Today in Comics History, October 8: Believe it or Don't!

from "Strangely Believe It!" in MAD #42 (EC, November 1958); script by Ernie Kovacs; pencils, inks, and letters by Wally Wood

Today in Comics History, May 18, 1956: Ernie Kovacs Presents Jokes from Your Dad

from "Strangely Believe It!" in MAD #38 (March 1958); script by Ernie Kovacs; pencils, inks, and letters by Wally Wood

Today in Comics History, April 6, 1897: Another Great Tale of the Sea and the Men Who Sail It and Are Sick Upon It

from "Strangely Believe It!" in MAD #38 (March 1958); text by Ernie Kovacs; pencils, inks, and letters by Wally Wood

Today in Comics History, January 23, 1919: Happy birthday, Ernie Kovacs!

Born on this day in 1919: comedian, actor, writer and broadcasting pioneer Ernie Kovacs! Among his TV shows were The Ernie Kovacs Show, Three to Get Ready, host of The Tonight Show and commentator on the radio show Monitor. Broadcasts of some of his work under the title The Best of Ernie Kovacs ran on PBS in the late seventies, a perfect time for many (including me!) to rediscover his groundbreaking work. Using ad-libs, absurdity, camera tricks, and blackout sketches, Ernie and his work became a major influence for comedians and television comedy from Monty Python's Flying Circus and Saturday Night Live to Andy Kaufman and Mystery Science Theater 3000.