Writer Harvey Pekar was found dead in the early hours yesterday (July 12, 2010). He died at home in Cleveland Heights, OH, where he worked for many years as a file clerk at a Veterans Administration hospital in addition to writing semi-autobiographical comics and jazz reviews.
Pekar is probably best know for his comics, mostly published under the title American Splendor. He drew on his own life experiences and often wrote about seemingly mundane things that, cumulatively, have a great impact on life. The first anthology of these comics won the 1987 American Book Award.
The comics he wrote were drawn by a number of notable artists. Some of these are Robert Crumb, Dean Haspiel, Joe Sacco, and Frank Stack.
This work is the basis for the 2003 biopic that is also entitled American Splendor. The movie won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
The cause of death has not been announced, though the Cuyahoga County Coroner announced an autopsy will be performed. Pekar suffered from a number of health problems including prostate cancer. He and his wife, Joyce Brabner, wrote about his battle with cancer in their book-length comic Our Cancer Year.
Pekar is survived by his wife, Joyce Brabner, and their foster daughter, Danielle Batone. He was born October 8, 1939, in Cleveland, where he lived for most of his life, notably excepting his time of service in the Navy.
Additional resources:
A PEKAR TRIBUTE: Collaborators & colleagues remember 'sweet, curmudgeonly' Harvey
Comic book icon Harvey Pekar dead at 70
Harvey Pekar, Cleveland comic-book legend, dies at age 70
Harvey Pekar dies at 70; comic book author known for 'American Splendor' series
Harvey Pekar lives on via the web
Harvey Pekar, RIP
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