

Alfred E. Neuman's goofy, grinning visage has been synonymous with satire since the founding of *Mad *magazine in 1952. Now some original artwork featuring that jug-eared face is hitting the auction block in November.

"We wanted to hold onto them for as long as possible," current editor John Ficarra told the Associated Press about the decision to sell the artwork featured on timeless Mad covers. "Not as much as a tribute to the early history of Mad ... but because these paintings were covering up quite a few holes in the walls. This auction leaves us no choice. Now we have to patch and paint."

The art in question covers much historical ground, from George Washington to Richard Nixon and the Vietnam War. The work of late Mad illustrator Norman Mingo is generously represented, including his revered Neuman caricature for issue No. 30, at right. Mingo was the only World War I vet to serve the magazine, as well as the illustrator who was commissioned to create Neuman as the 20th century's unforgettable gap-toothed dope.

A preview of the 36 Mad classics in question kicks off Oct. 29 at New York's Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. It is followed Nov. 14 by the sale, which will be held online and at Dallas' Heritage Auction Galleries.

*Photo: Wikipedia *

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