What, me panic?

Introducing the exclusive program for our *"What, Me Panic? Celebrating Angelo Torres"* exhibition!

Curated by Robert L. Reiner, with special thanks to Clint Morgan
May 11 – September 3, 2022

This program book features essays and tributes from an impressive lineup of contributors, including Annie Gaines Ashton, Sergio Aragonés, Thommy Burns, Ray Cuthbert, Dick DeBartolo, John Ficarra, Grant Geissman, Roger Hill, William Stout, Sam Viviano, and more. Inside, you’ll find never-before-seen photographs, artwork, and memorabilia related to the Fleagles, EC Comics, Warren Publications, and MAD Magazine, plus an exclusive preview of the upcoming Fantagraphics graphic novel showcasing Angelo Torres' incredible art.

Angelo Torres is best known for his nearly 40-year run at *MAD* magazine, where he illustrated some of the funniest and most skillfully drawn parodies of movies and TV shows. But what many might not know is the incredible body of work that came before his *MAD* days—and what he’s been creating since. Now in his 90s, Torres is producing some of the finest work of his career, often paying homage to his early illustration roots.

Torres was part of the legendary "Fleagle Gang"—a group of creative collaborators that included Al Williamson, Frank Frazetta, Roy Krenkel, Nick Meglin, and George Woodbridge. Together, they helped shape some of the most stunning illustrations in the history of comics and fantasy art, sometimes credited, often not.

Throughout his career, Torres contributed to a wide array of publishers, including Atlas, Charlton, Harvey, Classics Illustrated, DC, and Marvel, often working alongside Williamson. His work for *Warren’s Creepy, Eerie,* and *Blazing Combat* in the '60s showed fans what could have been if EC Comics had continued. These magazines allowed Torres to truly showcase his mastery of composition, mood, and expression.

In 1969, after much encouragement from his old friend Nick Meglin, *MAD* editor Al Feldstein invited Torres to join the magazine, where he remained until his retirement in 2007. Torres' biting satire and keen artistic talent have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Cartoonists Society’s Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award, the Comic-Con International Inkpot Award, and the Southeast Chapter of the NCS Cartoonist of the Year Jack Davis Award.

Even in “retirement,” Torres has explored a wide range of creative projects, from re-imagined comic book covers to beloved character commissions. His latest venture includes designing artwork for an upcoming Fantagraphics graphic novel adaptation of Otto Binder’s *The Unwanted*, continuing to push the boundaries of his art.

Table of Contents:

1. **WHY PANIC?** – 4
2. **WHY ANGELO TORRES?** – 5
3. **A PANIC SAMPLER** – 6
4. **CHEERS TO ANGELO TORRES** by Robert L. Reiner, Curator – 8
5. **THE MAGIC MAKER** by Aaron Albrecht – 10
6. **ANGE, ANGE, ANGE** by Annie Gaines Ashton – 11
7. **AY MI QUERIDO ANGELO** by Sergio Aragonés – 12
8. **WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT ANGE?** by Chris Boyko – 13
9. **THE MYSTERIOUS ANGELO TORRES** by Josh Burns – 14
10. **NOT APPROVED BY THE COMICS CODE AUTHORITY!** by Thommy Burns – 17
11. **ANGELO TORRES — WHERE IT'S A.T.!** by Ray Cuthbert – 19
12. **ON ANGELO TORRES** by Dick DeBartolo – 21
13. **LUCKY ME** by Michael Elias – 22
14. **MY FRIEND ANGE** by John Ficarra – 23
15. **COMMISSIONING ANGELO TORRES** by Grant Geissman – 25
16. **MY 55 YEARS WITH ANGELO TORRES** by Jon Gothold – 29
17. **ANGELO'S FIRST COMIC JOB** by Roger Hill – 31
18. **ANGELO? WELL, I LOVE THE GUY** by John Hitchcock – 33
19. **ANGELO** by Arnie Kogen – 36
20. **FELIZ CUMPLEAÑ(GELO)S** by Jason Levine – 37
21. **MY DINNER WITH ANGELO** by Ian Scott McGregor – 39
22. **ANGELO TORRES — A TRIBUTE FROM THE MEGLIN FAMILY** – 42
23. **QUESTION: WHO/WHAT WAS THE FLEAGLE GANG?** – 43
24. **APPRECIATING ANGELO TORRES: THE MAN AND HIS ART** by Clint Morgan – 45
25. **GENEROUS PLUS GIFTED** by Harry North – 47
26. **THE AMAZING LIFE AND CAREER OF ANGELO TORRES** by S.C. Ringgenberg – 49
27. **ANGELO THE MAGNIFICENT** by William Stout – 51
28. **GROWING UP WITH DAD** by Andrew Torres – 54
29. **MY AWESOME DAD** by John Torres – 55
30. **ANGELO TORRES** by Sam Viviano – 57
31. **MY GOOD FRIEND, ANGELO TORRES** by Curtis Woodbridge – 59
32. **THE OTTO BINDER PROJECT: THE UNWANTED** by Robert L. Reiner – 61