Mad #415

Mar 2002 · EC · 2.99 USD

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In "Smellville," a bizarre meteor shower has awakened strange abilities in Cluck, the town’s oddball farm animal, after the Camps discovered him. When Lotta is attacked by a sentient tree, Cluck steps in to save her—only to learn he’s not from around here, and that his powers come with serious warnings. With bullies on the loose and a mysterious red S beginning to seem oddly fitting, the small town of Smellville is about to get a whole lot weirder. Written by Dick DeBartolo and brought to life with sharp, expressive art by Mort Drucker, this issue blends surreal humor and unexpected heart, all under Drucker’s distinctive cover.

Contains 14 stories

Smellville

5 pp · Humor, Satire-Parody, Superhero

Tom Welling [as Cluck Camp]Kristin Kreuk [as Lotta Lung]Eric Johnson [as Whipme]Sam Jones III [as Pete Moss]John Schneider [as Pa Camp]Annette O’Toole [as Ma Camp]Michael Rosenbaum [as Lacks Lager]John Glover [as Lying Lager]Allison Mack [as Chloe Sullivan]Margot Kidder (cameo)Teri Hatcher (cameo)

In the peculiar town of Smellville, a meteor shower has left Cluck with strange new powers—and even stranger attention. When Lotta’s romantic moment in the woods takes a bizarre turn, Cluck steps in to save the day, only to be met with a mix of awe and confusion from the townsfolk. As the Camps reveal the truth behind his alien origins, Cluck’s journey into heroism begins, all while Lotta quietly wonders what he’d look like in a full superhero costume.

Mad's Ecchbay Item of the Month

1 pp · Humor

Rejected Harry Potter Merchandise

2 pp · Satire-Parody

A Mad Look at Street Vendors

4 pp · Humor

Still More Instant Movie Reviews

2 pp · Humor

Monroe and… the Congressman

4 pp · Humor

Unintended and Unfortunate Consequences of "It"

2 pp · Humor, Satire-Parody

Ways NASA Can Appeal to the 18-34 Male Demographic

3 pp

The Lighter Side of...

4 pp · Humor

Roger Kaputnik

In "The Lighter Side of..." from Mad #415, a sharp, satirical glance at everyday absurdities unfolds across four pages of typeset lettering, skewering the rituals and rationalizations of modern life—from courtroom logic to office small talk, from wedding vows to lunchtime excuses—where every routine is a comedy of misplaced expectations.

Key Points of George W. Bush's Environmental Plan

3 pp · Satire-Parody

George W. BushDick Cheney

Birthday Blowup

2 pp · Humor

When Teachers Go Bad

3 pp · Humor

Behind Empty Lines

4 pp · Satire-Parody

Commander PeedoffSquiddly Diddly (cameo)Tom Hanks [as Chuck Noland] (cameo)Olive Oyl (cameo)Owen Wilson [as Lt. Burner]Gene Hackman [as Admiral Realguts]Popeye the Sailor Man (cameo)

New Children's Titles to Cash In On the Taliban-Related Book Craze

2 pp · Satire-Parody