Mad #529

Alfred E. Neuman's gap-toothed grin is even messier than usual on this October 2014 cover, as Mad's beloved mascot clutches an enormous, juice-soaked slice of watermelon — face thoroughly smeared in the evidence of his enthusiasm. Mark Fredrickson's hyper-realistic cover rendering gives the familiar freckled face an almost uncanny three-dimensional quality that makes the whole glorious mess feel wonderfully immediate. Inside, the issue promises "The 50 Worst Things About Food," plus Mad's signature takes on Star Wars, Justin Bieber, and Shark Tank — plenty of targets for the usual irreverence.