Editorial Cartoonists of the Atlanta Journal and Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) :: Lou Erickson (“Eric”) – Atlanta Journal Editorial Cartoonist, 1950–1982

“Mad, Mad World” (Original Editorial Cartoon_Lou Erickson –, July 18, 1968, The Atlanta Journal)

Artist: Lou Erickson (Penciller)

3 Comments - 111 Views - 0 Like

“Mad, Mad World” (Original Editorial Cartoon_Lou Erickson –, July 18, 1968, The Atlanta Journal) Comic Art

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The Atlanta Journal (Atlanta, Georgia) · Thu, Jul 18, 1968 · Page 26

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Artwork Details

Title:	“Mad, Mad World” (Original Editorial Cartoon_Lou Erickson –, July 18, 1968, The Atlanta Journal)
Artist:	Lou Erickson (Penciller)
Media Type:	Pen and Ink
Art Type:	Sketch Card
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	111
Likes on CAF:	0 1
Comments:	3
Added to Site:	9/3/2025
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Medium: Pen and Ink
Art Type: Sketch Card (Published Art)
Publication: The Atlanta Journal, July 18, 1968, Page 26
Status: Published Art
Artist: Lou Erickson (Penciller)

Artwork Details
This original published editorial cartoon by Lou Erickson appeared in The Atlanta Journal on July 18, 1968 (p. 26). Created during a period of intense political and social upheaval, the cartoon captures Erickson’s sharp wit and Georgia-bred satire.

The summer of 1968 saw the aftermath of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination, heated debates on gun control, widespread fears of global catastrophe, and ideological rifts deepened by the Vietnam War. Anti-communist sentiment remained strong while racial injustice, protests, and distrust of government leadership defined the American mood. Events like the Tet Offensive had eroded confidence in authority, leaving many disillusioned.

Erickson’s cartoon reflects this chaos—an allegorical critique of a society spinning out of control, drawn with his characteristic humor and edge.

Notes:

Includes period editorial marks and caption cues typical of newsroom production.

A historically important example of Erickson’s voice during one of America’s most turbulent years.

Full publication reference verified via Atlanta Journal archives.

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	Alan E Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	May 2025
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
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Comments on this Artwork

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Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

Posted on 9/3/2025

The talking points of today's propaganda machine go this far back? I guess it's comfort food for the elderly to get the same messages over and over again.

Alan E
Member Since 2025

1 - Posted on 9/3/2025

Marcus Wai wrote:

The talking points of today's propaganda machine go this far back? I guess it's comfort food for the elderly to get the same messages over and over again.

Yep... I also think the title was a reference to It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World hit theaters in late 1963

Alan E
Member Since 2025

1 - Posted on 9/3/2025

Alan E wrote:

Yep... I also think the title was a reference to It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World hit theaters in late 1963

Erickson’s “Mad, Mad World” cartoon from July 1968 is clearly playing off the movie title It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. By then, the phrase was shorthand for chaos, and Erickson uses it to capture the mess of ’68 — Vietnam, protests, assassinations, political distrust.

What’s interesting is how this overlaps with the mood the John Birch Society was stirring up at the time. They painted everything as proof the country was collapsing under communist plots. Erickson’s cartoon reflects that sense of disorder too, but he turns it into satire — showing how crazy the whole atmosphere had gotten instead of buying into the paranoia.

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