On October 17, 2005, the 40 greatest magazine covers of the last 40 years were unveiled at the American Magazine Conference (AMC), examples of the origins of brilliance. Selected at number 7, arguably the most iconic National Lampoon cover ever, with gun pointed at a dog, "If you don't buy this magazine, we'll kill this dog." Conceived by Ed Bluestone and skillful art direction of Michael Gross, photographed by Ronald G. Harris, is a success primarily because of one element-a joke.