Mad #450

Mad #450 (February 2005) declares itself "Our 47th Annual Super Bowl Issue!" with a cover by Mark Fredrickson that earns its billing — a football player in full uniform has somehow folded himself completely upside-down, his helmeted head peering out between his own legs as he cradles a bowling ball on the stadium turf, the packed crowd cheering obliviously behind him. It's a wonderfully absurd visual gag that captures Mad at its playful, rubber-limbed best. Rounding out the package are promised riffs on Lemony Snicket, Indiana Jones, The Simpsons, and The Incredibles, plus a bonus Spy vs. Spy 2005 calendar tucked inside.