Whether one thinks he’s a genius, one of history’s great cartoonists, a disturbed freak, a philosophical and perceptive satirist, one-note hack, potty-mouthed and sexually depraved creep, or classic, all-American weirdo, there’s no denying the influence and effect R. Crumb’s singular body of work has had on world culture. The man who’s unafraid to explore the deepest, darkest regions of the male psyche and American culture finally accomplishes — along with co-author Peter Poplaski — a phenomenal introduction to his daunting and freaked out body of work in the exceptional R. Crumb Handbook.

Part autobiography, part reader (from my understanding, the book really does include one of the best samplings of his work you could ask for), part philosophical rant, part artistic discussion, The R. Crumb Handbook is as brutally honest, essential, disturbing, hilarious, fascinating, and thought-provoking as one would hope. There’s even a CD of Crumb performing early 20th-century American music — one of his main obsessions.

Not-to-be missed by anyone interested in comics, the artistic process, American culture, or blowjobs.

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