Ready to get some laughs? National Lampoon has been tickling funny bones since the 1970s and has released an impressive number of magazines. Founded in 1970, this iconic brand has been a staple in the comedy world for over 50 years. But how many National Lampoon magazines are there?
Well, folks, the number might surprise you. Despite the brand being known for its movies and TV shows, National Lampoon magazine is what launched the comedy empire into the stratosphere. During its peak, the magazine had a circulation of over 1 million, with issues being released on a monthly basis. In total, there were an incredible 246 issues of the National Lampoon magazine. Wow! That’s a lot of laughs.
So, what made the National Lampoon magazine so popular? Well, it was known for its irreverent and satirical humor, poking fun at everything from politics to pop culture. Some of the biggest names in comedy, including John Belushi and Chevy Chase, got their start at National Lampoon. So, if you’re looking for a good laugh, grab a copy and see what all the fuss is about. Trust us, hilarity will ensue.
History of National Lampoon Magazine
National Lampoon Magazine was a satirical publication that was originally founded in 1970 as a spin-off of the Harvard Lampoon, a humor magazine based at Harvard University. The founders of National Lampoon, Douglas Kenney and Henry Beard, were former editors of the Harvard Lampoon and saw an opportunity to create a publication that was edgier and more politically incorrect than its predecessor.
The first issue of National Lampoon was released in April 1970 and quickly gained a following for its subversive humor and irreverent take on American culture and politics. The magazine’s popularity grew throughout the 1970s, and it became a major cultural force with influence beyond the pages of its publication. National Lampoon helped launch the careers of many comedians and writers, including John Hughes, Michael O’Donoghue, and Christopher Guest.
Over the course of its history, National Lampoon published a total of 246 issues between 1970 and 1998. The magazine changed ownership several times during its run, and experienced a decline in popularity in the 1990s before ceasing publication altogether in 1998. Despite its relatively short run, National Lampoon remains an important cultural touchstone and a beloved piece of American humor history.
National Lampoon Magazine Reboot
National Lampoon Magazine has a long history of providing readers with satire, humor, and cultural commentary. It began as a print publication in 1970 and quickly gained a large following among college students and young adults. Over the years, the magazine has gone through various reboots, changes in ownership, and controversies that have put its future in jeopardy.
- In 1998, J2 Communications purchased National Lampoon Magazine and attempted to revive the brand, but the efforts were unsuccessful, and the publication ceased production in 1999.
- In 2002, a group of investors including comedian David Zucker and author George Meyer purchased the rights to the National Lampoon brand. They launched a new magazine, but it struggled due to a lack of advertising revenue and folded after just a few issues.
- In 2016, an online version of the magazine was launched by the newly formed National Lampoon, Inc. It included original content, as well as material from the magazine’s archives. However, the website went offline in 2018, and it’s unclear if or when it will return.
Despite the challenges, many people still associate National Lampoon with classic comedy films like “Animal House” and “Vacation.” The National Lampoon brand continues to live on through various spin-offs, including live performances, TV shows, and podcasts.
If you’re interested in learning more about National Lampoon Magazine and its role in shaping American humor and satire, there are plenty of resources available. The National Lampoon Museum houses a collection of magazines, books, and films that provide a comprehensive look at the brand’s history. The book “Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Writers and Artists Who Made the National Lampoon Insanely Great” also offers an inside look at the creative minds behind the magazine.
The Future of National Lampoon Magazine
As for the future of National Lampoon Magazine, it’s uncertain. The brand has undergone several changes in ownership and format, and it remains to be seen if it can find a successful formula for the digital age. However, as long as there are audiences looking for sharp comedy and insightful cultural commentary, National Lampoon’s legacy will continue to endure.
| Year | Events |
|---|---|
| 1970 | National Lampoon Magazine is founded |
| 1998 | J2 Communications purchases National Lampoon Magazine |
| 1999 | Publication of National Lampoon Magazine ceases |
| 2002 | Investors including David Zucker purchase National Lampoon brand |
| 2016 | National Lampoon, Inc. launches online version of magazine |
| 2018 | Online version of National Lampoon Magazine goes offline |
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, National Lampoon Magazine has made an indelible mark on American comedy and continues to inspire new generations of writers and comedians.
National Lampoon Magazine Subscription
For fans of National Lampoon Magazine, it’s not surprising for them to want to subscribe and receive all the latest issues. Here’s what you need to know about National Lampoon Magazine subscription:
Number of National Lampoon Magazines
- The National Lampoon Magazine was first published in 1970 by Doug Kenney and Henry Beard.
- As of their last issue in 1998, there were a total of 246 issues published.
- Some of the magazine’s most memorable covers include the January 1973 “Death” cover, the July 1973 “Buy This Magazine Or We’ll Kill This Dog” cover, and the January 1975 “If You Don’t Buy This Magazine, We’ll Kill This Man” cover.
