HomeNewsBusinessCultureHealthVideoNewsletter

"American Splendor" Comic Writer Dies

Harvey Pekar passed away at 70 years old.

By: Christal Gardiola
Published: July 13th, 2010 in Culture » Books » News
Harvey PekarPic: Wikipedia

Famed graphic novelist Harvey Pekar was found dead on Monday, July 12, around 1 a.m. by his wife at their Cleveland Heights home. The cause of his death is still unknown but the coroner’s office revealed there will be an autopsy. The 70-year-old was also reportedly battling against prostate cancer, depression, asthma and high blood pressure.

Best known as the writer of the American Splendor comic series, Pekar has been recognized for his witty humour and autobiographical style. American Splendor, which chronicled his life experiences in his hometown of Cleveland, received the American Book Award in 1987 for its first anthology. The comic series was later on adapted into a Hollywood film in 2003.

Pekar has also appeared on countless television shows including Late Night with David Letterman and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.

Renowned chef, author and TV personality Bourdain featured Pekar in his Cleveland episode in 2007. Upon hearing about Pekar’s recent passing, Bourdain wrote a column in the NPR. He said, “A few days ago, the city of Cleveland lost a truly great and important man. And I'm not talking about LeBron James.”

Born and raised in Cleveland, Pekar wrote about his life and wrapped it with humour in American Splendor and his other works. In 1994, he co-wrote Our Cancer Year with his then-wife about his experiences with lymphoma. Then in 2005, he published a graphic novel titled The Quitter. It tells the story of Pekar’s childhood, as the son of two Jewish immigrants in the ཮s and ླྀs. American Splendor: Another Dollar, the last version of his famous comic series, was published in 2009.

Related articles: Books, Harvey Pekar, American Splendor
0 times
An Unorthodox Book Set for Orthodox Newlyweds

Sex Education Book Translated to Hebrew

Diary of Anne Frank Deemed Pornographic by Michigan Mom

A 7th grade parents wants the book removed from her child’s classroom

Beastie Boys to Release Memoirs in 2015

Mike D and Ad-Rock sign with Random House imprint

Breakthrough Jew - Sheila Heti

Heti was recently shortlisted as one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world for her novel 'How Should a Person Be?'

Jason Segel to Write ‘Nightmares!’ Trilogy

The ‘How I Met Your Mother’ star is co-authoring a kid’s series with Kirsten Miller

Toronto’s Sheila Heti Shortlisted For Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential

Heti is being considered alongside President Obama, Malala Yousafzai, and Mohammed Morsi

An Unorthodox Book Set for Orthodox Newlyweds

Sex Education Book Translated to Hebrew

Diary of Anne Frank Deemed Pornographic by Michigan Mom

A 7th grade parents wants the book removed from her child’s classroom

Beastie Boys to Release Memoirs in 2015

Mike D and Ad-Rock sign with Random House imprint

Breakthrough Jew - Sheila Heti

Heti was recently shortlisted as one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world for her novel 'How Should a Person Be?'

Jason Segel to Write ‘Nightmares!’ Trilogy

The ‘How I Met Your Mother’ star is co-authoring a kid’s series with Kirsten Miller

Toronto’s Sheila Heti Shortlisted For Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential

Heti is being considered alongside President Obama, Malala Yousafzai, and Mohammed Morsi

news_scroll_down
OUR FACEBOOK FANS
Blogs
Take Responsibility for Your Own

The 19 year old sophomore sat on the exam table looking at the floor. A college student with obvious charm

The Stanford Prison Experiment at

In 1971, researchers set up a prison in the basement of Stanford University's Psychology Department. The idea was to

U.S. vs. Europe: Health Care

As I have tried to make abundantly clear the United States is the only country in the industrialized world that

Hands Off America

Alright, that does it.Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Americans have been willing to do their part for

Fat Returns After Liposuction ...

A study appeared in a journal titled “Obesity” which was reported by a group from the University of Colorado. In

What does Victory Look Like?

Sixty-five years ago today, World War II officially came to an end. On September 2, 1945, Japanese Foreign Minister

Share This Story With Your Friends!

Your Name:

Friend's Name:

E-Mail:

Friend's E-Mail:

(This information will not be displayed publicly)

Optional Message: