Magazine

Click here for all  MAGAZINE CONTENT.

History of Modest Proposal Magazine

In January 2003, Ron Babcock and Ryan McKee founded Modest Proposal Magazine, an independent comedy publication that was equal parts National Lampoon, The Onion A.V. Club, McSweeny’s and boundless, ignorant hope. They published the first issue out of their house and continued in that manner for the next three years. As the print quality and content improved, Ron & Ryan’s living quarters shrank around them. The comedy duo subsisted on the positive reviews generated by the magazine and their live shows:

Zine Guide named Modest Proposal one of the best new publications in 2003.

Phoenix New Times named Modest Proposal Presents . . . “The Best Intentional Hilarity” in their 2006 “Best of Phoenix.”

“Ron Babcock and Ryan McKee are definitely proponents of cutting-edge comedy.”
- Nikki D’Andrea, Phoenix New Times

“They have an edgier and hipper comedy than you’ll see almost anywhere.”
- Dan Mer, Tempe Improv (quoted in Get OutAZ)

“Ryan McKee and Ron Babcock are the comic geniuses behind the local Modest Proposal Magazine.” – Joe Watson, Phoenix New Times

“Whether it’s poking at each other, themselves or hitting on some universal human tangent, their show is fast, daring and exceptionally funny. These gentleman are razor sharp and just as quick, you’ll find your eyes volleying back and forth like it’s the U.S. Open.” – Amy Young, Java Magazine

“I feel bits of early PUNK and MAD creeping in around the corners [of Modest Proposal Magazine] and that’s a good feeling, indeed.” – Todd Taylor, Razorcake

In April 2006, they released their sixth and final issue. While ad-revenues and sales were at an all-time high, Ron & Ryan decided to focus more on performing and other endeavors.

STAFF

El Presidente
Ryan McKee

Prime Minister
Ron Babcock

Managing Editor
Tara Carpenter

Comix
Brandon Huigens, Mike Hollingsworth

Contributors
(in no particular order)
Ronnie Deleski, Jacki Orr, M.G. Maloney, Ben Kharakh, Mat Snapp, Chris Dunham, Jonah Ray, Jen Kirkman, Chrystyna Golloher, Jim Mahfood, Luster Kaboom, Mary Mack, Bonnie McFarlane, Lynn Shawcroft, Kiyoshi Nakazawa, LEV, Kena Ray, Kevin Polowy, Yasmin Tabi, Eddie Shoebang, Sean Anders, Brodie Hubbard, Eric Koester, Teresa Aguilera, Paul Goebel, The Great One, Nic Wegener, Jen Wood, Tyson McKee, Dan Piatkowski, Andrea Golloher, Todd Valdini, Chris Keener, Greg Burosh, Paul Williamson, Lora Bodmer, and email me if I forgot you (ryan at mpempire.com).