One of the most iconic and influential underground comics of all time, "Gat Comix #1" by Robert Crumb is a must-read for any fan of the medium. Published in 1968 by Kitchen Sink Comix, this debut issue set the tone for the counterculture movement of the 1960s and paved the way for alternative comics as we know them today. Featuring Crumb's signature style of satire and social commentary, "Gat Comix #1" is a wild ride through the mind of one of the most controversial and groundbreaking comic artists of all time. With its bold and unapologetic content, this comic pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream comics and helped pave the way for the underground comix movement.1. "Gat Comix #1" by Robert Crumb
The publisher behind "Gat Comix #1," Kitchen Sink Comix was founded by Denis Kitchen in 1969. Kitchen, a pioneer in the underground comix scene, was a driving force in bringing alternative comics to a wider audience. The name "Kitchen Sink" was a nod to the idea that these comics covered everything and anything, including the kitchen sink. Under Kitchen's leadership, Kitchen Sink Comix published some of the most groundbreaking and influential comics of the time, including works by Robert Crumb, Gilbert Shelton, and Jay Lynch. The company also helped launch the careers of many up-and-coming artists and paved the way for the alternative comics movement to flourish.2. "Kitchen Sink Comix" by Denis Kitchen
Considered the "Godfather of Underground Comics," Robert Crumb is a name that cannot be left out of any discussion about alternative comics. "The Complete Crumb Comics: Volume 1" collects the early works of Crumb, including his contributions to "Zap Comix" and "Snatch Comics." This first volume of the series features some of Crumb's most iconic and controversial works, including "Fritz the Cat" and "Mr. Natural." It is a must-read for any fan of Crumb's work and offers a fascinating look into the mind of one of the most influential comic artists of all time.3. "The Complete Crumb Comics: Volume 1" by Robert Crumb
Published in 1968, "Zap Comix #1" is often credited as the first underground comic book. It was the brainchild of Robert Crumb and featured some of his most famous characters, including Mr. Natural and Fritz the Cat. With its psychedelic imagery and taboo subject matter, "Zap Comix #1" was a direct challenge to the Comics Code Authority, which censored and restricted mainstream comics at the time. It was a groundbreaking publication that paved the way for the underground comix movement and helped shape the future of the medium.4. "Zap Comix #1" by Robert Crumb
Another notable publication from Kitchen Sink Comix, "Weirdo #1" was a comic anthology edited by Robert Crumb. It featured a mix of underground and alternative artists and was known for its irreverent and often controversial content. With its tagline "The LAST REAL COMIX MAGAZINE," "Weirdo" was a direct response to the mainstream comics industry and its restrictions. It provided a platform for alternative voices and helped bring a wider audience to the underground comix movement.5. "Weirdo #1" by Robert Crumb
The second volume of "The Complete Crumb Comics" series continues to chronicle the early works of Robert Crumb, including his contributions to "Zap Comix" and "Snatch Comics." It also features some of his lesser-known works, providing a more comprehensive look at his early career. This volume highlights Crumb's growth as an artist and his continued push against societal norms and censorship. It is a must-read for any fan of his work and provides valuable insight into the underground comix movement.6. "The Complete Crumb Comics: Volume 2" by Robert Crumb
The third volume of "The Complete Crumb Comics" series focuses on Crumb's work from the 1970s, including his contributions to the "Arcade" and "Snarf" anthologies. It also features some of his more personal and introspective works, showcasing his versatility as an artist. This volume is a must-have for any fan of Crumb's work and provides a deeper understanding of his evolution as an artist and his impact on the alternative comics scene.7. "The Complete Crumb Comics: Volume 3" by Robert Crumb
The fourth volume of "The Complete Crumb Comics" series covers the 1980s, a decade that saw Crumb move away from the underground comix scene and focus more on personal projects. It includes some of his most acclaimed works, such as "A Short History of America" and "The Book of Genesis Illustrated by R. Crumb." This volume offers a fascinating look at Crumb's development as an artist and his continued influence on the medium.8. "The Complete Crumb Comics: Volume 4" by Robert Crumb
Continuing on from the previous volume, the fifth installment of "The Complete Crumb Comics" series covers the 1990s, a decade that saw Crumb continue to explore new themes and styles in his work. It includes his collaborations with his wife, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, and features some of his most personal and introspective works. As the underground comix scene began to fade in the 1990s, this volume provides a glimpse into how Crumb and his contemporaries continued to push the boundaries of the medium and create impactful and thought-provoking comics.9. "The Complete Crumb Comics: Volume 5" by Robert Crumb
The final volume of "The Complete Crumb Comics" series covers the 2000s and beyond, showcasing Crumb's work from the new millennium. It includes some of his most recent and controversial works, such as "Genesis: The Second Book of Crumb" and "The Book of Mr. Natural." As Crumb continues to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of artistic expression, this volume serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the world of comics. It is a must-have for any fan of his work and a fitting conclusion to this comprehensive collection.10. "The Complete Crumb Comics: Volume 6" by Robert Crumb