MAD Magazine, Issue No. 352, December 1996

This item is a copy of MAD Magazine, specifically Issue No. 352, dated December 1996. The cover features a caricature of famous basketball player Dennis Rodman, depicted in a red Chicago Bulls uniform with the number '91'. He is shown with bright green hair and ear piercings, holding a basketball above his head with 'MAD' boldly emblazoned on it. The background illustrates a basketball court with a cheering stadium crowd, typical of NBA games. Notable text on the cover includes 'STAR TREK First Contact' and 'SPACE JAM Ripoffs' as prominent article features, indicating parodies related to these popular releases of the time. The cover price is listed as '$2.50 Cheap!' and '$3.50 Canada'. The bottom left corner shows a partial barcode, a common feature on periodicals. The magazine appears to be in good overall condition for its age, though the bottom right corner shows some minor creasing or wear, possibly from handling. The colors on the cover are vibrant, suggesting good preservation of the original printing. This issue captures a moment in popular culture, featuring an iconic athlete and references to major films of the mid-1990s. The artwork is characteristic of MAD Magazine's satirical and caricaturist style, a hallmark of its craftsmanship and unique appeal. The visible wear at the bottom edge, where a hand is partially seen holding the magazine, suggests the expected handling of a used periodical.

Upon visual examination of the provided image, I can confirm this is indeed MAD Magazine Issue No. 352 from December 1996, featuring Dennis Rodman on the cover. The vibrant colors and clear printing suggest good preservation overall. However, the visible creasing and wear on the bottom right corner, as well as the general handling indicated by the partial hand, place this copy in good to very good condition, rather than higher grades like near mint. Authenticity is confirmed by the distinct MAD Magazine logo, cover design, and publication details. In terms of market conditions, MAD Magazine issues from the 1990s are generally not rare and are commonly found in the collector's market. While this issue features an iconic figure of the era, Dennis Rodman, and references to popular films, these factors do not significantly elevate its rarity. Demand for individual issues of MAD Magazine from this period is moderate; collectors typically seek out earlier, rarer issues or those with exceptionally high-grade conditions. Factors impacting value include its age and the subject matter, but these are largely offset by the commonality of the issue and its condition. Comparables for MAD issues from this era in similar condition typically range from $5 to $25. It is crucial to note that this assessment is based entirely on the provided image. A full, in-person examination would be necessary to accurately verify the interior condition (e.g., presence of all pages, no cut-outs, tears, or water damage), the binding integrity, and to confirm the absence of any hidden defects that could further impact its value. Provenance documentation is not typically sought for items of this value, and scientific testing is not applicable here.