Subscribing to National Lampoon Magazine
If you’re looking to subscribe to National Lampoon Magazine, unfortunately, you won’t find a subscription option available. As the magazine publication was discontinued in 1998, the only way to get your hands on an issue is through second-hand sellers, such as eBay or Amazon.
However, fans of National Lampoon can still enjoy their humor through their website, nationallampoon.com, where you can find various articles, podcasts, and merchandise for sale.
National Lampoon Magazine Price Guide
If you’re a collector or just interested in purchasing a National Lampoon Magazine for personal enjoyment, you can expect to pay varying prices depending on the issue. Here’s a price guide to help you out:
| Issue Number | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1 – 10 | $10 – $50 |
| 11 – 50 | $5 – $20 |
| 51 – 100 | $4 – $15 |
| 101 – 150 | $3 – $10 |
| 151 – 200 | $2 – $8 |
| 201 – 246 (final issue) | $2 – $5 |
Keep in mind that prices can vary based on the condition of the magazine and whether or not it is a rare or sought-after issue.
Satire in National Lampoon Magazine
The National Lampoon Magazine is well-known for its brilliant satire throughout its publications. Satire is a form of humor that pokes fun at societal norms and human behavior. The magazine used this technique to take on the establishment, politics, and pop culture of the time. The magazine’s writers had a unique way of articulating the humor, making it relatable and insightful to their readers.
Satirical Articles in National Lampoon Magazine
- How to Write Good
- If Hitler Had Won World War Two
- The Year 2000
The articles in the National Lampoon Magazine were often filled with sharp, sarcastic, and witty wit that often exposed the absurdity of the world. The writers had a keen sense of observation and were not afraid to tackle taboo subjects and offend their readers. The satire in the National Lampoon Magazine was often a commentary on the state of society and its values, highlighting its flaws.
Parodies and Spoofs in National Lampoon Magazine
The National Lampoon Magazine was also known for its parodies and spoofs. They often mocked popular movies, TV shows, and other media. Their parodies took on a life of their own, much to the delight of the readers. For example, the magazine took on Star Wars with its “Star Roars” parody. The magazine also created fake advertisements and commercials, satirizing consumerism and capitalism.
The writers behind the National Lampoon Magazine were masters of parody and satire, taking jabs at popular culture and societal norms through humor. These parodies were often a commentary on the absurdity of society, shining a light on the darker corners of human behavior.
Satirical Cartoons in National Lampoon Magazine
The National Lampoon Magazine was not just known for its satirical articles and parodies, but for its satirical cartoons as well. The cartoons were often dark, edgy, and crass. They often tackled taboo subjects and handled delicate issues with humor and irony. The cartoons were a reflection of the magazine’s ethos, which was to push boundaries and question norms.
| Cartoon Title | Subject |
|---|---|
| Uncle Sam | War and Patriotism |
| First Aid | Medical Care |
| A Mother’s Dream | Parenting |
The satirical cartoons in the National Lampoon Magazine were an extension of its cutting-edge humor. They often resonated with the readers, as they tackled issues that were relevant to the times. The magazine prided itself on being unapologetically bold and fearless in its satire, which is why its cartoons became an integral part of its legacy.
National Lampoon Magazine Covers
The National Lampoon magazine is renowned for its iconic covers that are hilarious, witty, and often outrageous. Here are five subtopics that examine the designs and themes of the magazine covers:
- The Animal House Cover: The cover of the April 1979 issue features a drawing of John Belushi as Bluto from the movie Animal House. The cover is famous for its clever use of anamorphic perspective, which was a first for magazine covers. The illustration was designed by Rick Meyerowitz.
- The Mona Gorilla Cover: The May 1973 issue featured an illustration of a gorilla wearing a necklace made of bananas, imitating the famous Mona Lisa painting. This cover perfectly captured the humor and satire that was characteristic of the magazine.
- The Death Issue Cover: The January 1973 cover of the National Lampoon magazine is controversial and memorable. It features a photograph of a man pointing a gun directly at the viewer, with the words “If You Don’t Buy This Magazine, We’ll Kill This Dog” underneath. Although the cover caused a lot of outrage, it became one of the most famous covers in the magazine’s history.
- The A New Hope Cover: The December 1977 issue of the National Lampoon magazine was released after the blockbuster movie “Star Wars: A New Hope” came out. The cover features a parody of the movie poster, with the characters wearing silly costumes and sporting absurd expressions. The cover was designed by Michael C. Gross, who later went on to design the iconic Ghostbusters logo.
- The Ford Pinto Cover: The September 1977 issue of the National Lampoon magazine featured a cover sketch that poked fun at the disastrous Ford Pinto car. The illustration showed a Pinto with a gas can spilling gasoline in front of it, with the caption “If Ted Kennedy drove a Pinto, he’d be President today.” The cover was designed by David Kaestle.
