The Amazing Jack Davis

Back in 2003 we heard that there was to be an exhibit

of Jack Davis's work at the Atlanta History Center and

that on the opening night he would be there himself!

A showing of his work had just concluded in NY so it

was a very special treat
that this exhibit was now back in his home state.

The evening started out with my friend Buddy Finethy and I going for a bite to eat (a bucket of hot wings - if I'm not mistaken) and then on to the center. When we arrived we realised that the majority of the over 200 guests were UGA alumni, many of whom were classmates of his. We also realised that the $50 entrance fee also allowed us to partake in a wonderful buffet. Now we've both never been known to turn down food but for some reason we were too distracted by the variety of amazing paintings and illustrations that were displayed throughout the center.

We caught up with some collector friends who put out the very limited CFAAPA (a quarterly publication for a select group of original art aficionados). We all had the opportunity to meet Jack and he was gracious to sign whatever we had with us. This ranged from books, magazines and record albums to original art. One friend, artist Dave Newton (CRACKED/THWAK/JOKESTER) had a 1950's EC page, upon seeing that Jack remarked that he hadn't seen any of that material in many years. Even when presented with THWAK #3 our monster issue that parodied CREEPY #1 he didn't seem to recollect that piece either.

After some mingling there was a speech and lecture that went over Jack's various accomplishments culminating in a standing ovation for a vast body of work. I mean Jack Davis really has done it all. Not only being a premiere comic book artist, but his work for MAD and about a dozen of its imitators in the '60's while he was away from MAD, work for Coke (which afforded him the opportunity to go to NY in the 1st place!), to his movie poster work, bubble gum cards and ultimately his advertising work. Known as being able to render projects in record time, his every line screams ACTION! Even his signature connotates movement!

Again another humble, down to earth gentleman who has been instrumental in spreading the MADness among the masses even beyond MAD magazine.