My Birthday Card for Al

Last week Saturday we celebrated the 100th birthday of the amazing Al Jaffee. Former MAD art director and longtime MAD artist Sam Viviano organized a P.O. Box for anyone and everyone to send him birthday wishes for Al, which Sam delivered to Al on his big day. Sam told me he got over 400 cards and letters! Al will probably be 101 by the time he opens them all.

The above was what I sent him. It’s the original inks for the spot illustration I did for MAD #14, which I watercolored and did some scribbling on. I thought I’d share it here.

A huge thank you to Sam for doing that, especially since that same day was Sam’s birthday…although he turned a measly 68. Knowing Al I am sure he was floored by the outpouring of love and admiration he received. He’s too humble a guy to ever expect anything of the kind.