Wallace Wood was an American comics artist and illustrator, best known for his work on Mad magazine and in the EC Comics line of the 1950s. He was one of the founding members of the New York School of Comic book artists. His work is noted for its use of satire and dark humor. Wood was born in 1927 in Menasha, Wisconsin. He began his career as a cartoonist in the 1940s, working for various comic book publishers. He first gained notoriety for his work on EC Comics' Mad magazine, where he served as both artist and editor. He also worked on the company's line of horror comics, including Tales from the Crypt and The Haunt of Fear. In the 1950s, Wood became one of the founding members of the New York School of Comic book artists. This group included such notable artists as Jack Kirby, Gil Kane, and Wally Wood. The New York School artists were known for their innovative approach to comics, which often incorporated elements of art and design into their stories. Wood's most famous creation is the character Woody Allen, who appeared in several of his comics. Woody was a self-deprecating everyman who was constantly getting into humorous situations. The character was later adapted into a successful film franchise starring Allen himself. Wood also had a successful career as an illustrator, working for such clients as Time, Life, and Playboy magazine. He also did a great deal of work in advertising, creating memorable campaigns for Coca-Cola and Ford Motors. Wood passed away in 1981, but his legacy continues to influence artists and writers working in the comics medium today.