-on-one discussions with veteran MAD artists about their favorite pieces, stylistic influences, and the references they used in creating their art. Also included are quotes from artists about each other’s work, like Sam Viviano’s comments on Mort Drucker, Tom Bunk’s conversation about Basil Wolverton, and many more.

MAD’s writers are essential to its success—and readers will discover captivating personal interviews with the writers who helped create the side-splitting text accompanying the illustrations. There is also a section on the talented writer/artists, such as Al Jaffee, John Caldwell, and Sergio Aragonés, who write as well as illustrate their own material.

Finally, this authorized guide through MAD history includes a treasury of MAD’s infamous advertising parodies; samples of classic cover and interior art; and dozens of rare and never-before-seen preliminary sketches, photos, and much more. The quintessential reference for every devoted MAD fanatic!

• The official and authorized history of the art of MAD Magazine
• Focuses on MAD’s fabulous illustrations, offering a unique view of MAD’s history
• 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of MAD Magazine

Mark Evanier is a writer and a historian on the subjects of cartooning and entertainment. A former assistant to the legendary cartoonist Jack Kirby, Evanier went on to write comic books for Disney, Gold Key, DC Comics, and Eclipse, and collaborates with MAD artist Sergio Aragonés on Groo the Wanderer. He lives in Los Angeles, California.