Wednesday 23 July 2014

The Heydays Of The Lampoon Magazine

By Sharron Cantu


The start of the national lampoon can be traced back to 1970.The business ran for twenty eight years and officially shut down in 1998.The lampoon magazine had come to be one of Americas most humorous publication. Its heydays can be traced back to the 1970s were it significantly grew not only in popularity but also acclaim. In those days, it remained influential in chatting the trajectory of American comedy and humor. Its existence led to emergence of films, live theater, radio and various recordings. It also acted as an outlet for great media personalities who had significantly contributed to its growth.

Parody was greatly used in the writings of the magazine. This was boosted by the great appeal of its content. Its humor transcended the perceived standards of acceptability.

Decline in popularity started to be experienced in the 1980s.In the 1990s, publication was so minimal with the business basically on its knees. Alumni of Harvard are credited for starting the business. Their efforts were boosted by the lampoon alumni. Together these groups acquired the license to that the business.

The business had a rough start though it quickly became popular . The scope of themes was so wide ranging from social matters to political issues. Though individual editors maintained many political views, some of which were radical, the paper never to any political stand.

Besides publications, the business engaged in other activities such as sale of songbooks, designed t shirts, books and calendars.

Some of the most humorous acerbic articles were published under Michael c.in 1974.They concentrated on many issues, most memorable being the Vietnam War and a satirical look at the argentine revolution. The parody in these writings was creatively employed. A caption showing a dog terribly worried due to a gun being pointed on it, followed by a designation that if one did not purchase the magazine the dog would be shot, became very famous at the time.

The company was also the owner of the heavy metal magazine under the directorship of Peter Kleinman who served from 1974 until 1979.He left that year with a view of starting a ad agency. He would later return in 1984 as creative director. His return greatly contributed to its restoration to former glory. It also led to many former writers and artists coming back to the organization. This was perhaps a demonstration of his great value in the organization.

He left in 1988 to join the private sector. After this year, lampoon experienced a precipitous decline.

The monthly publication contained an editorial found in the front page. Though looking straightforward, the editorial contained a lot of parody. The editorial team was composed by staff members and guests

True facts were one few parts of the publications that contained items that were real factual information though they were ridiculously presented. Several of the true facts publications were later complied into books and published in early 1990s and late 1980s.It will be remembered as a notable outlet for great talent. Some the renowned cartoonist and photographers worked here first. Comedy stars got to public limelight through their shows in the national lampoon.The people continue to engage in other creative activities to date.




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