Intro
In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts pay tribute to Mad magazine, one of the earliest and most successful satirical magazines. They explore the history, impact, and cultural significance of Mad magazine, as well as its influence on modern satire and pop culture.
Main Takeaways
Mad Magazine’s Origins and Impact
- Mad magazine was one of the earliest and most successful satirical magazines, inspiring imitators like Cracked and Trump.
- Mad magazine released 553 original issues without advertisements to bring in money.
- Mad Magazine laid the groundwork for modern satire and musical satire such as The Onion and The National Lampoon.
- Mad Magazine taught healthy skepticism to kids and adolescents.
EC Comics and the Comic Book Menace
- EC Comics was founded in 1944 by Maxwell Gaines and merged with Detective Comics to form what we now know as DC.
- William Gaines took over EC Comics from his father and changed the direction of the company to focus on satire and humor.
- Mad Magazine was a product of this shift in direction and became a cultural phenomenon.
- The moral panic over comic books erupted in the 1950s, with Frederick Wertham’s book “Seduction of the Innocent” calling out EC comics.
- The Senate formed a subcommittee in 1954 to investigate the “comic book menace”, with one famous exchange between Gaines and Senator Estes Kefauver regarding a violent cover.
The Creation and Evolution of Mad Magazine
- Mad was created by Harvey Kurtzman, who wanted to spoof other comics with humor.
- Mad started out slow but gained popularity with issue number four in 1953 when they lampooned Superman with SuperDuperman.
- Mad switched from comic book to magazine to satirize other magazines.
- Harvey Kurtzman was a perfectionist who delayed publication and left due to editorial control issues.
- Al Feldstein brought on legendary contributors like Mort Drucker and Al Jaffee.
- Mad Magazine’s mascot, Alfred E. Newman, became iconic with the catchphrase “What, me worry?”
The Legacy and Influence of Mad Magazine
- Mad Magazine’s movie parodies were popular and accessible even to those who couldn’t see the original films.
- Mad Magazine’s humor and satire may have contributed to the longevity of its contributors, some of whom lived into their 80s, 90s, and even hundreds.
- Mad Magazine’s influence on pop culture can be seen in The Simpsons, where characters reference Spiro Agnew, a former vice president, because Mad Magazine was still talking about him in the 80s.
- Mad Magazine was involved in a landmark lawsuit in 1961 that established substantial freedom for satire and parody as a form of social and literary criticism.
- Mad Magazine reached its peak in the late 60s and 70s with a circulation rate of over 2.1 million magazines, just behind Time and Newsweek.
Summary
Mad Magazine’s Origins and Impact
Mad magazine, one of the earliest and most successful satirical magazines, released 553 original issues without advertisements, laying the groundwork for modern satire and teaching healthy skepticism to kids and adolescents.
EC Comics and the Comic Book Menace
EC Comics, founded by Maxwell Gaines, shifted its focus to satire and humor under William Gaines, leading to the creation of Mad magazine. However, the moral panic over comic books in the 1950s called out EC comics, resulting in a Senate subcommittee investigation.
The Creation and Evolution of Mad Magazine
Harvey Kurtzman created Mad magazine as a spoof of other comics, and it gained popularity with its lampooning of Superman. The magazine evolved from a comic book to satirize other magazines, and legendary contributors like Mort Drucker and Al Jaffee joined the team.
The Legacy and Influence of Mad Magazine
Mad Magazine’s movie parodies and humor had a lasting impact on pop culture, influencing shows like The Simpsons. The magazine’s legal battles established freedom for satire and parody, and it reached its peak circulation in the late 60s and 70s.
Conclusion
Mad magazine, with its satirical and humorous content, left a significant mark on the world of comedy and pop culture. Its legacy continues to influence modern satire and its impact can still be felt today.
