The world of comics and illustrations is mourning the loss of Al Jaffee, the creator of the MAD Fold-In, “Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions,” and many other MAD features that shaped the magazine throughout the decades.
Al Jaffee was a humble and kind creator whose astute social commentary and endless amusement at life’s ups and downs shaped the fabric of MAD. He touched the hearts of many and never failed to make them laugh.
“Al Jaffee was an incredibly gifted man who garnered the highest accolades and praise in the world of illustrations and comics,” said Jim Lee, Chief Creative Officer and Publisher of DC.
Al Jaffee was named the Reuben Awards’ Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year in 2008, inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Society of Illustrators’ Hall of Fame in 2014. He also holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a comic artist, beginning with his first publication in Joker Comics in 1942 until his retirement last year.
“Al embodied the true spirit of MAD, and so many humorists, cartoonists, and creatives will find inspiration in his work for generations to come,” said Suzy Hutchinson, MAD Magazine Art Director.
Al Jaffee was a national treasure, and it was an honor to work with and learn from such an ingenious, caring, and wholly creative soul, the best of the Original Gang of Idiots.
“Al was, at heart, a rascal,” said John Ficarra, former MAD Editor-in-Chief who worked with Al for over 35 years. “He always had a playful twinkle in his eye and brought that sensibility to everything he created.”
Former MAD Art Director Sam Viviano also shared his fond memories of Al, saying that it was an event when Al would visit the MAD offices to drop off a Fold-In, with the entire staff gathering for an hour just to listen to him talk about his amazing life and career.
His legacy will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come. Al Jaffee will be MADly missed.
