Mad magazine artist Elder dead at 86

HACKENSACK, N.J., May 17 (UPI) -- Will Elder, who earned popularity serving as one of the first cartoonists for Mad magazine, has died in Rockleigh, N.J., at the age of 86.

The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday that through his work with the satirical magazine in the 1950s, Elder helped create the foundation for the publication's irreverent style and wit for decades to come.

"Will Elder was absolutely brilliant," Mad writer-cartoonist Al Jaffee said. "He was the star from the beginning; he had a feel for the kind of satire that eventually spread everywhere."

While noted for his artistic skills, Elder earned a reputation for the simple comical gags he inserted into the magazine's cartoon panels. Elder even had a sense of humor regarding such minor visual gags, calling them "chicken fat" for the magazine.

The Times said Elder, who died Thursday of Parkinson's disease, is survived by two children, a brother and two grandchildren.