The Short History of America is probably one of the first comics I ever read by Crumb. And it was one of those things that made my jaw drop because I had never seen a comic up to that point that didn't have a story, a main character or a narrative beyond "The scene". I may have seen similar ideas but this one was something that caught my attention. My chemistry teacher was a HUGE Crumb fan and gave me the comics and my god I can't thank that guy enough for embarking me down this crazy road.
There's a turn-of-the-century German cartoonist named Adolf Oberländer (*1845-1923) who did something very similar to this with two panels - similar composition and all - captioned "then" & "now". I don't actually think Crumb had seen it when he made this, but the parallel thinking is quite striking, and shows that execution is as, if not more important than merely an original idea. (Oberländer's craftsmanship was also top-quality.)
Reprinted as a 2-page spread, in color, in the June 1982 issue of Heavy Metal. Lots of good content that month. A better kayfaber than me has probably mailed it over to Jim and Ed already. ;)
This piece may have been inspired by The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) which was directed by Orson Welles. I remember when I checked out his canon a little over 20 years ago I had no idea about this film. And when I watched it I was stunned mostly by the part played by Agnes Moorhead. Wth, the way she portrayed her character in the movie made me gulp. Even though she played a selfish character I was made sympathetic towards her. Incredible actress. And they show a town that goes through this metamorphosis. I love that film. It’s a masterpiece. Oddly enough my fave Orson Welles movie ever. Check it out if you haven’t. It creeps me out every time they show somewhere around the end of Act II I think, the city growing dark with those trolley, telephone, and telegraph wires crisscrossing overhead and the music gives me chills every time.
I think a lot of the best comedy/weird comics creators make phenomenal serious comics too. As an artist, especially these guys as comic artists, your mind goes everywhere. Even as he's making his normal fare, he still probably had so much rolling around in his mind. reminds me of Robin Williams who was so amazing in every comedic role, but his serious performances are, many times, even more impressive. Jim carrey too. And this could have been an idea he had since a kid, cause i remember as a kid being in class thinking like thousands of years ago, there was probably a dinosaur standing right here. he packaged it in such a succinct and beautiful way. master of the medium.
This is also reprinted at a good size in AN ANTHOLOGY OF GRAPHIC FICTION, CARTOONS, & TRUE STORIES, Vol. 1ed. Ivan Brunetti (Yale U.P. 2006)-- the one with the Seth cover. There's lots of affordable copies available on line.
As a boy in the ‘70’s I got Ranger Rick magazine (photographs of animals). One month there was a poster of Crumb’s Short History of America. I hung it on my wall. It’s actually how I became a fan. 😊
There was a sequel page of 3 possible outcomes: America as a huge garbage dump, a futuristic science-fiction world and one in which man and nature harmoniously co-exist. Maybe you could show that one off, too, later on.
Beautiful work, thanks for giving it some attention. Only thing I've seen that gives the same vibe is Chris Ware, some of his transitions where he jumps ahead / back in time.
I'm pretty sure the panels are showing differences of about 15 years each. e.g. panel 9 is circa 1930(cracked pavement, abandoned businesses and factories) and panel 11 is circa 1960(notice the Corvette). Ending at 9 gives the piece a very different flavor by ending right where the tree is gone and everything is in decay.
man so many artists do so much work, but there are certain times when they do something and theyre like "ok this is my CONTRIBUTION to the medium". Like when they looked at bill elder's MOLE! that was early in his stuff but it was a story that was funny but thought provoking and artistic at the same time.
I Snoid and was aware of the strip before buyingIt, but I was a nice surprise to have it included in this issue. You both provide excellent observations on this iconic strip - indeed probably Crumb’s best. Thanks
Would be nice to get the man himself on a stream. Every interview I've seen him do ignores the process itself, which is something this channel thrives on.
7:40 not the same tree, there's a smaller tree in front, on panel 3. Forest was taken down, this planted one remained, and finally it was taken down as well. interesting
Yes! The two trees are significant. the first sapling shows Nature's regeneration as first new growth of the forest that was cut back. the second sapling is the one planted by Man and it supplants the wild tree and is able to grow until it too is cleared to make way for progress
![⭐ฮิตในTikTok!! ( หมูเด้ง MooDeng ) Ver. แดนซ์โจ๊ะๆ ReMix BY [ ดีเจกิต รีมิกซ์ ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3krsyfWUeHU/mqdefault.jpg)
The Short History of America is probably one of the first comics I ever read by Crumb. And it was one of those things that made my jaw drop because I had never seen a comic up to that point that didn't have a story, a main character or a narrative beyond "The scene". I may have seen similar ideas but this one was something that caught my attention. My chemistry teacher was a HUGE Crumb fan and gave me the comics and my god I can't thank that guy enough for embarking me down this crazy road.
