Dave Berg (June 12, 1920 – May 17, 2002) was an American cartoonist best known for his five decades of contributions to Mad Magazine, where his feature The Lighter Side Of... became one of the publication's most enduring and popular series. Known for his realistic art style and gentle humor, Berg left a significant mark on American cartooning and humor.
Early Life
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Berg displayed artistic talent from an early age, attending Pratt Institute at just 12 years old. He later studied at Cooper Union before serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II.
In 1940, Berg began his professional career at Will Eisner's studio, contributing to the Quality Comics line. Over the next two decades, he worked for various publishers, including Dell Comics, Fawcett Publications, and Timely Comics (now Marvel Comics), where he collaborated with Stan Lee on titles such as Combat Kelly, The Ringo Kid, and Tessie the Typist. Berg also gained notoriety as a "good girl artist," contributing pinup-style gag cartoons to Humorama. His work during this period placed him alongside contemporaries like Bill Ward and Bill Wenzel.
Mad Magazine Career
Berg joined Mad Magazine in 1957, during Al Feldstein's tenure as editor. His early contributions focused on satirical takes on topics such as babysitting and baseball. In 1961, he launched The Lighter Side Of..., which became his signature feature. Each installment tackled an omnibus topic (e.g., "Noise," "Spectators," "Dog Owners") through short, multi-panel cartoons. In 1980, he transitioned to a multi-topic format, exploring diverse themes within each installment.
Style and Characters
Berg's art style stood out for its realism, and his characters often donned outdated wardrobes, creating a charming, nostalgic feel. He frequently caricatured himself as the hypochondriac Roger Kaputnik, who appeared alongside his family and other recurring characters. Berg also depicted his Mad colleagues, including William M. Gaines, Don Martin, and Al Jaffee, often lampooning office life.
Despite criticism of his lightweight gags and moralistic tone, The Lighter Side Of... became Mad's most popular feature for much of its run. Sixteen collections of the series were published as paperbacks between 1964 and 1987.
Other Work
Berg's talents extended beyond Mad. He contributed regularly to the Jewish children's magazine The Moshiach Times, creating religious-themed cartoons featuring the character Schlemiel, a bumbling figure used to illustrate Torah principles humorously. Berg also worked on comic strips such as Citizen Senior (1989–1993), Roger Kaputnik (1992), and Astronuts(1994).
Berg held an honorary doctorate in theology, which informed much of his later work. Despite his faith, his interactions with Mad's atheist publisher William M. Gaines were humorously irreverent; their banter, such as Berg's "God bless you" and Gaines' "Go to Hell," became legendary.
Legacy and Tributes
Berg contributed to Mad Magazine for 46 years, appearing in 368 issues. His final hand-drawn strip appeared in Mad#423, and his last written gags were illustrated posthumously by 18 Mad artists as a tribute. This send-off, published in Mad #427, featured the final contributions from Mad legends Jack Davis and George Woodbridge.
Between 2008 and 2017, Mad ran "The Darker Side of the Lighter Side", a feature where Berg's original art was paired with rewritten dialogue to create edgier humor.
Death
Dave Berg passed away at his home in Marina del Rey, California, on May 17, 2002, after a long battle with cancer. He was survived by his wife of 52 years, Vivian, and their two children, Mitch and Nancy.
Impact and Influence
Berg's work, particularly The Lighter Side Of..., is remembered for its unique combination of gentle humor, keen observation, and relatable themes. His influence extended to generations of readers and cartoonists, cementing his legacy as one of Mad Magazine's most iconic contributors.
Published works
| Year | Title | ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at the U.S.A. | Template:ISBNT |
| 1966 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at People | Template:ISBNT |
| 1967 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at Things | Template:ISBNT |
| 1969 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at Modern Thinking | Template:ISBNT |
| 1971 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at Our Sick World | Template:ISBNT |
| 1972 | Mad's Dave Berg: My Friend God | Template:ISBNT |
| 1973 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at Living | Template:ISBNT |
| 1974 | Mad's Dave Berg: Roger Kaputnik and God | Template:ISBNT |
| 1975 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks Around | Template:ISBNT |
| 1977 | Dave Berg: Mad Trash | Template:ISBNT |
| 1977 | Mad's Dave Berg Takes a Loving Look | Template:ISBNT |
| 1979 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks, Listens and Laughs | Template:ISBNT |
| 1982 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at You | Template:ISBNT |
| 1984 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at the Neighborhood | Template:ISBNT |
| 1986 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at Our Planet | Template:ISBNT |
| 1987 | Mad's Dave Berg Looks at Today | Template:ISBNT |
| Year | Title | ISBN |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Mad's Greatest Artists: Dave Berg: Five Decades of the Lighter Side of... | Template:ISBNT |