Harvey Pekar Dies

HARVEY PEKAR, 70, author of the cult comic series American Splendor, has died. The underground comic mined his rather combative personality for the autobiographical graphic novel, which was set in his home of Cleveland, centering around his kvetching about his life. Pekar’s friend R. Crumb inspired him to begin the comic and illustrated early issues, while Pekar handled writing duties. In 2003, American Splendor was adapted into an Oscar-nominated biopic of the same name starring Paul Giamatti, with a cameo by Pekar. Over the years, Pekar made several memorable appearances on David Letterman. Here’s one: