Dave Berg (cartoonist)

Dave Berg (Brooklyn, June 12, 1920 – May 17, 2002) was a cartoonist, most noted for his work in MAD Magazine.

Berg attended the Cooper Union Art School. He served a period of time in the Army Air Corps. Afterward he worked with Stan Lee at Timely Comics (now known as Marvel Comics) on a variety of comic books, including Combat Kelly.

Berg went to work for Mad in 1956. In 1961 he started the "Lighter Side" cartoon, which would become his most famous creation. The strip often included members of Berg's own family, headed by his cranky alter-ego, Roger Kaputnik. Many collections of his strips were published as stand-alone paperbacks.

Berg worked at Mad for 40 years before retiring. He died May 17, 2002 after a long battle with cancer in his home in Marina del Rey, California. He died shortly after midnight with his wife of 52 years, Vivian, and their two children by his side.

External links

• Dave Berg tribute page
• How MAD's Dave Berg and Roger Kaputnik Introduced Me To Post-Modernity by Terre Thaemlitz.
• Dave Berg synopsis at Storyopolis.com
• A collection of covers from his books
• Press release of his death, includes synopsis of his life and career