I love the introductions to these volumes, written by a friend of Crumb's who gives an extremely detailed picture of the artist's life at the time, and how it affected his creative output throughout the years (it's my favorite thing about these first few volumes, actually, since Crumb's narrative skills were still very undeveloped despite the amazing art). What is also amazing about the introductions is the plot twist that happens midway through where the guy who was writing them suddenly dies and Crumb himself assumes the task and begins by talking about his late friend, which turns out was incredibly interesting and bizarre, with similarities to Crumb's brother Charles as far as unfulfilled potential goes. Highly reccomended reading on all accounts.
I don't want to come across as a bitter old man, but I grew up in the 70s & 80s and mostly "pre-electronic distractions." I've been a high school teacher for 20 years, and have seen how the rise of phone culture has killed creativity and curiosity in many. Boredom has always been the root of creativity, and we now live in a world where most of us are never bored. Not saying there aren't new and interesting things being created art-wise in these past few decades, but I really wonder what great stuff we'll never see and what inspiration might have been struck if Netflix and Instagram weren't there to crush it into the dirt.
I’ve started to collect the Taschen sketchbooks, they don’t have these sketches. But they’re great-the way Crumb un-self-consciously draws whatever he observes or dreams up is infectious. They’re already the most inspirational books on my shelf.
Thanks for bringing these, guys, great video as always. Love to see you covering the rest of these volumes. Also, I can't wait for the next cover to cover video you guys do, the Love and Rockets one was amazing!
Crumb comics are really funny and creative. What I could never understand was the attraction to stuff like S Clay Wilson or Spain Rodriguez blood and guts ultra violent gross out.
R. Crumb's Comics and Stories was published in a digest format by Rip-Off in 1969 (even though the cover was done a few years earlier.) There was indeed an oversized Fritz the Cat book put out by Ballantine the same year. The stories were also out of Crumb's Sketchbook and I believe had appeared in Cavalier as well. Ralph Bakshi got much of the story material for the Fritz movie here and in the other Ballantine collection, R. Crumb's Head Comix. These were the early days of Crumb catching fire in the culture and I think he felt hosed by the deal.
This material is almost out of print for years. FB, why not a reissue with two books for volume. Just an idea As for this stuff, I’m pretty sure that’s not included on Taschen’s sketchbook collection
Im currently trying to get all the Taschen sketchbooks, and I have all of them except number 4. They are way to hard to get hold of, its a shame they aren't more available. I also have a copy of 'gung ho!' which is a german Zap comic. Great video, I love collecting this stuff 👍
Definitely an artist that makes you want to draw.
I love the introductions to these volumes, written by a friend of Crumb's who gives an extremely detailed picture of the artist's life at the time, and how it affected his creative output throughout the years (it's my favorite thing about these first few volumes, actually, since Crumb's narrative skills were still very undeveloped despite the amazing art). What is also amazing about the introductions is the plot twist that happens midway through where the guy who was writing them suddenly dies and Crumb himself assumes the task and begins by talking about his late friend, which turns out was incredibly interesting and bizarre, with similarities to Crumb's brother Charles as far as unfulfilled potential goes. Highly reccomended reading on all accounts.
I don't want to come across as a bitter old man, but I grew up in the 70s & 80s and mostly "pre-electronic distractions." I've been a high school teacher for 20 years, and have seen how the rise of phone culture has killed creativity and curiosity in many. Boredom has always been the root of creativity, and we now live in a world where most of us are never bored. Not saying there aren't new and interesting things being created art-wise in these past few decades, but I really wonder what great stuff we'll never see and what inspiration might have been struck if Netflix and Instagram weren't there to crush it into the dirt.
Well, Crumb’s netflix, instagram, and video games were TV and comic books, which he consumed avidly and constantly, so I’m not sure I know about that.
I’ve started to collect the Taschen sketchbooks, they don’t have these sketches. But they’re great-the way Crumb un-self-consciously draws whatever he observes or dreams up is infectious. They’re already the most inspirational books on my shelf.
Dude, not even a week ago I was thinking “man, it would be cool if they looked over the complete crumb comics volume 1 & 2.” This is amazing!
Crumb is absolutely incredible at drawing anything. Thanks for sharing this video, Ed and Jim.
Mr Crumb is a genius
Thanks for bringing these, guys, great video as always. Love to see you covering the rest of these volumes. Also, I can't wait for the next cover to cover video you guys do, the Love and Rockets one was amazing!
I love your break downs. Cheers guys.
Crumb comics are really funny and creative.
What I could never understand was the attraction to stuff like S Clay Wilson or Spain Rodriguez blood and guts ultra violent gross out.
Great books. Great for sharing.
R. Crumb's Comics and Stories was published in a digest format by Rip-Off in 1969 (even though the cover was done a few years earlier.) There was indeed an oversized Fritz the Cat book put out by Ballantine the same year. The stories were also out of Crumb's Sketchbook and I believe had appeared in Cavalier as well. Ralph Bakshi got much of the story material for the Fritz movie here and in the other Ballantine collection, R. Crumb's Head Comix. These were the early days of Crumb catching fire in the culture and I think he felt hosed by the deal.
Thanks for such cool and inspirational videos guys. Might actually make comics cause of you.
This material is almost out of print for years. FB, why not a reissue with two books for volume. Just an idea
As for this stuff, I’m pretty sure that’s not included on Taschen’s sketchbook collection
Since I started reading Robert Crumb in the 70's, what is now considered "Wierdo" is something like the values my grandparents had..
Great stuff!
Im currently trying to get all the Taschen sketchbooks, and I have all of them except number 4. They are way to hard to get hold of, its a shame they aren't more available. I also have a copy of 'gung ho!' which is a german Zap comic. Great video, I love collecting this stuff 👍
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Everyone watching this video a bunch of slackers too much distraction 😂
Got R. Crumb Bible of Filth just a couple weeks ago to go with the Crumb Genesis....
I want everything...but damn...Crumb is/was so damn proliferate
sound quality is very crisp
16:32 sketch of a baker copied from a photo by August Sander, Citizens of the Twentieth Century project.