As an influential figure behind the underground comix movement of the 1960s, Robert Crumb has sparked divergent opinions. Some hail him as a groundbreaking critic of American culture, while others criticize him for perpetuating outdated sexist and racist stereotypes. Regardless of the mixed reception, Crumb continues to produce work that captivates his audience. He channels his unique perspectives on sexual subjects and interactions with African-American culture to create a compelling commentary on American society, as evidenced in comics like Zap and Weirdo.
Crumb’s creative universe, rich with references to drug culture, pop culture, and eccentric characters, also displays a touch of nostalgia for traditional Americana of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is especially passionate about vintage music genres, collecting and performing old-time country, jazz, ragtime, and blues. One celebrated collection of his is the illustrated series R. Crumb’s Heroes of Blues, Jazz & Country, featuring portraits of iconic folk musicians along with a curated music CD.
Crumb’s affinity for simpler eras complements his satirical style, which often critiques the present by contrasting it with a more idyllic past. He cherishes the days before World War II, an era he believes was more authentic and expressive, as he noted in an interview. His exposure to the diluted essence of American pop culture has been less than idyllic, as highlighted by Ian Buruma in The New York Review of Books:
Growing up amid the fandom of 1950s TV shows and comic books like Howdy Doody, Donald Duck, and Roy Rogers, young Crumb felt his mind had become a “garbage receptacle” for mass media influences, especially during the psychedelic 1960s. He speculated on whether this saturation of content had a tangible impact.
Crumb’s comic creations, which he described as therapeutic releases of his “garbage receptacle” subconscious, are balanced by his more reflective illustrations. These nostalgic pieces serve as a counterpoint to the overwhelming media influences of his formative years. His appreciation for historical music and imagery can be seen as a cultural palate cleanser. One of his most famous nostalgic works is “A Short History of America” (1979), a visual narrative showing the progression from rural landscapes to the industrialized overdevelopment of the late 20th century. The only text accompanying this series of panels ends with the poignant question, “What next?!!!” You can view an animated version of the comic above (top), set against an old-time piano tune. Another interpretation of his vision is accompanied by Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi.” Explore the full series of images here and here. Don’t miss Crumb’s three speculative epilogues about the future.
An earlier draft of this post was first published on our site in 2013.
Related Content:
- Robert Crumb Discusses How His LSD Experience Enhanced His Artistic Style
- Robert Crumb Illustrates Philip K. Dick’s Surreal Encounter with Divinity (1974)
- R. Crumb’s Insightful Take on the Biblical Book of Genesis Through Illustration
- Heroes of Blues, Jazz & Country: 114 Illustrations by R. Crumb of His Favorite Musicians
Josh Jones is a writer and musician based in Durham, NC. Connect with him at @jdmagness
