American Splendor Our Movie Year (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fans of Pekar's slice-of-life series American Splendor might be worried when they pick up this latest installment. Pekar is known for his everyman persona and his man-of-the-people storytelling style. But can he keep those qualities in the face of an award-winning movie based on his autobiographical comic book series? Happily, the answer is "you bet." Pekar's narrative style, as always, is straightforward. Mostly, he talks to the "camera." Occasionally, he lets readers into his head through halting, uncertain thought balloons (which nicely reproduce actual thoughts). Some of Pekar's stories are simple reportage, such as an account of his various David Letterman appearances. Others--like his description of locking himself out of his car at the movies--are great character studies. Throughout the stories in this collection, Pekar retains his trademark character: humble, down-to-earth, yet prickly at times. The art, by a crew of well-known independent cartoonists, varies in style--photo-reference realism, 1960s-style underground, computer graphics--but not in quality. All of it gets Pekar right. And some--like Mark Zingarelli's and R. Crumb's--is near perfect. Pekar fans will enjoy this strong collection, and be happy to see Pekar's adventures continuing in Hollywood and beyond. (Dec.)
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Review

The Guardian Guide March 12-18 2005:" ...everyman comics legend Harvey Pekar follows up the positive critical reaction to the American Splendor film with this great collection showing what happens when your life is turned into a film..." Hotdog Magazine, review by Jon Warne: " ...it would be hard not to appreciate this fantatic collection of tales from Pekar's weird world...this graphic novel is both amusing and touching" Word Magazine, March 2005: " ..genuinely funny...the fortunes of the depressive, cancer survivor grip you tightly." --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; First Edition edition (December 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345479378
• ISBN-13: 978-0345479372
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #636,201 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Excellent Collection, March 26, 2005

By	Jim M. (Springfield MA) - See all my reviews

If Harvey Pekar didn't write comics and his work was in essay form, I'm sure he would be considered one of the best writers working today. But, because some people are still afraid to take comics seriously, he has a cult following, made stronger because of the AMERICAN SPLENDOR film.

OUR MOVIE YEAR is an excellent addition to his work. It is made up of comics from around the time of the making of the film. From his first selling the rights, to the various times the production fell through, to the eventual release and acclaim.

The thing that is so wonderful about Pekar and his comics is just how honest they are. I mean, a large part of the story are his financial worries, his worrying about if he will be able to sell enough freelance articles to supplement his pension, and if the "buzz" on him will die down after people forget the movie. Most acclaimed writers wouldn't be so honest.

The collection isn't just about the movie. There are several biographical pieces on favorite writers and musicians that are wonderful as well.

It is a must own comic, not just for fans of Pekar, but for anyone who wants to read a wonderful writer.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The padding is some of the best stuff!, March 23, 2006

By	Stefan Jones (Suburbs of Portland, OR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I got a big kick out of the "American Splendor" movie. In addition to being a fun flick, it brought Pekar some well-deserved attention. It was nice to see him get interviews and a chance to travel around.

It was pretty much a sure thing, then, that I would buy "Our Movie Year," a comeek about Pekar's brush with fame.

Well . . . I'm not sorry I bought the book, but it's a mixed bag.

Here's the disappointing part: Unlike "Our Cancer Year," this isn't a single story book, planned from the beginning, or even a collection of original short pieces. It is a compilation of dozens of short pieces, apparently reprinted from magazines and Harvey's own comic. This would be OK, but in many cases they cover the same events. Some are reprises of how Harvey came to write autobiographical comics . . . a story well known to anyone who has read the earlier "American Splendor" anthologies. Sure, in some cases the material is told from a different angle, or in more detail. For example, Harvey's reprisal of his rocky relationship with David Letterman is more honest and introspective.

What really made this book worth buying was what might be considered padding, totally unrelated to the events surrounding the movie: Short illustrated pieces on famous authors, jazz legends, and other cultural items. Items like these are how Harvey earns his living, and it was really neat to see them. In addition to being interesting in their own right, they show that Pekar can more than "stories about nothing."

I give this one a thumbs up, and would especially recommend it to those who haven't read any of Pekar's other books.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thumbs Up, February 10, 2005

By	Tigerdag (TN) - See all my reviews

Not quite as good as American Splendor: The Life and Times of Harvey Pekar but still very good and should not be missed. I cannot help but relate to Harvey because the similarities in where he used to work (I used to work in the medical records department of a hospital) his love of comics and jazz and his friends who are loveable but quirky. This is definitely not for those who are only into super hero oriented comics. This is day to day scenerios that happen to any ordinary person but Harvey tells his stories in an extraordinary way.