MAD #4 illustrated by Harvey Kurtzman, features title

Mad comic book number 4, published in 1953. The cover, illustrated by Harvey Kurtzman, features the title "Tales Calculated to Drive You MAD!" along with the tagline "Humor in a Jugular Vein." It displays a chaotic scene with various characters and gags, typical of Mad's satirical style. The artwork includes a woman with a noose above her head, a man hiding, and a car in the background, among other elements. The comic's price is marked as 10¢. The cover also bears the name "H. Kurtz," indicating Harvey Kurtzman's signature. Mad No. 4 is notable as it marks the transition of Mad from a comic book to a magazine format, which occurred after issue #23. This early issue represents the raw and irreverent humor that would define Mad's influence on satire and popular culture.