"American Splendor" by Harvey Pekar comic review - graphic novel recommendations

Описание: Support my Patreon crowdfunding: http://www.crowdfundstu.com/
Read my comics: http://www.stuartmcmillen.com/

Review of comic book series "American Splendor" by Harvey Pekar – from Stuart McMillen’s graphic novel recommendations.

"American Splendor" by was an iconic work: a series of autobiographical comics that were published by Harvey Pekar from 1976 through until 2008, which was shortly before his death.

The comics were mostly autobiographical stories about Harvey’s everyday life. Which was quite a revelation when he started publishing these comics in the 1970s.

It was Harvey who had the foresight to see the comics didn’t have to be about superheroes, or dragons, or outer space. He saw that comics could equally be about needing to take your car to the mechanic. Or, being called up for jury duty. Or, his experiences working his day job as a filing clerk in a Cleveland hospital.

Throughout the run of comics, readers sensed that Harvey was a battler, living a slim existence. Even though he got invited for regular appearances on the David Letterman show, the actual sales of his comic were fairly low.

So, balancing his budget and money issues continue to be a recurring theme of "American Splendor", as was his relationship with his wife, and his efforts to be a good dad to their adopted daughter.

Harvey Pekar was the writer of all of these comics, but he didn’t draw the artwork for any of the comics. All the different stories are drawn by a variety of artists, including the legendary R. Crumb.

It’s really interesting to see the way that all of the different artists drew Harvey in their own style. It’s really interesting to see the juxtaposition between those who draw him in a realistic style, compared to those who draw Harvey in a grotesque style.

On one hand Harvey Pekar was just an average working class guy, but on the other hand he was a real visionary who essentially invented a whole new genre of comics.

Buy "American Splendor: The Life and Times of Harvey Pekar"
https://www.bookdepository.com/Americ...

(see also: "Our Cancer Year" by Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner
https://www.bookdepository.com/Our-Ca... )

(If you make any purchases through The Book Depository after clicking those affiliate links, I'll get a small financial kickback.)

Watch my other individual comic book reviews:    • Comic book reviews - short clips  
Watch my lengthier book review videos, that each feature multiple titles discussed:    • Comic book reviews - extended