By Charisse Massay
This online version of the not-so-traditional humor magazine is just
what I would have expected. Instead of simply digitizing the print
version, the writers at MAD have created a supplement to the magazine.
It is an excellent vehicle for the MAD consumer to satisfy his daily
need for MAD-styled humor.
The key feature on madmag.com (a member of the WB family of companies)
is animated shorts designed by the creators of the magazine. It was
entertaining to see the beloved cartoons of the magazine in animated
form. In the MAD Dump, a viewer can check out all of the animated
shorts that have been featured on the website since its beginning
in June 2000. Some of the shorts include Eminem as a mall santa, Georgie
Bush speaking to the nation while his teleprompter malfunctions and
animated Spy vs. Spy episodes. Interactive games can also be found
in the archives like "Mad's Digital Paper Dolls," that allows
the viewer to dress up Clinton and Gore as a teen pop star, Batman
or a Baywatch lifeguard.
A visitor to madmag.com will also find the option to chat with other
MAD fans. The link unfortunately leads to another WB site with the
option to go into a Mad magazine chat room. In order to do this, WB
requires that you register with the website. I didn't feel like becoming
part of the WB family so I passed. There were also message boards
available on madmag.com which seemed to function as delayed chat rooms
dealing with issues that are of concern to the dedicated MAD magazine
reader.
Other links on the page include a subscription option, a MAD store,
and a view of what is presently on the stands. There are also contests
and ballots for preferred spreads in the magazine (readers' choice).
The site gives the consumer the option to send MAD-styled greeting
cards and check out the latest MAD news (such as Alfred E Neuman running
for president).
In the end, the features on madmag.com seem to be for experienced
MAD readers but the animations are hilarious for everyone. Someone
who has never opened a MAD magazine may find themselves bombarded
with animated shorts that will suck a MAD virgin into a crazed world
but the regular reader will feel right at home.