Mad About DC Round-up
Mad About DC is a classic Mad-style anthology that pokes fun at everything in its path, and this time, the DC Universe gets the full treatment. With Chip Zdarsky serving as guest editor, this one-shot embraces chaos, satire, and self-awareness, lampooning nearly every corner of the comic book industry. Nothing is off limits, and that’s exactly the point—the book serves as a reminder that, at the end of the day, comics are meant to be fun and shouldn’t always be taken so seriously.
I’ll be honest—it’s been years since I’ve read anything in the style of Mad Magazine, and I had forgotten just how enjoyable they can be. The sheer creativity on display here is a testament to how inventive comics can be as a medium. There’s something refreshing about seeing creators—many of whom are known for more serious work—step outside their comfort zones to poke fun at themselves, their peers, and the industry as a whole. What makes this issue stand out even more is its willingness to fully deconstruct the medium it belongs to. It’s not just parody—it’s self-parody, breaking down the tropes, habits, and quirks of superhero storytelling in a way that feels uniquely suited to DC’s long history. In many ways, this is something that sets DC apart in a crowded market, as it leans into its legacy with a level of humor and self-awareness that isn’t always easy to pull off.
While some of the jokes may fly over the heads of newer readers, longtime comic fans will find plenty to appreciate. The risks taken by Zdarsky and the creative team pay off, delivering a book that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly sharp in its commentary.
Do You Think We’ll Ever Get Another Issue?
Will this be a recurring weekly or even quarterly comic book event? Probably not. Too many of the jokes are evergreen, so it will be difficult to repeat them monthly or even quarterly. It will be incredibly repetitive—and difficult—to write something like this consistently and well, so don’t expect another comedy anthology book for at least a couple of years. That is a good thing, though. Mini-series like Mad About DC, being once-a-decade events, are healthy for the industry, not only for maintaining a level of self-awareness but also for not taking themselves too seriously. It is also a great way to keep Mad Magazine, a pop culture cornerstone, relevant in the modern world.
This is REALLY FUNNY!
There is so much in this book that, if you don't like something, just keep flipping through before you find something that you do like. The variety of creators is wonderful, making Mad About DC truly a creative buffet of comedy styles. This broad range is what makes anthology-style books so great: you WILL find something that resonates with you.
The jokes, at least for me, REALLY landed. Just like any classic Mad Magazine from the past, they make sure to make fun of everybody—creators, the process, DC executives, the characters themselves, and fans alike all get roasted in Mad About DC. The heroes of the DC Universe, especially Batman, always take themselves so seriously, which makes it even more refreshing to see a creative way to lampoon their characters and pop culture status.
Continuing this focus on sharp humor, Mad About DC excels as a satire on current affairs—not just the industry but the world at large. There's quite a bit of commentary, whether it’s on culture, politics, or the industry itself, and I appreciate that aspect of the book. This sharp commentary is also reflected in the stories' pacing. While most are just one- to two-pages long, a few extend a bit longer. These tend to take a more satirical focus, centering on the business or characters—something not easily accomplished on a single page.
This Will Not Age Well
Mad About DC will not be for the first-time reader. Hell, it's barely for the reader who has been into comic books for a couple of years. A lot of the jokes in this issue are DEEP “inside baseball,” and if you aren't plugged into the comic book industry, they might go over the reader's head. That will certainly alienate a few readers, specifically those who aren't plugged into the ins and outs of the drama.
There are going to be A LOT of dated jokes when you reread Mad About DC. I would say that most of these jokes will not age well within the next five years, let alone in a decade. These jokes will be relevant for only a few years before comedy evolves. This isn't entirely the writers' or Zdarsky's fault; that is just the nature of comedy, specifically satire of pop culture, technology, or current events.
One thing that might turn some people off—and a main reason this review is late—is that there's a lot to read. It will probably take a couple of sittings to get through. It's a good value—more pages for the price—just giving you a heads up!
I Aint Mad About the Art
There is a little bit of every kind of art in Mad About DC. Some of the most famous and favorite creators who currently work for DC were in this issue. Skottie Young, Kyle Starks, Joe Quinones, and even editor Chip Zdarsky got in on the art, as he contributed to a few of the pages. Personally, I am a sucker for Riley Rossmo's art, so it was great to see him part of this book in some manner. Mad About DC would be a great way to be introduced to new artists and art styles you might not have usually picked up on, even in titles you may have never plucked up.
The styles fit the wonderful, diverse world of modern DC perfectly. There isn't necessarily a “house style,” and more often than not, the art reflects the story it fits perfectly. While all different, none of the art is bad. Either on purpose or by accident, Mad About DC has become a showcase of DC’s current state—a state of the union, if you will, for what DC has to offer. Anthology series art is something incredibly enjoyable. I like to see art I might be missing, and it might turn me on to an artist I didn't know about. Overall, a very successful group of artists representing DC Comics.
Final Verdict
Mad About DC was a fantastic look at the industry from those in the trenches, delivered in a self-deprecating, roasting style. The levity and jokes about the DC character and universe are a refreshing look, especially for an industry that can take itself too seriously at times. While not all the jokes land, most do, and those that do are incredibly well thought out and hilarious. If you are one of the new readers who turned to comic books after picking up an Absolute title, you will get lost. Most, if not all, of the jokes have an intermediate level of understanding of the comic book. However, if you have been a fan of comic books and the industry for a while — and let's be honest, most of you reading this are — this will be a riot.