Al Feldstein

Albert Bernhard Feldstein (October 24, 1925 – April 29, 2014) was an American writer, editor, and artist best known for his foundational contributions to EC Comics' horror, science fiction, and suspense titles in the early 1950s and for serving as editor-in-chief of MAD magazine from 1956 to 1984.

Feldstein joined EC Comics in 1948, where he wrote and illustrated stories for titles such as Tales from the Crypt, The Vault of Horror, and Weird Science, pioneering mature, twist-ending narratives that emphasized moral consequences and gruesome realism, often adapting works by authors like Ray Bradbury. His efforts, alongside publisher William M. Gaines, helped revolutionize comic book storytelling by targeting adult sensibilities amid post-war cultural shifts, though the visceral content drew scrutiny that contributed to the 1954 Comics Code restrictions.

Albert Bernard Feldstein was born on October 24, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, to Max Feldstein, a Russian immigrant who worked as a dental mold maker, and Beatrice Feldstein, an American-born mother. The family was Jewish, residing in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn during Feldstein's early years. From a young age, Feldstein exhibited notable artistic talent, evidenced by his win in a children's art contest at the World's Fair. His parents encouraged his interest in drawing, fostering skills that would shape his future career in illustration and comics.