R.I.P. Mort Drucker, Legendary Mad Magazine Artist

 We are so saddened to learn of the passing of legendary Mad Magazine artist Mort Drucker. We loved his wacky Star Wars illustrations in Mad as much as we loved the films themselves. May the FARCE be with you, Mort!

George Lucas once referred to Mort Drucker as “the Leonardo da Vinci of comic satire.” And Lucas also hired Mort to create the poster for his first hit, American Graffiti.

Mort Drucker payed tribute to George Lucas in the Mad Magazine adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. Look at the bottom of the frame, the dude taking the snowball to the face is George. Wonder who threw the snowball?

...And did Mort Drucker know something about the future of the Star Wars franchise, even way back in 1983? The panel below might provide a clue.

Rest in peace, Mort Drucker. Give our best to all the others from the Usual Gang of Idiots who’ve moved on to become Jedi Spirits themselves, thanks for all the great laughs, and May The Force Be With You.

Jimmy Mac

RFR