Harvey Kurtzman
An image from Oh Yeah! Cartoons, one of the productions that also features Harvey Kurtzman.

Harvey Kurtzman

October 3, 1924 — Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

One of the most influential, yet unsung, figures in American humor, cartoonist Harvey Kurtzman created "Mad Magazine" in 1952, and for the next few years served as its editor and primary writer. After his departure from "Mad, " he created two more humor magazines, "Trump" and "Help!" Although neither was as successful as "Mad", "Help!" did help launch the careers of a number of future luminaries, including Woody Allen, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Robert Crumb and Gloria Steinem. Kurtzman's sole foray into screenwriting, the animated Mad Monster Party? (1967), demonstrates much of the famous "Mad" comedy (including a reference to one of the magazine's trademark nonsense words, "veeblefetzer") and has developed a strong cult following.

Mad Monster Party?

Mad Monster Party?

1967

Oh Yeah! Cartoons

Oh Yeah! Cartoons

1998