MAD #No. 184
E.C. Publications, Inc. • Mad Magazine Vol. 1
Writer
Various (including Nick Meglin, Frank Jacobs, and Dick DeBartolo)
Interior Artist
Various (including Mort Drucker, Sergio Aragonés, and Don Martin)
Cover Artist
Norman Mingo
Publication Date
July 1976
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Special 'Bring Back Arbor Day' Issue. This issue features the usual satirical content of Mad Magazine, including parodies of 1970s culture, the iconic 'Fold-In' by Al Jaffee on the inside back cover, and Alfred E. Neuman on the front cover planting a tree surrounded by dogs.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Heavy wear and notable damage: large vertical crease and tears on the bottom right edge with missing paper/fold-over; significant soiling/foxing across the white background of the cover; blunted corners; spine stress and minor chipping; overall tanning and surface rubbing.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (CGC 2.0): $15 - $25
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade (FN 6.0) raw copies range from $10 to $15. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have reached over $200, but low-grade copies usually sell for under $10.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service (approx. $25-$40) significantly exceeds the market value of the magazine in this condition.
Notable Features
Cover features Alfred E. Neuman by Norman Mingo; includes satires on movies and television of the mid-70s; 50 cent 'Cheap' price variant.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1976 newsstand magazine. Paper stock is standard newsprint which shows period-appropriate tanning; printing density and 'Ind' distribution mark are consistent with E.C. Publications standards.