Note: This article may feature affiliate links, and purchases made may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
Note: This article may feature affiliate links to Amazon or other companies, and purchases made via these links may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you. Find out more here.
Do you remember these vintage MAD magazine back page Fold-Ins – where, with a couple of folds, you could change the page’s picture, and its message?
Look back at a few of these clever pieces of art written and illustrated by the immensely talented Al Jaffee.
Here we go with another ridiculous Mad Fold-In
1. How do today’s crooks really strike it rich? (1981)
From the time we were old enough to understand, we were all taught that breaking the law does not pay, because it leads to shame and punishment.
However, lately we’ve noticed that this is quite the opposite for some lawbreakers. To find out how they’re making out, fold in page.
Before folding: FREE WHEELING LAWBREAKERS SEEM TO FACE DOOM BY GETTING CAUGHT. BUT LATELY, MANY A CROOK SAYS THERE ARE HUGE PROFITS IN THIEVING ROLES
2. What convenient place has the chemical industry found to dump its toxic products? (1981)
The chemical industry has always had to wrestle with the problem of where to dump its poisons.
Today, almost every chemical company uses one convenient place to dump toxic products. To find out what that place is, fold in the page as shown at the right.
Before folding: IN MODERN LIFE, CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY PLAYS AN OUTSTANDING ROLE. BUT EVERY INDUSTRIAL PRODUCER BELIEVES THAT THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM ARE JUST LIES INVENTED BY KOOKY ENVIRONMENTALISTS.
FOLD THIS SECTION OVER LEFT – FOLD BACK SO “A” MEETS “B”
After folding: IN OUR BELLIES
3. What new sex object has brought out our animal instincts? (1981)
Sex objects have been used to sell movies, TV shows, books, records, etc. for years.
To find out the identity of the latest hot property in this area, fold in the page as shown at right.
Before folding: MILLIONS OF SUPPOSEDLY NORMAL PEOPLE IN OUR SHAMELESS SOCIETY CAN TURN ON TO ANYTHING. SOMETIMES, THEY PICK SEX OBJECTS THAT WOULD EVEN MAKE CUPID TURN GROGGY.
4. What recent spiritual movement has (thank God!) burned itself out? (1983)
A new spiritual movement that recently swept the country has apparently crashed to earth finally.
To find out what spiritual movement we’re talking about, fold in page as shown.
Before folding: IN THE WORDS OF OUR VERY OWN ALFRED E. NEUMAN…”MANY AN IDIOT HAS JOINED A CULT. WORSE YET, CULTIST LEADERS PROFIT WHEN THEY WHIP SUCH IDIOTS INTO A MONEY-GIVING FRENZY”!
5. Which modern artist is most successfully communicating with his audience?
Here we go with another ridiculous mad Fold-In… Artist & writer: Al Jaffee
“Modern Art” has taken some pretty wild turns in recent years. But no matter which direction it takes, it seems to be headed more and more toward total incomprehensibility. Reactions like “What is it?” and “What does it mean?” are almost guaranteed.
But there is one modern artist whose work is understood by everyone! To find out who this phenomenal genius is, fold page in as shown.
Before folding: MANY MODERN ARTISTS HAVE LONG FELT THAT GREAT ART NEED NOT NECESSARILY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AND SOME HIDEOUS GROTESQUERIES HAVE BEEN CREATED IN THIS BELIEF!
PS: If you liked this article, please share it! You can also get our free newsletter, follow us on Facebook & Pinterest, plus see exclusive retro-inspired products in our shop. Thanks for visiting!
See 5 ridiculous vintage MAD magazine back page Fold-Ins, before & after folding
Note: This article may feature affiliate links, and purchases made may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.
Note: This article may feature affiliate links to Amazon or other companies, and purchases made via these links may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you. Find out more here.
Look back at a few of these clever pieces of art written and illustrated by the immensely talented Al Jaffee.
Here we go with another ridiculous Mad Fold-In
1. How do today’s crooks really strike it rich? (1981)
From the time we were old enough to understand, we were all taught that breaking the law does not pay, because it leads to shame and punishment.
