Mad Magazine, as you now know it, will soon cease to exist
You'll no longer be able to buy Mad Magazine on newsstands, and there won't be any new original content, outside of annuals.
Over the years, Mad Magazine parodied popular series like Game of Thrones.
Mad Magazine mascot Alfred E. Neuman is famous for saying, "What? Me worry?" But the iconic character now has real cause for concern as it's the end of a comedy magazine with a legacy spanning almost 70 years.
As reported by CNET's sister site Comicbook.com on Wednesday, the popular satirical magazine now published by DC Comics will cease to exist in its current format by the end of the year. Mad Magazine, which launched in 1952 at EC Comics, is best known for its celebrity and political satire, adult humor and whimsical comics.
Contributors David DeGrand and Evan Dorkin took to Twitter on Wednesday to comment.
"I need to clarify the MAD rumors: MAD isn't shutting down but is only leaving the newsstand and will be sold to the direct market," DeGrand tweeted on Wednesday evening. "The best thing to do is buy MAD and support it as much as possible, it's not going away!"
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
"Today won't end. Goodbye, Mad Magazine," contributor Dorkin tweeted. "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 for the last decade +. Getting the e-mail today was crushing."
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
"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," Dorkin added.
"As institutions go, Mad had an amazing run. It helped breed smart-ass cynical stupid-smart humor, pop-culture drenched, dealing, using, shrugging. When it accepted advertising part of it died. When it left NYC, it's identity warped. These things happen, like death & cancellations," Dorkin concluded.
DC Comics confirmed to CNET that Mad Magazine will stop being available for sale on newsstands after issue #9 in August. Starting with issue #10, Mad Magazine will only be available via subscription and direct markets.
In addition, issues after #10 will only feature reprints of classic Mad articles and comics, but with brand-new covers. Mad Magazine will still publish its annual year-end issue, as well as the occasional books and special editions.
Fans have already started paying tribute to Mad Magazine on social media. "This hits right in the childhood," one wrote. Wrote another, "Jeez. Whenever you think it can't get worse, it does."
If the rumors are true and MAD Magazine is shutting down, it's a shame and also an important reminder-
— Jim Zub (@JimZub) July 4, 2019
Support satire
Support art
Support artists
otherwise they fade away.#MADMagazine pic.twitter.com/TEW9gzvh9N
RIP #MADMagazine, which is ending after 67 years. Thanks for all the laughs. pic.twitter.com/GtmOtGhb46
— Cartoon Brew (@cartoonbrew) July 4, 2019
That hits right in the childhood #MadMagazine https://t.co/USzM6HmJqp
— Mona 👸🏽 (@Shopaholic_918) July 4, 2019
If I had followed my own advice about not being on twitter before going to sleep___I would be none the wiser___for one more sleep. RIP @MADmagazine #madmagazine pic.twitter.com/eYGm20X3ds
— Linda Kahle (@lindakahle2) July 4, 2019
#RIP #MADmagazine https://t.co/NQTw3zF4mt
— Michael Hughes (@mobilesworking) July 4, 2019
Jeez. Whenever you think it can't get worse. It does. #MADmagazine
— companion to owls (@companiontoowls) July 4, 2019
I'm upset Mad Magazine is ending because Mad TV already ended. Now Mad is no longer a part of my life. I pride myself on being a bit of a smartass like Alfred E. Neuman.
— Dr. Stranger (@DrLorenzoLL) July 4, 2019
I guess this is just another reason to hate DC Comics. #MADmagazine
An entire generation of comedians whose comedy was my first brush with subversive humor, political satire, gallows humor and the very American tradition of treating nothing as kosher when it comes to humor --- can trace back their love and inspiration for comedy to #MADMagazine.
— Love of Cinema (@loveofcinemasf8) July 4, 2019
If #MADMagazine ceasing publication isn't one of the first signs of the apocalypse, it darn well SHOULD be. 😳https://t.co/1jcPTM7Tuh
— Sean McDevitt (@smcdevitt2011) July 4, 2019
Kinda sad to learn that#MADMagazine will cease circulation after almost 70 years. It was a part of my childhood. This, Cracked and Dynamite Magazine. pic.twitter.com/5BocdBL9U3
— Michelle Medford (@MichTMedford) July 4, 2019
Originally published June 3, 9:02 p.m. PT.
Update, 10:16 p.m. PT: Adds comment from DC Comics.