The Complete E.C. Library: Mad

    (Russ Cochran, 1985)

From the Book Palace, www.thebookpalace.com:
Edited & written by Harvey Kurtzman. Russ Cochran, 1985. 4 Volume Slipcased set in color. Published originally by William M. Gaines. MAD was the brainchild of Harvey Kurtzman & allowed him a third title to edit. The two war titles (Two Fisted Tales, Frontline Combat) were research intensive, whereas MAD gave Kurtzman free reign for his humorous lampoons.

After poking fun at the various Comic genres, including EC Comics themselves, MAD took on TV, movies, superhero characters, advertising & practically everything that came into view. Lifelong friend & fellow artist Will Elder added the finishing touch, with his wonderfully detailed panels. These are littered with signs, captions, sight gags & seemingly superfluous additions. This culminated in a Special Art issue (#22), where Elder draws the cover in the style of Pablo Picasso.

The other MAD regulars, Wally Wood, Jack Davis & John Severin were soon emulating the Elder style to glorious effect, in their own strips. Al Feldstein & Bill Gaines assembled the infamous MAD #5 whilst Kurtzman was in hospital. Their ironic Publisher Of The Issue, which alluded to drug dealing & pornography, plus violent Kane Keen cover spoof, have also achieved a fond notoriety. MAD remains a perfect blend of humorous story & art; the highlight of Harvey Kurtzman's long and illustrious career.

Due to contractual obligations with the current MAD magazine, this is the only Cochran Library that was published in full color, throughout. Russ Cochran's subscription customers were able receive a B&W copy if they chose. Consequently these are rare & almost never offered for sale. It should also be noted that the slipcases for the MAD edition were slightly undersized, with the result the volumes are a little more difficult to access for reading. Each book is smyth sewn and deluxe bound to last a lifetime of re-reading. Hard Cover Full Color 10" x 13" (25cm x 33cm)
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