Harvey Pekar

Harvey Pekar is an American comic book writer and jazz critic. He is best known for his creator-owned, autobiographical series American Splendor.

Pekar's friendship with underground comics legend Robert Crumb is what led him to create the autobiographical series. Splendor documents Pekar's life working as a file clerk in a Veterans Administration hospital in Cleveland. In 2003, the book was adapted for the screen with actor Paul Giamatti starring as Pekar.

Pekar continues to write largely autobiographical works, illustrated by some of the comic world's most well-known artists including Crumb, Gary Dumm, Greg Budgett, Spain Rodriguez, Joe Zabel, Gerry Shamray, Frank Stack, Mark Zingarelli and Joe Sacco.

Pekar is also a jazz critic.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Harvey Lawrence Pekar
2. Born: October 8, 1939
3. Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
4. Notable Works: American Splendor and Our Cancer Year
5. In 2003, a film adaptation of American Splendor was released
6. Paul Giamatti portrayed Pekar in the film

Publications

• 1987: More American Splendor
• 1991: The New American Splendor Anthology
• 1994: Our Cancer Year
• 1996: American Splendor Presents: Bob & Harv's Comics
• 2003: American Splendor: Unsung Hero
• 2003: American Splendor: The Life and Times of Harvey Pekar
• 2004: American Splendor: Our Movie Year
• 2005: Best of American Splendor
• 2005: The Quitter
• 2006: Ego & Hubris: The Michael Malice Story
• 2006: Macedonia
• 2007: American Splendor: Another Day
• 2008: Students for a Democratic Society: A Graphic History

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