Posted By Dan Greenfield on Mar 15, 2026 | 4 comments

A SUNDAY FUNNIES WITH KERRY CALLEN Birthday Tribute to AL JAFFEE…

By KERRY CALLEN

One of my very favorite writer/artists is the late Al Jaffee, whose birthday was two days ago, on March 13. (He was born 105 years ago, in 1921.)

Jaffee holds the world’s record for longest working cartoonist — 73 years! His work is not only funny, but often also extremely clever. I can’t say enough about his decades of excellent work.

I was fortunate enough to meet him once at a convention. After praising him, I told him, through Mad, he helped form my personality. I sincerely believe that.

Back in 2020, Mad #14 was planning a “Special ALL JAFFEE Issue.” I submitted a couple of ideas. The editors picked my “Mad’s Amazing Two-In-One Products” article. It was fun to do and felt very Jaffee-ish to me. The article contained silly combos like a lawnmower/baby-stroller, etc.

Screenshot

I had also submitted an idea for “Snappy Answers to SUPER-STUPID Questions.” I was told they would like to use it in the following issue, #15, an all-superhero issue.

Screenshot

That was great, but it felt a bit odd because “Snappy Answers” is such an Al Jaffee feature. I loved doing it, but in hindsight wish I would have snuck in an “AJ tribute” somewhere.

I wonder if Sergio Aragonés also felt it was odd. Note there is a small “Drawn Out Drama” on the first page of my article, where a man is pointing at the title. Another man has a “?” over his head. I’ve been lucky enough to meet the always-gracious Sergio a few times. If I meet him again, I’ll ask.

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Want more SUNDAY FUNNIES WITH KERRY CALLEN? Come back next week!

Want a commission? Send an email to KerryCallenArt@gmail.com. You can also find other work at linktr.ee/kerrycallen.

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