# RIP Jack Davis 1924-2016 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 27, 2016, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044 "2016-07-27T18:11:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/1 "2016-07-27T18:11:12Z")
Reports are that one of the mainstays of _Mad Magazine_, artist Jack Davis, has died at age 91. Davis was with _Mad_ from the beginning, and only retired last year. He was best known for the frenetic illustrations featuring crowds of people. He also illustrated many of the earlier EC horror comics. His work has been used on movie posters and on TV Guide covers. One of the greats. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/2 "2016-07-27T18:22:54Z")
[One of the greats, indeed.](http://www.americanartarchives.com/davis,j_art_of.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/3 "2016-07-27T18:26:43Z")
The minute I saw this OP I flashed on his artwork. For folks of certain age, it was practically law that you knew all of the various MAD artists and their styles. Thanks Jack! ---
**Author:** ![Crybaby\_Boobie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crybaby_boobie/32/545_2.png) [@Crybaby\_Boobie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crybaby_Boobie)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/4 "2016-07-27T18:55:09Z")
Aww, I was just reading Mad about the 50s and his first Mad work last weekend, too. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/5 "2016-07-27T19:19:25Z")
Sorry to hear that, but it’s to be expected. The Old Guard is passing. I’m surprised that Sergio Aragones still has marginal in every issue, and I occasionally see Paul Coker’s, Mort DRucker’s, and Duck Edwing’s stuff. ---
**Author:** ![NDP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ndp/32/55_2.png) [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/6 "2016-07-27T19:49:34Z")
I was just thinking about Jack Davis the other day and how for a time his magazine cover illustrations seemed to be everywhere during the 70s–and not just at MAD and TV Guide. Here’s [one](http://www.michaelspornanimation.com/splog/wp-content/m/Davis%20Time3.jpg) of the many he did for Time. He also did[the print ad/poster for It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.](http://caricaturesbyjoel.blogspot.com/2015/07/masterful-jack-of-one-trade.html) ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/7 "2016-07-27T20:02:22Z")
> [@NDP](#): > > I was just thinking about Jack Davis the other day and how for a time his magazine cover illustrations seemed to be everywhere during the 70s–and not just at MAD and TV Guide. And not just print media, for that matter: also things like [lunchboxes](http://www.greatestcollectibles.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/966-Man-from-U.N.C.L.E..jpg)and [album covers](https://img.discogs.com/FGI4-eNpBJ5Zq_ggCR5SAl-Lmqs=/fit-in/561x557/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1652834-1235211707.jpeg.jpg). R.I.P. Jack! ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/8 "2016-07-27T20:10:37Z")
Once you learned to recognize his style, you spotted him all over the place. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/9 "2016-07-27T20:15:38Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > The minute I saw this OP I flashed on his artwork. For folks of certain age, it was practically law that you knew all of the various MAD artists and their styles. > > Thanks Jack! > [@RealityChuck](#): > > Once you learned to recognize his style, you spotted him all over the place. Aye, I saw the name and went “Awwwww man” because I knew exactly who it was. An awesome cluttered and haphazard-seeming style that lent real gravitas to his work and made his art work instantly recognizable. RIP, Mr. Davis; you done good. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/10 "2016-07-27T20:46:56Z")
The “gang of idiots” is inexorably going away. Nothing we can do about it. > [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > Aye, I saw the name and went “Awwwww man” because I knew exactly who it was. An awesome cluttered and haphazard-seeming style that lent real gravitas to his work and made his art work instantly recognizable. > > RIP, Mr. Davis; you done good. My feelings exactly, his work was so characteristic. Thank you Mr. Davis, you brought us much enjoyment. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/11 "2016-07-27T20:59:43Z")
I was awed by his level of talent, making the art of caricaturing look so simple. He had the ability to enhance, not exaggerate, the facial features of his portraits. Truly an inspiration. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/12 "2016-07-27T21:53:12Z")
Omigod, one of my idols!!! Two years older than my mom. Hm, that sends a chill through me. Still, I’ve reached the age where people I looked up to when young are fading away… ---
**Author:** ![teela\_brown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d9b06d/32.png) [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/13 "2016-07-27T22:20:59Z")
RIP, Jack Davis. My favorite MAD artist. All of the puppet characters in the movie [Mad Monster Party](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061931/) were designed by him. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/14 "2016-07-27T22:24:39Z")
> [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](#): > > And not just print media, for that matter: also things like [lunchboxes](http://www.greatestcollectibles.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/966-Man-from-U.N.C.L.E..jpg)and [album covers](https://img.discogs.com/FGI4-eNpBJ5Zq_ggCR5SAl-Lmqs=/fit-in/561x557/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1652834-1235211707.jpeg.jpg). I have [this one](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/A1%2Bjf1TsfoL._SL1500_.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2016, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/15 "2016-07-27T23:22:16Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > I have [this one](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/A1%2Bjf1TsfoL._SL1500_.jpg). LOL…I like how the snap-trapped rat still appears to be having a good time. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2016, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/16 "2016-07-28T02:35:48Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > Sorry to hear that, but it’s to be expected. The Old Guard is passing. I’m surprised that Sergio Aragones still has marginal in every issue, and I occasionally see Paul Coker’s, Mort DRucker’s, and Duck Edwing’s stuff. I think Al Jaffee is still a regular contributor also (at the age of 95). ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2016, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/17 "2016-07-28T22:34:35Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > I think Al Jaffee is still a regular contributor also (at the age of 95). Yep. He still does the fold-in every issue. It’s gonna be sad when he goes. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2016, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/18 "2016-07-30T09:48:58Z")
Sad to hear this news. Jack Davis was a great contributor to Mad Magazine. I’ll miss his work. Rest well, Jack. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2016, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/19 "2016-07-30T11:24:55Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > Sorry to hear that, but it’s to be expected. The Old Guard is passing. I’m surprised that Sergio Aragones still has marginal in every issue, and I occasionally see Paul Coker’s, Mort DRucker’s, and Duck Edwing’s stuff. Aragonés is only 78. I looked up the others mentioned: Paul Coker: 95 Mort Drucker: 87 Duck Edwing: 82 Also: Dick DeBartolo: 70 Frank Jacobs: 87 Al Jaffee: 95 Deceased: George Woodbridge Don Martin Tom Koch Dave Berg Antonio Prohías ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2016, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-jack-davis-1924-2016/761044/20 "2016-07-30T14:25:35Z")
Damn. I was just rereading some of my old MAD books, and wondering who is still around. They’ll all be gone soon, but their legacy is firm.