The Complete Crumb Comics Vol 1. $19.95

This is it! One of the most important and ambitious undertakings in comics history — a high-quality reprinting of everything cartooning genius Robert Crumb has ever published. This series of volumes will knock you out with its sheer scope and thoroughness. This premiere volume, “Early Years of Bitter Struggle,” chronicles the genesis of one of the most fascinating careers in America’s popular arts, featuring the unique collaborations of Robert and Charles Crumb, the earliest appearances of Fritz the Cat (including a Robin Hood parody), “Treasure Island Days” (a reflection of the young Crumbs’ fascination with the Disney movie), numerous previously unpublished strips, sketchbook work, full-color covers of comics he drew for his own amusement, and much more! Finally back in print, this volume is a must for every Crumb fan.

Editor’s Note:

Having been a huge Crumb fan,  I thought it is important to look at his early work first. Yes he could draw, but at this point he had not reached the top of his craft in terms of drawing skills. However, his ability  to fill the speak balloons with satirical comment on  life in the US was very well developed and is the essence of Crumb. We will not review all issues in this series but will pick one or two more to illustrate milestones in his craft.