Like many others, my fist exposure to Pekar was through his frequent appearances on Letterman in the 1980's. He would come on as a file clerk from Cleveland, plugging his comic book, and would argue endlessly with Dave.
I often didn't know what to think of these appearances, or Harvey. But he was rather unforgettable.
It wasn't until the 90's that I actually read any of his comics. Once I did, I became an instant fan.
Harvey's AMERICAN SPLENDOR comics, of which there are several compilations available, are truly amazing works. They are some of the most honest, and most human, writing you will read.
Harvey wrote about day to day life in a way that makes you see the world around you differently. Much of his writing is about his financial difficulties. He writes of working as a file clerk, hoping to get paid from freelance review work, selling old albums for money. This is all something few write about but more people are able to relate to than what so many other writers focus on.
He wrote one story about the true meaning of friendship. It was about his moving and being unable to find anyone to help him move his belongings. Then, some guy he barely knew offered to help. He wrote a very beautiful piece about what this meant to him.
In recent years, after the release of the film, he continued to be active, with a new book or so a year.
Everything he writes is worth reading, but I would recommend starting with the American Splendor
compilations
.Harvey will definitely be missed.
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