Author: [Original Comic Art] CRUMB, ROBERT
Title: R. Crumb Spool Man Rico" * Original Drawing on Wooden Spool"
Place Published:
Publisher:
Date Published: 2000s
Description: One of a limited number of "Spool men" characters illustrated by Crumb on vintage wooden thread spools, this one labelled "Rico." Ink on wood, approx. 1.75" x 1.25". Excellent condition, a beautiful piece.A richly-detailed example of R. Crumb's illustrated "spool men," made famous by Terry Zwigoff's R. Crumb biopic as dual emblems of Crumb's obsessive need to create, and his ability to transfigure the commonplace into art. Rico, whose dyspeptic mug makes him look like a man suffering constipatory discomfort, may fall into that interesting subgroup of Crumb characters inspired by the artist's authoritarian father, Charles Crumb, Sr., a man once described as having "a fixed smile at work and a grimace at home."

"Crumb, a 1994 documentary directed by Terry Zwigoff, transformed Robert Crumb's work permanently for me, by providing context, nuance and even ambiguity to work that had up to that point seemed alien and severe. The movie opens with gentle upright piano music and a close-up shot of a sculpted, hand-painted statue of a woman's muscular butt, and in a slow, shaky pan takes in row after row of wooden spools to which faces have been elaborately, lovingly drawn, remarkable objects that, it slowly becomes clear, seem to have no practical or commercial purpose. From the very first shot the film suggests that Crumb creates because he must. His artwork is a need, the spools say, open-mouthed, eyes agog. The shot continues, and lap dissolves into a pile of sketchbooks and records, and finally Robert himself, back to us and facing his stereo, knees to his chest, rocking slowly to the music." – Sean Michael Robinson, "R. Crumb: Survivor." Thehoodedutilitarian.com, June 24, 2011.______________________________________________________________

A limited edition of ten hardcover catalogues is available, in addition to a few dozen softcovers. Fun reference, great keepsake, fully illustrated, chockablock with obscure facts, gags, bon mots. Softcovers are $40, deluxe hardcovers with dust jackets and limitation plates are $200. These books always go fast so don't delay. To order, contact ivan@pbagalleries.com.

Consignments welcome for PBA's Summer 2024 Comic Book sale. Top prices for Pre-Code Horror, Golden Age, Silver Age, original art and ephemera. Find out why PBA is the new fan-fave of funnybook fiends. "This is some of the best commentary I've yet seen on the quality of the content of comic books... Priceless." – R. Crumb. Send inquiries to ivan@pbagalleries.com.

Coming Soon: The DC Universe Collection Part 3: The Golden Age (August 2024) and Weird Tales and Amazing Stories: The PBA Pulp Sale (September 2024). Contact ivan@pbagalleries.com to get on the notifications list.