Introduction
- Explanation of the topic
- Brief history of the magazine and the character
- Purpose of the article
Who is the Figure Asking “What, Me Worry?”
- Introduction to the character
- Creation and evolution of the character
- Significance of the catchphrase “What, Me Worry?”
Iconic Magazine Cover Figure Who Asks “What, Me Worry?”
The character of the iconic magazine cover figure who asks “What, Me Worry?” is recognizable to many people around the world. The character has become a symbol of a certain cultural moment in American history and remains relevant to this day. In this article, we will explore the history of the character, the magazine that it represents, and the impact that both have had on society and popular culture.
Who is the Figure Asking “What, Me Worry?”
The character in question was created by the late artist and writer Harvey Kurtzman, and first appeared on the cover of Mad magazine in 1956. The character is known for its trademark grin, toothy smile, and perpetually crossed eyes. The catchphrase “What, Me Worry?” was added to the character’s image in later issues of the magazine, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
The Magazine Behind the Figure
Mad magazine was founded in 1952, and quickly gained popularity for its satirical humor and social commentary. The magazine’s irreverent tone and biting wit were a sharp contrast to the conservative values and censorship of the era, and quickly attracted a devoted following among young readers. The character of the “What, Me Worry?” figure quickly became a symbol of the magazine’s ethos, embodying its irreverence, humor, and disdain for authority.
Impact of the Figure and the Magazine
Mad magazine and the “What, Me Worry?” figure had a profound impact on American culture and entertainment. The magazine’s satirical commentary on politics, popular culture, and society helped to shape a generation of young people, and inspired countless artists, writers, and comedians. The character’s influence can be seen in everything from film and television to advertising and political campaigns.
The magazine and the character also played a significant role in the counterculture movement of the 1960s, providing a voice for young people who were disillusioned with the mainstream media and politics. Mad magazine’s irreverent humor and social commentary were a breath of fresh air for many, and helped to pave the way for other counterculture publications and movements.
The Creator of the Character and the Magazine
Harvey Kurtzman, the creator of the “What, Me Worry?” character and the founder of Mad magazine, was a prolific artist, writer, and satirist. Born in 1924 in New York City, Kurtzman began his career as a cartoonist for various publications, including Timely Comics (now Marvel Comics). He went on to create several influential comic book series, including Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat, which were known for their gritty realism and anti-war themes.
In 1952, Kurtzman founded Mad magazine, which quickly became one of the most popular and influential publications of the era. The magazine’s combination of humor, satire, and social commentary resonated with young people, and helped to establish Kurtzman as a major cultural figure.
Behind the Scenes of the Iconic Magazine Cover
One of the most famous images associated with the “What, Me Worry?” character is the cover of Mad magazine from December 1956. The cover features a photograph of Alfred E. Neuman, the character who embodied the “What, Me Worry?” catchphrase, wearing a Santa hat and holding a gift box. The image was accompanied by the tagline “What – Him Worry?”
The cover was created by artist Norman Mingo, who used a photograph of a young boy as the basis for Neuman’s face. Mingo added the Santa hat and gift box, and the resulting image quickly became one of the most iconic and recognizable magazine covers of all time.
The End of an Era and the Future of the Character
Despite its popularity and influence, Mad magazine struggled to adapt to the changing media landscape of the 21st century. In 2019, the magazine announced that it would be ending its print publication, marking the end of an era for the iconic publication.
However, the legacy of Mad magazine and the “What, Me Worry?” character lives on. The character has become a cultural icon, and remains a popular reference in popular culture and media. There have also been several attempts to revive the magazine in various forms, suggesting that the spirit of irreverence and humor that defined Mad magazine and its iconic character will continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “What, Me Worry?” character and Mad magazine have had a profound impact on American culture and entertainment. The irreverent humor, social commentary, and satirical edge of the magazine and its iconic figure have inspired generations of artists, writers, and comedians, and helped to shape the cultural landscape of the 20th century. Despite the end of Mad magazine’s print publication, the legacy of the magazine and its famous character will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of its devoted fans and admirers.
FAQs
- Who created the character and the magazine?
- The character and the magazine were created by artist and writer Harvey Kurtzman.
- What was the significance of the catchphrase “What, Me Worry?”
- The catchphrase became a cultural phenomenon, embodying the irreverence, humor, and disdain for authority that defined Mad magazine and its iconic character.
