Writing

Harvey Kurtzman

Born 1924-10-03 · Brooklyn, New York, U.S.

One of the most influential, yet unsung, figures in American humor, cartoonist Harvey Kurtzman created "Mad Magazine" in 1952, and for the next few years served as its editor and primary writer. After his departure from "Mad, " he created two more humor magazines, "Trump" and "Help!" Although neither was as successful as "Mad", "Help!" did help launch the careers of a number of future luminaries, including Woody Allen, Terry Gilliam, John Cleese, Robert Crumb and Gloria Steinem. Kurtzman's sole foray into screenwriting, the animated Mad Monster Party? (1967), demonstrates much of the famous "Mad" comedy (including a reference to one of the magazine's trademark nonsense words, "veeblefetzer") and has developed a strong cult following.

Acting credits

8.0

Meet the heroes behind the superheroes as award-winning author Harlan Ellison introduces ten of the world's greatest comic book artists. Exclusive interviews and samples of their sensational art reveal the philosophy and creative process behind their finest characters, stories, and series.

The Masters of Comic Book Art

1987

6.8

A survey of the artistic history of the comic book medium and some of the major talents associated with it.

Comic Book Confidential

1989

5.3

A historical documentary and tribute to the legacy and influence of MAD Magazine, featuring interviews with MAD celebrity readers, along with MAD artists, writers, and editors—affectionately known as "The Usual Gang of Idiots".

When We Went MAD!

2025

Compendium of Greatest Moments with artists from Comic Book Greats Series

The Comic Book Greats: Compendium

1992

Bursting from the immigrant streets of 1920s Brooklyn, Harvey Kurtzman ignited a creative revolution reshaping comics, satire, and popular culture. Through rare archives, unseen interviews, handcrafted animation, and an original jazz score, this documentary reveals the man who created MAD Magazine and helped redefine American humour and visual storytelling forever.

The MAD World of Harvey Kurtzman

2026

Stan Lee interviews Harvey Kurtzman and Jack Davis

The Comic Book Greats: Harvey Kurtzman and Jack Davis

1992

A documentary film about counterculture, freedom of speech, and a comic book maverick.

Oddly Compelling: The Denis Kitchen Story

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Behind the camera

6.5

When Dr Frankenstein decides to retire from the monster-making business, he calls an international roster of monsters to a creepy convention to elect his successor. Everyone is there including Dracula, The Werewolf, The Creature, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and many more. But Frankenstein's title is not all that is at stake. The famous doctor has also discovered the secret of total destruction that must not fall into the wrong hands!

Mad Monster Party?

1967