Al Feldstein
Al Feldstein: A Pioneering Cartoonist and Editor
Full Name and Common Aliases
Al Feldstein was born as Albert Feldstein on September 27, 1925. He is often referred to as "Aldo" by his friends and colleagues.
Birth and Death Dates
September 27, 1925 – June 4, 2014
Nationality and Profession(s)
American cartoonist, editor, and writer, best known for his work on _Mad_ magazine and EC Comics.
Early Life and Background
Al Feldstein grew up in a Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York. His father was an accountant, and his mother was a homemaker. Feldstein developed an early interest in drawing and storytelling, which would eventually become the foundation of his career as a cartoonist and editor.
Feldstein attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, where he honed his artistic skills and began to develop his unique style. After high school, he attended the Pratt Institute, but dropped out before completing his degree to pursue a career in comics.
Major Accomplishments
Al Feldstein's breakthrough came when he joined EC Comics in 1948 as an assistant editor and artist. Under the guidance of his mentor, William Gaines, Feldstein quickly became a key contributor to the company's success. He was instrumental in creating some of EC's most iconic titles, including _Tales from the Crypt_ and _The Vault of Horror_.
Feldstein's work on _Mad_ magazine, which he co-founded with Harvey Kurtzman, cemented his reputation as one of the leading cartoonists of his generation. His distinctive style, wit, and satire made him a favorite among readers and critics alike.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Feldstein's most notable works include:
_Tales from the Crypt_ (1950-1955): Feldstein co-created this series with writer Al Feldman and artist Jack Kamen. It is considered one of the greatest horror comics of all time.
_The Vault of Horror_ (1950-1955): This companion series to _Tales from the Crypt_ was also co-created by Feldstein and featured a similar blend of horror, science fiction, and fantasy.
* _Mad_ magazine (1952-present): Feldstein's work on _Mad_, including his iconic cover illustrations and editorial cartoons, has become an integral part of American pop culture.
Impact and Legacy
Al Feldstein's impact on the world of comics cannot be overstated. He helped to establish EC Comics as a major force in the industry and paved the way for future generations of cartoonists and editors. His innovative style and willingness to push boundaries have influenced countless artists, including some of today's most prominent comic book creators.
Feldstein's work on _Mad_ magazine has become an iconic part of American culture, with its irreverent humor and satire continuing to entertain readers around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Al Feldstein is widely quoted and remembered for his pioneering work in comics, as well as his enduring influence on popular culture. His innovative style, wit, and satire have made him a beloved figure among fans of _Mad_ magazine and EC Comics.
As a testament to his legacy, Feldstein's work continues to be celebrated by comic book enthusiasts, scholars, and artists around the world. His contributions to the world of comics will undoubtedly continue to inspire new generations of creators for years to come.
Quotes by Al Feldstein
The bipartisan approach filtered up through my typewriter. I used to say, "Mad takes on both sides." We even used to rake the hippies over the coals. They were protesting the Vietnam War, but we took aspects of their culture and had fun with it. Mad was wide open. Bill loved it, and he was a capitalist Republican. I loved it, and I was a liberal Democrat. That went for the writers, too; they all had their own political leanings, and everybody had a voice. But the voices were mostly critical. It was social commentary, after all.
Young Baby Boomers were forced to play duck-and-cover in school, in hopes that a desk would protect them from an atomic explosion. It was all bullshit, and they knew it. They were questioning the entire adult establishment, and that was the root cause of juvenile delinquency. It was also the root cause of EC's success; kids were looking for ways to numb themselves to this horror that they felt.
What we went to World War II for, at least in my mind, was not getting taken care of. It was supposed to be a brave new world, but we were getting back into the old ruts, and we were in a cold war with Russia.
Where are the young people today? Why are they allowing some of the things that are happening in their country? I am really upset about that. I feel that they are burying their heads in the sand of electronic games and television. They don't want to know. Maybe they realize that their yuppie parents who protested Vietnam have turned on their ideals and are now struggling to buy a Lexus or whatever. These kids don't know what to revolt against, so they just completely ignore it, which is a very frightening thing.
The comic-book industry today is not what it was back then, unfortunately. Kids are no longer interested in reading comic books; they've got television and the electronic games that they can bury themselves in like ostriches. They don't have to pay attention to what's going on in the world around them.
Kids, Madison Avenue is lying to you. Your parents are lying to you. The president is lying to you.
There were some television sets back in the '50s, but they were expensive. People would gather at the rich guy's apartment down the hall to watch Milton Berle on his 10-inch black-and-white screen.
I used to say, 'Mad' takes on both sides.' We even used to rake the hippies over the coals. They were protesting the Vietnam War, but we took aspects of their culture and had fun with it. 'Mad' was wide open.
When I was a kid, I used to sneak down the stairs when my folks were listening to 'The Witch's Tale' and 'Inner Sanctum' on the radio. I went to see 'Frankenstein' in the movie theater and got the pants scared off of me.
Kids are no longer interested in reading comic books; they've got television and the electronic games that they can bury themselves in like ostriches. They don't have to pay attention to what's going on in the world around them.