William Maxwell Gaines, a renowned American publisher, and co-editor of EC Comics, was born on March 1, 1922, and passed away on June 3, 1992. He played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of EC Comics in 1950, which led to the creation of an artistically influential and historically significant line of mature-audience comics that catered to a more mature demographic.
Throughout his illustrious career, Gaines was instrumental in publishing the satirical magazine Mad for an impressive span of over 40 years, showcasing his dedication to the world of comics and his commitment to pushing boundaries.
Gaines' contributions to the comic book industry were recognized posthumously with several prestigious honors, including his induction into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1993, the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1997, and the Ghastly Awards' Hall of Fame in 2012, a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of comics.
