You've seen the movie, now draw the protagonist. Harvey Pekar, growly Everyman whose less than perfect life is celebrated in American Splendor, is offering people the opportunity to draw him in a comic strip (joining artists like R. Crumb) based on his stories. Then, submissions will be posted and people can vote for their favorite attempts at splendorizing Harvey. Gothamist would enter, but our level of artistic aptitude is much like Harvey's - stick figures and houses with curlicues for smoke. We can draw a kittycat, but that's at a five year-old's level. However, we are sure that we must have readers who are talented enough for this challenge, so if you do decide to enter, let us know. more ›

Gothamist saw American Splendor this past weekend and enjoyed this twist on a biopic. The film offers Paul Giamatti as underground writer/cartoonist (though he doesn't draw) Harvey Pekar, as well as the real Harvey Pekar giving narration, as well as other real-life people making appearances alongside the actors who portray them. Giamatti is so perfect as this beleagured, lonely crank, with mouth partly open, perhaps in pain, that it's almost painful to watch. And Hope Davis depretties herself for another movie to brilliantly play Pekar's wife, Joyce Brabner, pursed lips and all. James Urbaniak's Robert Crumb was pretty awesome, as was Judah Friedlander as Genuine Nerd friend Toby Radloff. If this means there is a trend to turn underground comics like Ameircan Splendor, Crumb's work and life and Daniel Clowes' Ghost World into great films, then Gothamist eagerly awaits the next adaptation. more ›