Jay Kinney's "Too Real"

There is no shortage of prognosticators in our society today, soapbox sages who describe at length the bleak dystopian future facing humanity. I am more interested in people like writer and cartoonist Jay Kinney, who accurately predicted the troubles of today more than thirty years ago. Case in point: "Too Real," created for the premiere issue of Anarchy Comics (Sept 1978, Last Gasp) . Follow the adventures of Normal Joe and his family as their American Dream turns into a nightmare. Too bad stuff like this wasn't in our school textbooks.





Jay Kinney is here.

Jack Kamen's "Payoff Blues"

Jack Kamen was an artist very closely associated with EC's legendary horror comics, but this tale of crooks and spooks appeared in Fiction House's Ghost Comics #6 (Spring 1953). The artist id was provided by Frank Motler at GCD. Interesting use of blues music in a horror story.
Author unknown.

Basil Wolverton's "Nightmare World"

Harvey Pekar: Scenes From a Life

It isn't uncommon, upon hearing of the passing of a famous actor or author, to feel a sense of personal loss, even if one only knew the person from their body of work. Harvey Pekar's passing saddens me so much more, because he shared with me and everyone else who adored his autobiographical comics so many of the little personal details that colored his life.

I saw Harvey at his best, and at his worst. I know of his love for jazz, and his contempt for bullshit. I knew of his struggles with relationships and his battle with cancer. Harvey was a grouchy curmudgeon, but he was also a caring individual who helped many people and imparted his wisdom freely.

Yesterday, I lost a real good friend. Here are some of my memories from that long enduring friendship. Thanks for elevating my consciousness, pal.



















































Harvey Pekar: 1939-2010

All images from American Splendor comics. No library is complete without some Pekar!