There's a turn-of-the-century German cartoonist named Adolf Oberländer (*1845-1923) who did something very similar to this with two panels - similar composition and all - captioned "then" & "now". I don't actually think Crumb had seen it when he made this, but the parallel thinking is quite striking, and shows that execution is as, if not more important than merely an original idea. (Oberländer's craftsmanship was also top-quality.)
Reprinted as a 2-page spread, in color, in the June 1982 issue of Heavy Metal. Lots of good content that month. A better kayfaber than me has probably mailed it over to Jim and Ed already. ;)
This piece may have been inspired by The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) which was directed by Orson Welles. I remember when I checked out his canon a little over 20 years ago I had no idea about this film. And when I watched it I was stunned mostly by the part played by Agnes Moorhead. Wth, the way she portrayed her character in the movie made me gulp. Even though she played a selfish character I was made sympathetic towards her. Incredible actress. And they show a town that goes through this metamorphosis. I love that film. It’s a masterpiece. Oddly enough my fave Orson Welles movie ever. Check it out if you haven’t. It creeps me out every time they show somewhere around the end of Act II I think, the city growing dark with those trolley, telephone, and telegraph wires crisscrossing overhead and the music gives me chills every time.
That was just great, you two. Thoroughly enjoyed the evolution of the corner lot. Crumb was brilliant.
I think a lot of the best comedy/weird comics creators make phenomenal serious comics too. As an artist, especially these guys as comic artists, your mind goes everywhere. Even as he's making his normal fare, he still probably had so much rolling around in his mind. reminds me of Robin Williams who was so amazing in every comedic role, but his serious performances are, many times, even more impressive. Jim carrey too. And this could have been an idea he had since a kid, cause i remember as a kid being in class thinking like thousands of years ago, there was probably a dinosaur standing right here. he packaged it in such a succinct and beautiful way. master of the medium.
Panel 9 is The Great Depression in the 30's. Even the factory stops producing as the smoke goes out then.
Yeah this has always been how I interpreted. Lends itself to a "one panel a decade" scheme
oooooooh good catch
This is also reprinted at a good size in AN ANTHOLOGY OF GRAPHIC FICTION, CARTOONS, & TRUE STORIES, Vol. 1ed. Ivan Brunetti (Yale U.P. 2006)-- the one with the Seth cover.
There's lots of affordable copies available on line.
This is a great anthology! Definitely worth an episode on Kayfabe.
As a boy in the ‘70’s I got Ranger Rick magazine (photographs of animals). One month there was a poster of Crumb’s Short History of America. I hung it on my wall. It’s actually how I became a fan. 😊
love walking up and getting my daily Cartoonist Kayfabe fix
There was a sequel page of 3 possible outcomes: America as a huge garbage dump, a futuristic science-fiction world and one in which man and nature harmoniously co-exist. Maybe you could show that one off, too, later on.
Do you know where that is printed?
Beautiful work, thanks for giving it some attention. Only thing I've seen that gives the same vibe is Chris Ware, some of his transitions where he jumps ahead / back in time.
I'm pretty sure the panels are showing differences of about 15 years each. e.g. panel 9 is circa 1930(cracked pavement, abandoned businesses and factories) and panel 11 is circa 1960(notice the Corvette). Ending at 9 gives the piece a very different flavor by ending right where the tree is gone and everything is in decay.
IMO this piece is when Crumb proved that comics are ART at a time when they were considered just something for kids and stoners.
man so many artists do so much work, but there are certain times when they do something and theyre like "ok this is my CONTRIBUTION to the medium". Like when they looked at bill elder's MOLE! that was early in his stuff but it was a story that was funny but thought provoking and artistic at the same time.
My favorite Crumb strip are 'Walkin' The Streets" and "Uncle Bob's Midlife Crisis." Those were two very influential comics on me.
I Snoid and was aware of the strip before buyingIt, but I was a nice surprise to have it included in this issue. You both provide excellent observations on this iconic strip - indeed probably Crumb’s best. Thanks
Would be nice to get the man himself on a stream. Every interview I've seen him do ignores the process itself, which is something this channel thrives on.
One of the 10 greatest living artists.
Panel three is not electrical - it's telegraph - goes with the railroad. Panel 6 probably adds telephone. electrical in panel 6
As a home owner I am also worrying about that tree.
Reminds me of Telegraph Road by Dire Straits.
Exactly!
Ed uses "gimmick" like other people use "dude." It's a noun, a verb, it's everything around us.
Outstanding !
7:40 not the same tree, there's a smaller tree in front, on panel 3. Forest was taken down, this planted one remained, and finally it was taken down as well. interesting
Yes! The two trees are significant. the first sapling shows Nature's regeneration as first new growth of the forest that was cut back. the second sapling is the one planted by Man and it supplants the wild tree and is able to grow until it too is cleared to make way for progress
another banger
Did R. Crumb ever have a comic book in color, fully?
Crumb is GOATed forevermore
Do not avoid the SNOID!