Al Jaffee, Mad magazine cartoonist, dies at age 102

Cartoonist Al Jaffeeresponsible for one of the most important sections of the American satirical magazine Mad, died on Monday at the age of 102.

The death was confirmed by the editor of the magazine. Hogan’s Alley comic book magazine, Tom Heintjes, and Fani Thompson, the artist’s granddaughter, has reported to the US newspaper The New York Times that his grandfather’s death was due to organ failure.

“I am very sad to report that the great Al Jaffee has passed away., just last month he had celebrated his 102nd birthday.. An incredible legend. A giant of the cartoon,” Heintjes tweeted.

In 1964 Jaffee created the section “Mad Fold-in.”a drawing that appeared on the back covers of the magazine and which, when unfolded, revealed a hidden image that came about as a parody of the fold-in elements of magazines such as Playboy, National Geographic o Life.

Initially the project had been a one-time commission for issue 86 of the magazine, but the success was such that it became one of the longest-running sections and features of the publication founded by William M. Gaines in October 1952.

Born in Georgia (USA) in 1921, Jaffee began his career as a cartoonist in the 1940s. in publications by Timely Comics, Atlas Comics and Marvel Comics.

Jaffee began working at Mad as early as 1955 and became the publication’s longest-serving contributor by remaining with the company for 64 years.