Will Elder (1921 – 2008).
My all-time favorite classic Mad strips is “Mole!” from issue #2, by one of the original Madmen, Will Elder. It never, never fails to make me laugh, even though I practically have it memorized by now.
This panel in particular kills me every time. It loses a little something out of context like this, without the build-up:
…but Elder’s attention to detail and skill at creating a lovably grotesque character still shines.
So long, Will.
