Here is the press release that came out today on the death of Dave Berg…
MAD'S "LIGHTER SIDE OF…" ARTIST DAVE BERG (1920-2002)
David Berg, one of MAD Magazine's best-loved and well-known cartoonists, passed away on May 16 at the age 81 at his home in Marina del Rey, California.
Born in Brooklyn and the son of a bookbinder, Berg is best known for his strip "The Lighter Side of…" which first appeared in Mad Magazine in October 1961 and went on to appear in 365 subsequent issues of MAD. Berg's first article for MAD was "Modern Furniture," which ran in issue #34 in August 1957. Berg is the author of 17 books — fifteen for MAD Magazine and two theological books.
"To overstate Dave's importance in MAD would be virtually impossible," said MAD co-editor John Ficarra. "For many readers, Dave's 'The Lighter Side of…' served as an introduction to the magazine. His unique comic observations on Americana really hit their mark."
"To this day "The Lighter Side of…" remains one of the most popular features in the magazine," added co-editor Nick Meglin, "a true cultural touchstone. Dave will be sorely missed."
At the age of 10, Berg's artistic talent was noticed by his teacher, who suggested that Berg attend art school. At 12 years old, Berg received a scholarship from the Pratt Institute to attend a Saturday morning art class. After high school, Berg attended the Cooper Union and at 20, Berg went to work at the studio of Will Eisner.
Berg began his career in comics by filling in the backgrounds of Eisner's "The Spirit." He then moved onto writing and drawing the "Death Patrol" and "Uncle Sam." It was at Eisner's studio that Berg met fellow cartoonists Al Jaffee and Jules Feiffer. Jaffee introduced Berg to a circle of peers that included Harvey Kurtzman and Will Elder. He would later share a studio with Kurtzman, who would suggest that Berg work for MAD.
After two stints under Stan Lee at Timely Comics and a stint at Archie Comics, Berg successfully submitted a script to Editor Al Feldstein for MAD Magazine, which was illustrated by Bob Clarke. Berg submitted a second script, "Modern Furniture," and, upon submission, Feldstein suggested that Berg draw it and include himself in the art. Berg did, portraying himself under the name "Roger Kaputnik," which his mother called him during his childhood. Kaputnik, along with the faces of Berg's friends and family, have consistently appeared in virtually all of Berg's "The Lighter Side of…" strips.
Berg served in the Pacific in World War Two as a soldier in the Air Corps. He was awarded the "Chair for the Great Cartoonist" from the University of California at Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife, Vivian, and his son and a daughter.
Okay, those of you who are with me in this: Let's see how many news sources — those that specialize in the comic industry and those that don't — do any more than paraphrase this press release and perhaps toss in a little of what I posted here a week ago. I'm sure The Comics Journal will actually go out and interview a few folks, speak to those who know Dave's history, get a few quotes about him from co-workers, etc. Let's see if anyone else does.