Huntington, West Virginia "On the Fly"

Harvey Pekar — 2011

With an appreciation by Anthony Bourdain HAVE ATTITUDE, WILL TRAVEL Harvey Pekar changed the face of comics when his American Splendor series replaced traditional slam-bang superhero action with slice-of-life tales of his own very ordinary existence in Cleveland, Ohio, as a file clerk, jazz-record collector, and philosophical curmudgeon. Much as Seinfeld famously transcended sitcom conventions by being “a show about nothing,” Pekar’s deadpan chronicles of regular life—peppered with wry and caustic reflections—have transformed comics from escapist fantasy into social commentary with voice balloons. Huntington, West Virginia “On the Fly” is prime Pekar, recounting the irascible everyman’s on-the-road encounters with a cross section of characters—a career criminal turned limo-driving entrepreneur, a toy merchant obsessed with restoring a vintage diner, comic-book archivists, indie filmmakers, and children of the sixties—all of whom have stories to tell. By turns funny, poignant, and insightful, these portraits à la Pekar showcase a one-of-a-kind master at work, channeling the stuff of average life into genuine American art.

Reviews

Sarah Sammis@pussreboots

Apr 4, 2024

Huntington, West Virginia On the Fly by Harvey Pekar is a collection of four short memoirs presented in a graphic novel format. Pekar is best known for his American Splendor series, but I haven't read it. These stories are conversations and interviews Pekar did with people he met on his tours after American Splendor was adapted for film. All of these vignettes are illustrated by Summer McClinton. The first story begins in his home town with Hollywood Bob, his favorite limo driver. The vignette outlines how Bob went from small time hood to successful livery owner. He explains the ups and downs of driving people around town and how no one ever wants a blue limo. The last story works as a matching bookend for Hollywood Bob. Pekar has reached his destination, Huntington, West Virginia and a small book convention. While he can't get his promised per diem, he does get a chance to cameo in a small indie film. Although others have said this book will only appeal to those who have read American Splendor, I disagree. Certainly, that familiarity would be a lure, but the book stands alone just fine. It's a quick, compelling and entertaining read.