Few comic artists get recognized as the real artists they are, especially within their lifetime, so it's always refreshing when society recognizes such immense talent. Of course, R. Crumb's talent is hard to ignore. On Friday the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators will open their new exhibit, "R. Crumb: Lines Drawn on Paper," which will run through April 30th and showcase numerous unpublished works by the prolific illustrator.

Perhaps best known for his work with Harvey Pekar and American Splendor, Crumb's work has been featured in numerous mainstream and underground comic publications, from Zap Comix to his publication of the illustrated Book of Genesis to his work "Keep on Truckin'." He also often brings a subversive and satirical tone to his work. George Carlin once said of the illustrator, “God bless Crumb. I’ve always been happy that there was someone as sick and twisted as I am." Crumb himself will be at Friday's opening and performing with the East River String Band on Saturday night, though that performance has already been sold out. (Though where there's a will there's a way!)