Mad Magazine

Bibliographic Information:
Ficarra, J. (Editor). (2010, January). MAD (New York, NY). ISSN# 0024 9319

Summary:
Mad Magazine has been around since 1952. Many of the staples are still in the current magazine. Readers can find “Spy vs. Spy,” the fold over page, and the caricature drawings of famous people of the day. In this month’s edition, the main feature is, “20 dumbest people, events, and things 2009.” Some of the people Mad gives a thumb down to are Michael Jackson, Dick Cheney, Octomom, and Kanye West. Some of the events given a thumb down are celebrities committing adultery, the Minnesota senator race, and the baseball steroids scandal. Things that received a thumb down include the corporate bail out, the racial incident between Professor Gates and Sgt. Crowley, and the angry town hall meetings. Mad has a knack for making politics and current events fun.

Critical Evaluation:
I didn’t realize that Mad Magazine was still around. I remember it from my teen years. This magazine will be quite popular with most teens. It uses humor to parody current events. That method is definitely going to interest many teens. Many of the spoofs and comics are rather crude so it is not a magazine for younger readers. Older teens, who will understand the references, will find it extremely funny though. It is full of sophomoric humor which parallels many teens’ sense of humor. Mad is well known for its caricature illustrations poking fun at celebrities. While some parents may not appreciate the crude way current events are portrayed, this magazine could be a great way to get teens interested in the world around them.

Reader's Annotation:
This humorous magazine uses parody to discuss current events.

Information about the editor:
Ficarra became an editor along with Nick Meglin in 1984. They replaced Harvey Kurtzman and Al Feinstein. Kurtzman founded the magazine. He also wrote and illustrated the first issue almost entirely by himself. Meglin retired in 2004 leaving Ficarra the sole editor.
http://www.answers.com/topic/mad-magazine


Genre: Magazine

Curriculum Ties: Language Arts; current events

Booktalking Ideas:
• Which section of the magazine is your favorite? Why?
• The magazine lists the “20 dumbest people, events, and things 2009.”
o Have you read about any of these events? If so, which one(s)?
o Which do you agree with and why?
o Which do you disagree with and why?

Reading Level/Interest Level:
This magazine would be best for older teens and young adults.

Challenge Issues:
Adult situations; language; crude humor

If the magazine is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has read the entire magazine.
• Show positive reviews of the magazine.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the magazine:
• Request that the complainant read the entire book if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
• Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
o Positive reviews
o Selection policy
o Reconsideration policy

Selection Process:
I did a google search for teen magazines. One of the articles that resulted was in School Library Journal, a very reputable journal. Mad was recommended in the article.