The Life and Times of R. Crumb

Underground comics artist Robert Crumb, recently subject of the lavish R. Crumb Coffee Table Art Book , receives further confirmation of his arrival as full-fledged cultural icon: a collection of memoirs and tributes attesting his importance and influence. The 47 contributors Beauchamp, editor of the occasional alternative comics anthology Blab (see Blab #9 ), rounds up include fellow cartoonists (Matt Groening, Will Eisner), filmmakers (Terry Gilliam, Jim Jarmusch), cultural observers (Paul Krassner, Roger Ebert), and even Crumb’s ex-wife. The most heartfelt contributions are testimonials from the current generation of alternative comics artists, who speak of the profound influence Crumb’s art–and his iconoclastic, irreverent attitude–had on their work. More fascinating, though, are the comments of Crumb’s contemporaries, who provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of the early days of hippiedom and the birth of the underground comics movement. Crumb’s fans constitute the obvious audience for the volume, but viewers of the acclaimed 1994 documentary Crumb should also appreciate these additional glimpses of its outlandishly eccentric subject. Gordon Flagg. Enhanced by his illustrations, the life of the underground comix artist is celebrated through a collection of contributions from some of today’s well-known filmmakers, film critics, publishers, and writers, accompanied by R. Crumb’s distinctive artwork. Original. 35,000 first printing.