Mad #452

Mad's "Celebrity Poker Issue" arrives in April 2005 with one of the most delightfully absurd covers the magazine has ever staged: Alfred E. Neuman sits grinning at a green felt poker table, happily clutching a full hand of cards while surrounded by four poker-playing dogs — a St. Bernard, a bulldog with a pipe, a Great Dane, and another bulldog — rendered in the style of Cassius Coolidge's famous paintings, all rendered with care by cover artist Mark Stutzman. Chips, beer bottles, and a glass of whiskey dress the table beneath a grandfather clock bearing the "Potrzebie" label, and Alfred's gap-toothed confidence suggests he's either holding a winning hand or hasn't the faintest idea he's outmatched. Inside, the issue promises parodies of Meet the Fockers and Lemony Snicket, plus Deadwood, Spy vs. Spy, and more — plenty of reasons to ante up.