ИСТИНА

This article explores the representation of Lower Slobbovia, a fictional country from the comic strip Li'l Abner by Al Capp, within the broader context of mass culture and satire. It analyzes how both verbal and visual elements of the comic construct an image of the country, juxtaposed against American ideals using an imagological "us vs. them" framework. The study highlights the satirical critique of foreign aid, comparing Lower Slobbovia to Cold War-era stereotypes. The article also traces the evolution of fictional states, from utopias to dystopias, in literary and popular culture.