Key Figures Behind The Lampoon Magazine

By Sharron Cantu


Started in 1970, national lampoon operated for nearly twenty eight years. As an American humor magazine, the lampoon magazine was extremely popular and won a lot of acclaim in the 1970s. It has given rise to print products, radio, live theatre and many recordings.

Parody was greatly used in the writings of the magazine. This was boosted by the great appeal of its content. Its humor transcended the perceived standards of acceptability.

Decline in popularity started to be experienced in the 1980s.In the 1990s, publication was so minimal with the business basically on its knees. Alumni of Harvard are credited for starting the business. Their efforts were boosted by the lampoon alumni. Together these groups acquired the license to that the business.

The initial days were not so rosy though the business would later pick up. It highlighted virtually every issue in a social setup including political affairs. It however desisted from taking political stands despite its editors individually taking a keen interest in political affairs.

The paper will be remembered as a monthly publication especially with regard to its special editions. It also had other projects such as calendars, songbooks, designed T shirts and books.

Some of the most humorous acerbic articles were published under Michael c.in 1974.They concentrated on many issues, most memorable being the Vietnam War and a satirical look at the argentine revolution. The parody in these writings was creatively employed. A caption showing a dog terribly worried due to a gun being pointed on it, followed by a designation that if one did not purchase the magazine the dog would be shot, became very famous at the time.

The cover gag in the lampoon was ranked among the best publication covers in forty years. It has in fact emerged as the most coveted and collectible issues ever handle by lampoon. The company also published the heavy metal magazine under the directorship of Peter Kleinman. He was instrumental to the success enjoyed by company in the 1970s and 1980s.His return to the company after a shorter departure so the capture reclaim its former glory and some of its best staff members come back the organization.

He left in 1988 to join the private sector. After this year, lampoon experienced a precipitous decline.

The monthly publication contained an editorial found in the front page. Though looking straightforward, the editorial contained a lot of parody. The editorial team was composed by staff members and guests

True facts, dealt with items based on real life and were factual though containing a lot satire that had a humorous effect. Some of these were ultimately compiled into books. The magazine is celebrated for having produced great talent in the name of cartoonist, photographers and comedy stars.




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