Customer Reviews

American Splendor: Another Dollar

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This material was all published in four comics during the summer of 2008. Pekar fans will already have it! So don't get excited like me, buy it, sit down with a glass of milk at home thinking you are in for another rare and beautiful experience, you're not. In this respect I give 0 stars to the publisher, because nothing on the cover or back of the book says it is previously published material, only the fine print beneath the copyright. Like the guy who hyperventilated getting to ask President Obama a question at a Town Hall in Florida I was too excited, praising God and such about a new Pekar to look that far. I won't get fooled again, though, and will return it for store credit to put towards Pekar's Beat Generation book coming out in March.

The content of this book is outstanding, however. Pekar is back writing about what he knows best, himself. I've been reading him since 1980 and though he has become a big movie star I continue to be amazed at how his story is still really the story of all us everyfolk. These stories deal with how life is going for him following his fifteen minutes of fame in Hollywood. You'll see him deal with his car, like we all do, methods for dealing with fans who show up on his doorstep and won't leave, which none of us do, and watch as he debates how much pain is too much and ruminates upon the things he's done he's not proud of, while reminding us of all the terrible things he didn't do. Great stories, great art, great man. Buy the book, in fact I'm now considering keeping mine just to have it all in one handy volume, and because Harvey needs a few dollars more.

As usual, Pekar is witty, curmudgeonly, humane beneath the gruff exterior, and full of fresh insight into the everyday human condition. It's such a pleasure to spend time in the presence of an artist with a unique point of view.

As always, Harvey Pekar succeeds in showing the beauty that surrounds us ... if we only open our eyes and see it.

"Another Dollar" is a collection of stories from Harvey Pekar's ongoing autobiographical series "American Splendor". In this book, he worries about not getting an asthma inhaler in time for his trip to Chicago. His wife tells him not to grunt when he lifts up a futon pad. He argues with artist Josh Neufeld about the way he drew his cat in a recent strip. He meets a new barber and worries that the barber might be no good (he's relieved when he is). A girl he recommended the book "Moby Dick" to invites him to her wedding years later - he worries about the cost of the ticket but reasons that at least he made an impression on someone.

Some stories are very meta. His publisher calls to ask him for a one page strip so he writes a one page strip about that phonecall. His friend calls asking him to contribute a strip for an anthology but Harv says he has nothing to write about. He writes about their phone call and the following conversation about jazz.

I like his use of the artists. For example, Darick Robertson, perhaps one of his generations most dynamic artists who's illustrated Transmetropolitan, The Boys, and The Authority, draws a strip where Harv's car gets jumpstarted by a receptionist.

Other fantastic artists who illustrate Harvey's stories are Darwyn Cooke, David Lapham, Rick Geary, Dean Haspiel, and Josh Neufeld. It's a really good looking collection of stories with a few full colour covers at the back of the book.

One story about Harv worrying about taxes turns into a story about having his car's bumper fixed. It's about as exciting a story as you'll find in these pages. And yet, every story here is fascinating. It's difficult to explain to anyone who hasn't read any of Harvey Pekar's work before but simple things like getting a free haircut or getting a good review online mean a lot to him and consequently mean something to the reader. You always root for Harvey as he comes across as just the nicest guy.

It's a really wonderful collection of stories about the everyday life of Harvey Pekar. It's not the events so much as the personality of the man that colours the stories and make them into what they are - great stories told by a compelling and unique individual. It's a shame "American Splendor" has ended and Harvey's passed away but his books live on. "Another Dollar" is a great introduction to the work of one of comics' greatest artists.

The always insightful and enjoyable Harvey Pekar is back with this collection of past gems, "Another Dollar." The man can do no wrong and the price is right. More good stuff from Harvey, who continues to go strong well into his retirement years. Keep em coming, please!