Writer, Artist, And Longtime ‘Mad’ Magazine Editor Al Feldstein Dies At 88

Writer, artist, and editor Al Feldstein has passed away at the age of 88. Known best for his 28 years as the editor of Mad Magazine, Feldstein lampooned politicians and mocked authority as he took the satirical publication into pop culture success.

According to ABC News, Feldstein took over the reins at Mad after founding editor Harvey Kutrzman departed and publisher William M. Gaines chose a replacement. With a sharper edge on satire, Feldtsein took Mad to mainstream success with the freckle-faced Alfred E. Neuman. With Neuman's stock phrase, "What, Me Worry?" Feldstein skewered pop culture icons, from Batman to Darth Vader. Even President George W. Bush unexpectedly landed himself in Nueman's crossfire.

In an interview with A. V. Club, Feldstein spoke about his early start at Mad, "When I had been out of work, I imagined starting an adult magazine that would be a showcase for iconoclastic humor, featuring people like Lenny Bruce and Ernie Kovacs and Bob Newhart, who were beginning to crack the establishment with their humor. When Bill [Gaines] asked me to take over Mad, I immediately started to get name-people like Ernie Kovacs to write for me. I hesitated at Lenny Bruce. [Laughs.] I didn't want to get into trouble again."

Check out this 1983 visit into Mad headquarters, with Felstein among the guests being interviewed:

In the same interview with A.V. Club, Feldstein explains why the image of Neuman has stuck with audiences for so long, "I want a definitive portrait of this kid. I don't want him to look like an idiot-I want him to be loveable and have an intelligence behind his eyes. But I want him to have this devil-may-care attitude, someone who can maintain a sense of humor while the world is collapsing around him. I adapted and used that portrait, and that was the beginning."

According to USA Today, Feldstein told the 2000 graduating class of Rocky Mountains College, "If you're not having fun at the party you're at. Go find another party."

Check out this clip from Feldstein: The Documentary:

An inspiration to many new cartoonists, Feldstein's legacy will be remembered for many generations. Readers can find out more about the writer, cartoonist, and editor in Feldstein: The Mad Life and Fantastic Act of Al Feldstein from IDW Publishing. Feldstein is survived by his wife, Michelle, stepdaughter Katrina Oppelt, her husband, and two grandsons.