MAD's Greatest Artists: Don Martin: Three Decades of His Greatest Works

This is an absolutely wonderful collection of the great genius' works over three decades, including his later work for Cracked magazine after he left Mad. Each cartoon has a publication date at the bottom of the page--very helpful. If you're interested in Martin's technique, you can see how it evolved from the 1950's through the 60's, when he arrived at a cleaner, more concise style. The man was an amazing pen and ink artist.And of course, if you're a fan of Martin's satirical humor, which ranged from the sophomoric to the existential, you will be rewarded.Mad editor Nick Meglin writes a terrific introduction, telling us a lot about the reclusive man about whom so little was known.I remember reading Don Martin's Mad magazine stuff when I was a kid. I always wondered what the man looked like, and I assumed he must have been some kind of outrageous madman. Not so. He was soft-spoken and laid back, and he looked like your nice next door neighbor. The book includes a couple of photographs of Don. He did not like having his picture taken.The book also includes a few examples of Martin's early "serious" art, pen and ink portraits of people that are strangely poignant and sad. Martin suffered with eye disease all of his life. He had two corneal implants, but his eyesight continued to deteriorate. Toward the end of his career, he had to wear thick gasses and use a magnifying glass in order to keep working. As silly and slapstick as his work is, there is an underlying pathos that reflects his struggles.Don't confuse this book with the two-volume boxed set that includes all of his work for Mad Magazine. It's also a must have for Martin fans. It features commentary from his peers at Mad, as well as tributes from current cartoonists like Gary Larsen who were influenced by Don. The link is below:https://www.amazon.com/MADs-Greatest-Artists-Completely-Martin/dp/0762430508/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497906061&sr=1-2&keywords=don+martin

I received my book today and was very happy to get it. It is an out of print book that can be difficult to find.I enjoyed thumbing through the book and bringing back fond memories from my childhood.

The old funnies are best! This nostalgic look at humor was what I thought it would be exactly.Very satisfied.

I have loved Don Martins' art, style, and humor since I first saw it in the 70's as I began my interest in Mad Magazine. I saw this book and immediately thought the many strips I had seen years ago and did not have copies of today. This book had those and more. Very well done from cover to cover. If I had a regret, I would say I wish the book was even bigger with more classic Don Martin art. I highly recommend this if you are a fan of Don Martin's unique style. If you like any kind of comics / art, I think you would appreciate the talent on display here as well...

Few cartoonists had the talent of Don Martin. His line drawings make you laugh despite the story/message of the comic strip. Unfortunately Martin passed away, leaving us orphans of his humor. As Bill Waterson (Calvin and Hobbes), Jim Davis (Garfield) and Mike Peters (Mother Goose andGrimm), Martin was able to make us laugh even without any text on his cartoon. I think that Martin style (with large noses and hinged feet) influenced a lot of actual cartoonists, and Martin cartoon can be recognized even if you are not able to read the author signature on the page. This is a good collection of Martin's comics and indispensable if you are a Don Martin fan.

Great collection of the best from Mad's maddest artist. I grew up with Mad magazine & always enjoyed Martin's cartoons...the wordplay, the sound effects, the hinged feet! Lots of laughs and good memories are in this book. My favorite is the one about keeping your city clean!

It appears to be the best of Don Martin. There are only a few cartoons I remember well that are not in the book. Excellent color and B&W reproductions of some of Don Martin's classic cartoons. The cartoons are dated so when you remember one you can say, "was it that long ago?" This book for anyone who hid Mad Magazines from their parents as a kid

Don Martin has been, and will always be my favorite MAD artist/comic! So, of course... this book is a fantastic tribute to his work! It now resides on my coffee table for all to enjoy!

Don Martin at his best... 😁

A sturdy book and good collection of Don Martin's characteristic style and "mad" humour.Some of his gags still make me laugh after many years. Such as the Prince who climbs Rapunzel's tower, only to find...I shan't spoil it for you.

Thanks

Grande formato, qualità dell'edizione davvero molto buona e contenuti eccellenti.Trattasi di una selezione di trent'anni delle storie di Don Martin per la rivista MAD.Consigliato per trascorrere una serata in allegria e godersi un pezzo di storia del fumetto umoristico americano.

Been a fan of Mad magazine since I was a kid so just had to get this as Don was one of my favorite artists with a style of his own so will treasure this immensely