Playboy's Newest Cover Girl: Marge Simpson

Cartoon Matriarch Meant to Attract Younger Readers, Says Flanders (Playboy CEO)

(AP)  Aye Carumba!

Marge Simpson has done something that Homer might not like but will make Bart the proudest kid in his school: She's posed for Playboy magazine.

After more than a half century featuring women like Marilyn Monroe, Cindy Crawford and the Girls of Hooters on its cover, Playboy has for the first time given the spot to a cartoon character.

And the magazine is giving the star of "The Simpsons" the star treatment, complete with a data sheet, an interview and a 2-page centerfold.

The magazine's editorial director, James Jellinek, won't say exactly how much of Marge will show in the November edition that hits newsstands on Oct. 16 — or whether she lets that big pile of blue hair down. But, he said, "It's very, very racy."

But he stressed that the mother of three — the youngest a baby, by the way — has a lot to be proud of.

"She is a stunning example of the cartoon form," he said on Friday at the magazine's headquarters in Chicago, appearing both pleased and surprised at the words coming out of his mouth.

New Playboy CEO Scott Flanders says the idea is to attract readers in their 20s to a magazine where the average reader's age is 35.

The magazine also hopes to turn the November issue into a collectors' item by featuring Marge, sitting on a chair in the shape of the iconic Playboy bunny, on the cover of only the magazines sold in newsstands. Subscribers get a more traditional model on the cover.

"It's so rare in today's digital age where you have the opportunity to send people to the newsstand to pick something up," Jellinek said.

Playboy even convinced 7-Eleven to carry the magazine in its 1,200 corporate-owned stores, something the company has only done once before in more than 20 years.

"We love Marge," said 7-Eleven spokesman Margaret Chabris.

For those who do collect the magazine — and they're out there — the cover will bring to mind another first for the magazine that occurred in 1971 when a black woman appeared on the cover in exactly the same pose and, like Marge, smiling under an impressive head of hair.

"We knew it was something all of our readers would get a kick out of," said Hennessey.

Jellinek said putting Marge on the cover, while unusual, made perfect sense. For one thing, the cover celebrates the 20th anniversary of the TV show. Further, he said there was an episode in which "Marge bears all," which suggested the at she, or at least the people who drew her, would be comfortable with the Playboy treatment.

Perhaps most important, the idea seemed like a good one to the magazine's founder, Hugh Hefner.

"He's a huge 'Simpsons' fan,' said Jellinek. "He's been on 'The Simpsons."'

[rwsmith29456]

I worry about these 'younger readers'.

[Noval53]

I think an appearance by the robusty Jessica Rabbit is going to cost too much; even for Playboy's budget. Disney would charge high dollar for that fold out. However I don't doubt some excellent digital divas are available at much reduced rates.

[jaykay3141]

There's a single cel the animators slipped into 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' that answers your request. My old VHS tape is long gone but IIRC it's in the scene when she's up on stage. Oughtta be easy to find on a DVD or BluRay...

[jaykay3141]

g-gfather:

1. IT'S A CARTOON!!

2. IT'S A SATIRE!!

3. Please learn the difference between "its" and "it's" before posting more right-wing rants. But in fairness, I'll grant you 2 props for ending with the longer word instead of posting an asterisked 4-letter term...

[jamesnet-2009]

Madge on the cover of Playboy and now Obama has won the Nobel Peace Prize. Are the maniacs in charge now? What happens next? Will they both share the Heisman trophy?

[g-gfather]

As a nation the U.S.will drown in it's own excrement.
Great-Grandfather,

[Midwestchristian]

Ick.

[Brundige]

Once again, we give more fodder for our enemies abroad (of the caliphate kind). Hedonism is so common anymore that this is the only complaint being written in the opinions space.

[AttentionDeficit]

Brundige: We are all inspired by your piousness

[Scimajor]

Hehe, ya I noticed the Fladers bit right away. At first I thought the name was a joke.

[scubbasteve01]

Marge Simpson is bringing sexy back! It makes you wonder what Krusty the Clown is thinking!

[woozybarnes]

by sdcazares1980 October 9, 2009 8:45 PM EDT
How ironic. The CEO is Flanders. LOL.
GREAT CATCH!

[sdcazares1980]

How ironic. The CEO is Flanders. LOL.

[woozybarnes]

As Moe once commented about Marge, "She's got legs from here to yaya".

[Questionews]

Marge & Levi Johnston have a wonderful photo montage reenacting all the positions of The Kama Sutra.

[frogger581]

As if silicone wasn't enough guys have to get off on REALLY fake boobs now. Thank you anime for leading the way...