How Al Jaffee Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

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Al Jaffee

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Al Jaffee—a timeline of influence.

Al Jaffee (born Allan Jaffee) was a highly influential American cartoonist, best known for his long-standing contributions to Mad magazine. For 65 years, he created the iconic Mad Fold-in, a back-cover feature requiring readers to fold the page to reveal a hidden image and joke. Jaffee was Mad's longest-running contributor, solidifying his legacy in the world of satire and cartooning. His work was a staple of American humor for generations. His humor was described to be dry, as seen in his quote: "Serious people my age are dead."

1964: The Mad Fold-In Collection Time Span

The Mad Fold-In Collection: 1964–2010 was released.

August 2008: NY1 Feature

In August 2008, Jaffee was interviewed for an NY1 feature about his career, where he reflected on reinventing oneself and persevering through dark days.

2008: Jaffee's Process

In 2008, Jaffee described that he never sees the finished Fold-In painting folded until it's printed in the magazine, relying on his visual mind to see the two sides.

2010: Al Jaffee's Mad Life biography published

In 2010, Al Jaffee's biography, Al Jaffee's Mad Life, written by Mary-Lou Weisman, was published.

2010: The Mad Fold-In Collection Time Span

The Mad Fold-In Collection: 1964–2010 was released.

2011: Fold-In Recognition

In 2011, Jaffee realized that he had created an English language word when Jeopardy! contestants correctly identified a Fold-In.

July 2013: Inducted into Will Eisner Hall of Fame

In July 2013, Al Jaffee was inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame during San Diego Comic-Con. The award was accepted by Sam Viviano on his behalf.

October 2013: Archives donated to Columbia University

In October 2013, Columbia University announced that Al Jaffee had donated most of his archives to the college.

April 2014: Elected to the Society of Illustrators' Hall of Fame

In April 2014, Al Jaffee was elected to the Society of Illustrators' Hall of Fame.

March 30, 2016: Guinness World Record

On March 30, 2016, Al Jaffee was declared to have "the longest career as a comics artist" at "73 years, 3 months" by Guinness World Records.

April 9, 2016: Life Time Achievement Award

On April 9, 2016, Al Jaffee received a Life Time Achievement Award - the National Cartoonist Society's Medal of Honor in New York City.

2020: End of Career

Al Jaffee's career ended in 2020. Jaffee holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a comic artist.