National Lampoon — April 1985 “The Best from Europe” (Sealed)

They did it again. And this time it was French.

National Lampoon, April 1985 — “The Best from Europe.” A monthly issue in sealed condition, still in its original poly bag. Cover price: $2.00. Unread, unhandled, exactly as it left the newsstand.

The Cover

A direct callback to the most famous magazine cover in American history — the January 1973 National Lampoon “Buy This Magazine or We’ll Kill This Dog” cover that put the magazine on the map and defined a generation of dark humor. This time: a woman in a red beret holds a fluffy poodle with a blue bow while a hand enters frame from the right holding a chrome revolver to the dog’s head. The text reads:

“Buy Zees Magazine or We’ll Shoot Zees French ‘Ookair!”

It is a perfect joke. It knows exactly what it is referencing, it commits completely, and it lands. One of the most collectible Lampoon covers of the 1980s.

Context

The original 1973 dog cover — photographed by Ronald Harris, conceived by the Lampoon editors — is widely cited as one of the greatest magazine covers ever printed. It sold out on newsstands and established National Lampoon as the most dangerous humor publication in America. This 1985 European edition riff is a knowing wink at that legacy, twelve years later, with a poodle and a French accent.

Condition

• Sealed in original poly bag — never opened
• Cover: Near Mint — bright, vivid color, no visible damage through the bag
• One copy available

About National Lampoon

National Lampoon (1970–1998) was the most influential American humor magazine of the 20th century — the training ground for John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Gilda Radner, and the writers who created Saturday Night Live, Animal House, Caddyshack, and Vacation. This cover is a piece of that history.

Available in-store at The Foundry, 35 W. Huron Street, Pontiac MI, and online while this copy lasts.