Satire Humor: MAD

MAD was first introduced to readers as a comic book courtesy of EC Comics in the early 1950s.

Headed and owned by William Gaines JR., EC Comics (Educational Comics) started out as a small comic book publisher as part of William’s father’s huge publishing empire.

William Gaines Jr. was given the task of running EC Comics by his father.

Throwing convention aside Gaines decided to try a daring approach and completely changed the face of EC Comics.

Originally a publisher of biblical comic books and mundane unforgettable titles Gaines incorporated his love of fantasy, science fiction and other story genre into his books.

Before long EC Comics was producing some of the best comic books in the business that were created, written and illustrated by top talent.

EC Comics are highly prized by collectors.

Gaines believed in treating his creators well and paid higher page rates than most publishers.

Befitting his rebellious strike against comic book standards Gaines agreed to produce a humor comic book.

There had been many funny comic books produced over the years but MAD took a different approach: cynical, controversial and cutting edge.

In 1986 Russ Cockran, Publisher, decided to compile the early issues of Tales Calculated To Drive You MAD, into bound hard cover collections comprised of several MAD comic books each including reproductions of the original covers and ads.

The first of these: Volume 1, contains the fist six issues of MAD all reproduced in full color.

What’s important to remember that EC Comics pushed societal norms.

It was the age of mom's apple pie, the girl next door and America right or wrong.  Morals were predominately Judeo/Christian and with traditional family values: dad worked and mom stayed at home with kids.  No one questioned authority and any ‘deviant’ behavior was considered taboo.

It was during that period that TV and ’rock and roll’ music were huge influences that challenged American values and helped shape an entire generation.

There was a true generation gap where Baby Boomers and their parents often bumped heads.

EC comics touched upon disturbing themes such as death, horror, science fiction, war and the occult.

The MAD comic book not only was funny, it also threw conventional American norms back into society’s face with satirical jabs and pointed observations.

It was totally unique and because of its context and content often rubbed the wrong people the wrong way.

Mild by today’s standard of satire MAD was considered edgy and controversial in some circles.

The book contains classic ads for other EC comics, MAD Mumblings, creator commentaries, prose stories and classic tales such as Superduperman, Melvin! of the Apes, Robin Hood! and many more.

It’s a fascinating collection of classic MADness as originally presented all wrapped up in colorful hand bound book.