Mad Comics Appraisal

The Worst From MAD Magazine - Winter 1984 Super Special

The item is a vintage softcover periodical, specifically a special issue of MAD Magazine titled "THE WORST FROM MAD." The cover prominently features the classic MAD logo in bold pink letters, and indicates it's a "WINTER 1984 SUPER SPECIAL." The original price of "$3.00" is visible in the upper left corner, accompanied by the word "CHEAP." The cover art is a highly detailed, cartoonish illustration depicting a messy room from a first-person perspective, with bare feet resting on what appears to be a bed. A dirty plate with leftover food, a half-eaten hamburger, and a scattered array of items like an electric guitar, a dial phone, a calculator, and various papers are splayed around. Notable textual elements on the cover include a red 'WARNING!' sign stating, 'THIS ROOM IS OCCUPIED BY A SEX-STARVED MANIAC!' and a yellow speech bubble proclaiming, 'TODAY IS THE DAY YOU CHANGE YOUR UNDERWEAR!' There are also images resembling Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. The bottom of the cover announces, 'FEATURING 8 SHOCKING ALL-NEW FULL COLOR MAD WALL SIGNS PLUS 80 PAGES OF COLLECTORS' ITEM JUNK FROM PAST ISSUES.' The magazine appears to be in an acceptable, used condition, exhibiting some minor wear and tear consistent with its age, such as slight curving of the pages or cover, and potential edge wear. There are no visible major tears, significant creases, or large stains, suggesting it has been reasonably well-preserved, possibly stored in a box as seen in the image. The colors on the cover remain vibrant. This item is a clear example of satiric American humor and illustration from the mid-1980s, reflecting popular culture references of that era.