What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine

This comprehensive catalog explores the rich history and enduring influence of MAD magazine. From its humble beginnings as a comic book to its iconic status as a satirical force in American culture, MAD has captivated generations with its irreverent humor and groundbreaking artwork.

Featuring a curated selection of original illustrations and cartoons by the legendary "Usual Gang of Idiots," this catalog showcases the iconic style and biting wit that have made MAD a beloved institution. Discover the work of renowned artists like Sergio Aragonés, Jack Davis, Mort Drucker, and Al Jaffee, as well as contemporary humorists who continue to carry the MAD torch.

Explore the magazine's impact on popular culture, from its parodies of superheroes and celebrities to its satirical commentary on politics and society. Learn about the iconic features that have made MAD a household name, including Spy vs. Spy, MAD Fold-Ins, and MAD's Maddest Artists.

With over 150 original works of art on display, this catalog offers a unique glimpse into the world of MAD and its enduring legacy.

This exhibition magazine explores the unforgettable art and satire of MAD, from its beginnings in 1952 as a popular humor comic book to its emergence as a beloved magazine that spoke truth to power and attracted generations of devoted readers through the decades.

Paperback, 60 pages + covers.

From the exhibition What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine on view June 8, 2024 through October 27, 2024 at Norman Rockwell Museum.

Table of contents:

**Departments**
1. **Oeuvre and Out Department**
*What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD* – Pg. 5
An Introduction by Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, Exhibition Co-Curator

2. **Communication Breakdown Department**
To Rockwell with Love, from MAD – Pg. 6

3. **Teen Better Days Department**
Coming of Age with MAD – Pg. 9
by Steve Brodner, Exhibition Co-Curator

4. **You Had Me at Hoohah! Department**
Love at First Sight Gag – Pg. 13
by John Ficarra

5. **An Embarrassment of Richard’s Department**
MAD’s MADdest Writer – Pg. 17
by Dick DeBartolo

6. **In Gag We Trust Department**
When I Learned to Trust MAD – Pg. 21
by David Apatoff

7. **MAD in the Mirror Department**
What, Me Worry? Who Was Alfred E. Neuman? – Pg. 23
by Stephanie Haboush Plunkett

8. **Joke and Dagger Department**
Spy vs. Spy! – Pg. 27
by Peter Kuper

9. **Investigative Idiocy Department**
My Life with MAD – Pg. 31
by Judith Yaros Lee, Ph.D.

10. **MADOlescence Department**
We Were Young! – Pg. 33
by Professor William H. Foster, III

11. **Golden Jeers Department**
The Eras of MAD – Pg. 34
by Sam Viviano with John Ficarra

12. **Time Flies When You’re Having Pun Department**
The Perfect Time for MAD – Pg. 37
by Scott Bakal

13. **MAD-Sterpiece Gallery**
- MAD About Art – Pg. 38
- MAD for the Movies and Television – Pg. 40
- Public Offender #1 – Pg. 44
- The Culture of Celebrity – Pg. 46
- Comics and Cartoons – Pg. 48
- Fabulous Fold-Ins – Pg. 52

14. **So Statistic-ated Department**
A Selective Timeline of MAD Writers and Artists – Pg. 56
by Sam Viviano

15. **Essayist with Flowers Department**
About the Authors – Pg. 58

16. **Abound of Applause Department**
Acknowledgements – Pg. 60

17. **Various Places**
"Drawn Out Dramas" by Sergio Aragonés

18. **Inside Back Cover**
A MAD Fold-In by Johnny Sampson

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**Vital Features**
- **Coming of Age with MAD** – Pg. 9
- **Love at First Sight Gag** – Pg. 13
- **Spy vs. Spy!** – Pg. 27
- **My Life with MAD** – Pg. 31
- **Public Offender #1** – Pg. 44
- **Fantastic New Fold-In!** – Pg. 61