In 1952, a big name in American
humor publication took off with the inaugural issue of “MAD.” From its original
comic book format, it evolved into its more famous magazine edition, and left
readers in the US and around the world in stitches with their pointed satires
and parodies of all things real and fictional, everything that had been
relevant in the time an issue was released being lampooned like there was no
tomorrow. Unfortunately that last bit may no longer hold true, following a
surprise announcement this week that could see a saga in humor closing after 67
years.
According to CNet, “MAD” magazine will be undergoing such a significant change
in its longtime format that in a way, it could be said to be ending. Evan
Dorkin and David DeGrand, two major contributors of the humor publication in this
day and age, explained on social media that “MAD” will stop stocking new issues
on newsstands beginning in August. From that point on followers of the mag will
have to subscribe or check on direct marketers to get their fix of outrageous
laughs. In addition, no new “MAD” content will be forthcoming after August, with
only reprints of past gag comics inside the covers.
Today won't end. Goodbye, MAD Magazine. As a youngster I was a huge fan of the 70's era, as a young adult I rediscovered the 50's comics, as an old nerd I somehow became a contributor (often working w/@colorkitten) for the last decade +. Getting the e-mail today was crushing.— Evan Dorkin (@evandorkin) July 4, 2019
Dorkin was informed by the
publisher via email of the new arrangements, and made his Twitter goodbye to “MAD”
for which he had been contributing artwork for over a decade past. "Seeing
Mad close down hurts, especially during a morbidly depressing year for
cartoonists and the comics industry in general,” he wrote on a later tweet. The
only new contributions to the magazine will be new issue covers (containing old
comic reprints). For the end of the year and other notable occasions, “MAD”
would release special editions containing new gags, but only at those times.
I don't feel bad for myself, we were discussing new work but nothing set or soon. We had a good run. Seeing MAD close down hurts, especially during a morbidly depressing year for cartoonists and the comics industry in general. And my heart goes out to the Usual Gang freelancers.— Evan Dorkin (@evandorkin) July 4, 2019
While a significant pillar of
satire and parody for pop culture and politics on the US publishing scene,
recent decades have seen “MAD” magazine work to keep itself afloat, which accounts
for its constantly-changing release schedule. By 1997 it achieved monthly
publication, only to revert to six a year from 2010 until now. Significant
events in the publication’s history, such as the introduction of advertising in
between humor stories, and the move of location from New York City, are cited
for the perceived decline in quality for “MAD” that is thought to have led to the
decision made this July.
Needless to say, fans of the
magazine have trooped to social media to mourn “MAD” or rail against the
circumstances that have led to this end. They all agree however, that despite
the lack of new stuff in future issues “MAD” Magazine would be remembered.
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