JACK DAVIS humor magazine output

When it comes to sheer output of work I think it would be hard pressed for many humorous illustrators/artists to rival Jack Davis. Jack Davis' art fit perfectly into MAD with its humorous slant and exaggerated motion it is no wonder that his work was so sought after. When Harvey Kurtsman left MAD to join Hugh Hefner and launch TRUMP Jack Davis was one of the artists that followed him. Similarly when that project died after only 2 issues Jack was one of a few that started HUMBUG which lasted 11 issues until late 1958. After that Jack started drawing for a myriad of publishers and their magazines from SICK to CRACKED to YAK YAK (which incidentally was written and illustrated by him). After much roaming Jack finally returned to MAD illustrating a piece on monsters in '69.

Above are just a few covers to some of these publications.

FLASHBACK magazine

Another interesting magazine from the '70's was this publication called Flashback that focused on classic movies, including articles, reviews and stills. Naturally the magazine benefited from great covers with caricatures done by Jack Davis. Check out the back page blk & wht house ad by Mort Drucker!

Jack Davis LP art

Jack Davis is undoubtedly the most prolific of all the super talented artists whose spectacular work graced the pages of MAD magazine. Jack Davis's action packed panels with characters jumping, running or even standing still signified that they were alive and motion bound. Because of this great exaggerated motion and the ability to capture hilarious likenesses Jack Davis was much sought after to illustrate for many industries and genres. His record LP album artwork is particularly impressive with a continuous stream of covers done from his first in 1957 with The Jazztone Mystery Band, then exploding with movie posters and their subsequent LP covers after "It's a MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD World" in 1963, which virtually established the direction for comedy movie posters from then on. Jack Davis has continued his output, although he has slowed down considerably over the last few years.

The above records were all part of my collection and are just a small sampling of the over at least 75 that he did. For a great reference on the album artwork of Jack Davis check out the magazine FANFARE #5 from 1983 which shows 57 record covers.

Jack Davis in 2003

A couple of pictures from a great exhibit of master cartoonist Jack Davis art at the Atlanta History Center back in '03. Check out earlier posts from last year for full details and more images.

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.