However, lately we’ve noticed that this is quite the opposite for some lawbreakers. To find out how they’re making out, fold in page.
Before folding: FREE WHEELING LAWBREAKERS SEEM TO FACE DOOM BY GETTING CAUGHT. BUT LATELY, MANY A CROOK SAYS THERE ARE HUGE PROFITS IN THIEVING ROLES
After folding: FROM BOOK SALES
DON’T MISS: Mad world: See 30+ vintage MAD magazine covers, and find out the magazine’s history
2. What convenient place has the chemical industry found to dump its toxic products? (1981)
The chemical industry has always had to wrestle with the problem of where to dump its poisons.
Today, almost every chemical company uses one convenient place to dump toxic products. To find out what that place is, fold in the page as shown at the right.
Before folding: IN MODERN LIFE, CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY PLAYS AN OUTSTANDING ROLE. BUT EVERY INDUSTRIAL PRODUCER BELIEVES THAT THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM ARE JUST LIES INVENTED BY KOOKY ENVIRONMENTALISTS.
FOLD THIS SECTION OVER LEFT – FOLD BACK SO “A” MEETS “B”
After folding: IN OUR BELLIES
3. What new sex object has brought out our animal instincts? (1981)
Sex objects have been used to sell movies, TV shows, books, records, etc. for years.
To find out the identity of the latest hot property in this area, fold in the page as shown at right.
Before folding: MILLIONS OF SUPPOSEDLY NORMAL PEOPLE IN OUR SHAMELESS SOCIETY CAN TURN ON TO ANYTHING. SOMETIMES, THEY PICK SEX OBJECTS THAT WOULD EVEN MAKE CUPID TURN GROGGY.
After folding: MISS PIGGY
ALSO SEE: The Muppet Show theme song, famous guest stars, and how the hit TV show started (1976-1981)
4. What recent spiritual movement has (thank God!) burned itself out? (1983)
A new spiritual movement that recently swept the country has apparently crashed to earth finally.
To find out what spiritual movement we’re talking about, fold in page as shown.
Before folding: IN THE WORDS OF OUR VERY OWN ALFRED E. NEUMAN…”MANY AN IDIOT HAS JOINED A CULT. WORSE YET, CULTIST LEADERS PROFIT WHEN THEY WHIP SUCH IDIOTS INTO A MONEY-GIVING FRENZY”!
After folding: E.T. WORSHIP
MORE: E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial: Find out about this beloved blockbuster movie from 1982
5. Which modern artist is most successfully communicating with his audience?
Here we go with another ridiculous mad Fold-In… Artist & writer: Al Jaffee
“Modern Art” has taken some pretty wild turns in recent years. But no matter which direction it takes, it seems to be headed more and more toward total incomprehensibility. Reactions like “What is it?” and “What does it mean?” are almost guaranteed.
But there is one modern artist whose work is understood by everyone! To find out who this phenomenal genius is, fold page in as shown.
Before folding: MANY MODERN ARTISTS HAVE LONG FELT THAT GREAT ART NEED NOT NECESSARILY BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AND SOME HIDEOUS GROTESQUERIES HAVE BEEN CREATED IN THIS BELIEF!
After folding: GOOD GRIEF!
ALSO SEE: Vintage Snoopy & Peanuts stickers sheets (’70s & ’80s)
PS: If you liked this article, please share it! You can also get our free newsletter, follow us on Facebook & Pinterest, plus see exclusive retro-inspired products in our shop. Thanks for visiting!
More stories you might like
Mocha magic torte recipe from 1982
Rice Krispies crunchy chicken retro recipe
Remember vintage play tunnels for kids? Take a look back
Remember these vintage Easter egg shrink-wrap decorating sleeves to decorate eggs?
Because the fun never ends
Telephone history, plus see 50 old phones, like early rotary-dial models
80s candy: 30 most excellent retro favorites
80s fashion for men: 37 awesome casual menswear styles
Kellogg’s Concentrate cereal was much-loved, but they still discontinued it
Flashback to some classic cars: The ’69 Plymouth Fury
Vintage Disneyland tickets: The A B C D E rides and attractions at the Magic Kingdom (1959-1982)
Comments on this story