My thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this biography on a true pioneer in art, changing the way comic books were, viewed, helping other artists get noticed and a man who has lived his life the way he was wanted it, no matter the cost.

I have loved comic books since I started reading, but came to the world of underground comics late in my childhood. There were really no comic book stories around, so my Dad would take my brother and I on road trips to other towns, usually down a long flight of stairs into dim little basements, loaded with wonders. My brother was quick with his money, but I was someone who was well a little more picky. I would look for issues to complete certain runs, things I had heard of, then splurge in the bargain bins. And what wonders I found. Between bargain bins and flea markets I had comics that I knew had never seen a comic code. Nor in some places a good editor. Some were amazing, some were not. They were different, odd, personal, angry, mean, dark, funny, made a young man feel funny, and weird. It was love at first sight in many case to me. All this I owe to Robert Crumb. Crumb: A Cartoonist's Life by curator and comic historian Dan Nadel is a look at the life of this exceptional man, with exceptionally off the beaten paths taste, and incredible talent.

The book begins with a look at the world of comics and the backgrounds of the parents of the artist Robert Crumb. Even from their beginnings Crumb had a lot to get past to become the man he became. Their traumas later affected Robert and his many siblings, limiting and scarring them all for life, with only Robert and his sister Carol seeming to get free. The Crumb siblings shared a love of comics, creating entire runs of funny animal stories, with detailed art, stories, and even subscriptions. Robert escaped to Cleveland after high school, finding a job at American Greetings card company drawing cards, and soon designing, as others could see his skill. Robert also found something else. Women. Soon Robert was married, after a long courtship, and travelling the world, working on his art, selling his stories, and honing his craft. San Francisco opened him to more opportunities, as well as LSD, which helped him deal with, and be more open about himself, which he began to put into his art. Art that took comics into strange new places. Places that are still being discusses to this day.

A wonderful biography, done with permission and with the assistance of Crumb, family and friends. I remember years ago watching the documentary, Crumb, and thinking why aren't we talking more about the art, and stop making his family seem like a freak show. Nadel handles all facets of Crumbs life with aplomb. As a comic historian Nadel can explain Crumb's style, and what he has done for comic history. As a writer he can portray Crumb honestly, like Crumbs asks, as a man who has failed at being a father in some ways, a husband in others, but has more than succeeded at being an artist. Nadel is really good at breaking one's heart. There is a lot of sadness, so much wasted potential, lost to drugs, illness, past trauma, and just in many cases bad luck.

Nadel really soars at explaining the art. The book has quite a lot of examples an Nadel an explain why this works, why this doesn't, as well as give brief summaries of Crumb's fellow creators. One learns about publishing, the history of comic books, the underground and much more. Some of the stories are great, some are again quite sad. All make for compelling reading.

One of the best biographies I have read. I learned so much. This is the perfect book for comic fans, comic historians, artists, want-to-be artists and dreamers.

Robert Crum was an interesting figure. In the movie, American Splendor, his friendship with Harvey Pekar was such a cool thing to see. His art style is inimitable and it was so cool to learn more about his childhood and how that style developed. Many of my students are art kids and, especially, comic book kids, so this one will be good for them to have as a resource.

A fascinating and compelling look into the life and times of the most famous underground comics artist.

Thanks to Scribner and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.

While I haven't had the opportunity to dive into this book yet, its unique premise and compelling subject matter caught my attention. I look forward to exploring it in the future and plan to seek out more works by this author. The thoughtful reviews from other readers, combined with the intriguing synopsis and critical acclaim, have reinforced my interest in making time for this potentially enlightening read that promises to expand my understanding of the topic.