The Australian version of MAD Magazine was founded in 1978 by Horwitz Publications. Although the licence to produce MAD in Australia was purchased in 1978, the first magazine printed wasn't until December 1980.
When the first magazine came out it bore few differences to the US version. But most notably, it was 56 pages long compared to the 48 page US edition. It also featured some original Australian content, including "Australia Is Going MAD" announcing the new Australian edition.
The first four copies lacked an issue number and a barcode. This is presumably because Horwitz was undecided on whether to start a new run from number one, or continue with the US numbers. All was revealed with the fifth issue, sporting No. 223 on the cover. Horwitz had decided to continue with the US numbers.
The first Australian issue to have a cover different to the US edition, was number 224 in 1981...
Check out http://australia.madtrash.com/ to read the rest of the history of the Australian MAD.
Thanks to Mark Beadle for his support!!!
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