The National Lampoon covers are not only funny and entertaining but also reflect the social and cultural aspects of the time they were published. They are a unique and imaginative representation of the magazine’s comedic style, and they continue to be an inspiration for artists and designers.
Influential Writers for National Lampoon Magazine
National Lampoon Magazine was home to some of the most talented, brilliant minds in comedy during its heyday. These writers pushed the boundaries of humor, often leaning towards the taboo and irreverent. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most influential writers who made National Lampoon one of the most popular and controversial gag magazines of all time.
Top 6 National Lampoon Writers
- Doug Kenney: A founding member of National Lampoon, Kenney was the brains behind Animal House and Caddyshack. He also co-created the Lampoon’s Radio Hour, which launched the careers of many future Saturday Night Live cast members. Unfortunately, Kenney died prematurely in 1980, just as his career was taking off.
- Michael O’Donoghue: Known for his darker, edgier humor, O’Donoghue was the first head writer for Saturday Night Live. He was also a prolific author and co-wrote the National Lampoon parody novel “The Lord of the Rings” with Kenney and Henry Beard.
- Henry Beard: Another founding member of Lampoon, Beard co-wrote “The Lord of the Rings” and was responsible for many of the magazine’s iconic comic illustrations. He went on to write several humor books, including “Bored of the Rings” and “Miss Piggy’s Guide to Life.”
- John Hughes: Before directing some of the most beloved ’80s movies, Hughes was a National Lampoon writer. He contributed to several issues and even co-wrote “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” which would later become a hit film starring Chevy Chase.
- Chris Miller: Miller was responsible for some of the Lampoon’s most infamous works, including “Our Gang,” a cartoon strip that depicted the Little Rascals as drug addicts and sex fiends. He also wrote several short stories, one of which inspired the 2005 film “Wedding Crashers.”
- Al Jean: After leaving Lampoon, Jean became a writer and producer for The Simpsons, helping shape the show into the cultural phenomenon it is today. During his time at Lampoon, he co-wrote “The Simpsons” parody, a comic strip that would later inspire the TV series.
The Legacy of National Lampoon’s Writers
The impact of these brilliant comedic minds cannot be overstated. Their humor was often controversial and pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable at the time. They fearlessly took on politics, social mores, and pop culture, creating a body of work that’s as relevant today as it was in the ’70s and ’80s.
So the next time you’re watching Animal House or laughing at a Simpsons episode, remember the talented writers who made it all possible.
The Decline of National Lampoon Magazine
Once a household name in the comedy industry, National Lampoon has declined significantly over the years. Here are some key factors that have contributed to the magazine’s downfall:
- Management issues: National Lampoon has had many changes in leadership over the years, which has resulted in inconsistent vision and direction for the publication.
- Competition: The rise of popular comedy websites and TV shows has made it difficult for National Lampoon to remain relevant and competitive.
- Financial struggles: The magazine has had difficulty maintaining a steady flow of revenue, which has affected the quality of content and resources available for the publication.
These factors have contributed to the decline in the number of National Lampoon magazines that have been produced over the years. Here is a breakdown of the number of issues released:
| Decade | Number of Issues Released |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 76 |
| 1980s | 90 |
| 1990s | 31 |
| 2000s | 11 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 (as of 2021) |
As you can see, the number of National Lampoon magazines being produced has significantly decreased over time. While the publication still has a loyal fanbase and a rich history of iconic comedy, it remains to be seen if it will ever make a strong comeback in the industry.
How Many National Lampoon Magazines are There?
Q: How many issues of National Lampoon magazine were published?
A: The National Lampoon magazine was published from 1970-1998 and had a total of 246 issues.
Q: Are there any new issues of National Lampoon magazine being released?
A: No, National Lampoon magazine is no longer being published. The last issue was released in 1998.
Q: Can I still find old issues of National Lampoon magazine?
A: Yes, there are many collectors and specialty stores that carry vintage issues of National Lampoon magazine.
Q: Are there any online resources to access National Lampoon magazine content?
A: Yes, there are several websites and archives that offer access to National Lampoon magazine content, including Google Books and the National Lampoon Digital Archive.
Q: Did National Lampoon magazine only focus on comedy?
A: National Lampoon magazine was primarily known for its comedic content, but it also featured articles on politics, social issues, and culture.
Q: Did National Lampoon magazine inspire any movies or TV shows?
A: Yes, National Lampoon magazine inspired several popular movies and TV shows, including Animal House, Vacation, and Saturday Night Live.
Q: Is National Lampoon magazine still influential in comedy today?
A: Yes, National Lampoon magazine is still considered a significant influence on modern comedy and satire.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to learn about National Lampoon magazine and its impact on comedy. Although it is no longer being published, its legacy lives on through the many movies, TV shows, and comedians it has inspired. We hope you enjoyed this article and encourage you to visit again soon for more fun and informative content.