William M. Gaines (1922–1992)

Fans new and old will delight to these classics from Mad Magazine's early days. Covering issues from April-September of 1953, we're treated to spoofs of Superman, Robin Hood, The Shadow, Inner Sanctum, Terry and the Pirates, Tarzan, and King Kong, among others. The artwork is astounding: Bill Elder, Wallace Wood, Jack Davis, and John Severin (though Severin's work would never hold up, in comparison to Wood or Elder).
My only complaint is about the page quality. Like the original issues, these pages are printed on newsprint-quality paper- and being that these special issues are over 25 years old, the pages are starting to deteriorate, and have taken on that "old paper" smell. Oh well, I'll enjoy them while I can...… (more)