A near-instant success for EC Comics upon its debut in 1952, the magazine has inspired generations of comedians for its pioneering satirical attitude and tasteful booger jokes. To fill the gaps in your knowledge, take a look at these facts about the Usual Gang of Idiots.

1. NO ONE KNOWS WHO CAME UP WITH ALFRED E. NEUMAN.

Mad creator Harvey Kurtzman was in the offices of a Ballantine Books editor discussing reprints for the fledging publication when he noticed a grinning, gap-toothed imbecile staring back at him from a bulletin board. The unnamed figure was ubiquitous in the early 20thcentury, appearing in everything from dentistry ads to depictions of diseases. A charmed Kurtzman adopted him as Mad's mascot beginning in 1954. Neuman later become so recognizable that a letter was delivered from New Zealand to Mad's New York offices without an address: the envelope simply had a drawing of Alfred.