Bob Staake

Bob Staake (born September 26, 1957, in Los Angeles) is an American illustrator, cartoonist, and children's book author best known for his bold, geometric style and work with *Mad* magazine. He grew up in Torrance, California, drawing editorial cartoons for West High School before attending the University of Southern California on a journalism scholarship. An internship at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial's Students Press Law Center preceded his professional career.

Staake's most frequent comic-book credits are for *Mad*, where his distinctive, clean-lined art appeared for decades. He also contributed to specials like *Fright Night 3-D Special* and *Married... with Children 3-D Special*, and later to *Mad about the Trump Era* and *Mad Kids*. His collaborations were largely with *Mad*’s editorial team, and his work often paired satirical writing with his signature, slightly retro cartooning.

Beyond comics, Staake is a prolific children's book author and designer. He lives and works in Chatham, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. His legacy includes influencing a generation of cartoonists with his accessible yet sophisticated style, and he remains active in illustration and publishing.