MAD #No. 188
E.C. Publications (DC Comics parent company) • MAD Magazine
Writer
Various (MAD Magazine Staff writers)
Interior Artist
Various (The Usual Gang of Idiots)
Cover Artist
Norman Mingo
Publication Date
January 1977
Cover Variant
Regular Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A satirical magazine featuring parodies of 1970s pop culture. This issue specifically parodies 'The Bionic Woman' (short-circuited) and 'The Six Million Dollar Man'. It also includes satires of 'The Bad News Bears', 'The Missouri Breaks', and 'The Tennis Craze'.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good / Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible foxing and surface staining on the light areas of the cover, particularly the upper right and center. Spine exhibits minor stress lines and tanning. Significant corner rounding on top-left and bottom-left. General surface soiling consistent with age and storage.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (estimated mid-grade): $30 - $45
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies of MAD #188 typically range between $6 and $12 on platforms like eBay. High-grade (9.0+) copies can reach $40-60.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading (CGC/CBCS) would likely exceed the market value of the magazine in its current condition (Mid-grade with foxing/soiling).
Notable Features
Features a classic Norman Mingo cover depicting Lee Majors and Lindsay Wagner as battery-powered characters. Includes Alfred E. Neuman as Santa Claus in the corner box.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic original 1977 newsstand copy. Paper stock shows appropriate age-related browning (tanning) and the ink density of the blue MAD logo is consistent with EC printing standards of the era.