The Complete Crumb Comics, Vol. 5: Happy Hippy Comix : Book Review

"The Complete Crumb Comics Vol. 5" by Robert Crumb is a captivating collection that delves into the renowned underground comic artist's influential and controversial works from the late 1970s and early 1980s. This volume offers readers a fascinating glimpse into Crumb's unique perspective on society through his signature satirical and dark humor.

One of the noteworthy aspects of this collection is the inclusion of Crumb's infamous "When the Goddamn Jews Take Over America!" story, which garnered considerable controversy due to its provocative subject matter. This comic explores the themes of power, religion, and ethnicity with a fearlessly unfiltered storytelling style. It serves as a testament to Crumb's ability to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.

In addition to the controversial works, this volume features introspective and personal pieces that provide readers with a deeper understanding of Crumb as an artist. He candidly explores his own fears, anxieties, and struggles with mental health, showcasing vulnerability and offering poignant insights. These stories add another layer to the complexity of the artist behind the pen.

The artwork in "The Complete Crumb Comics Vol. 5" perfectly exemplifies Crumb's signature style, characterized by detailed and intricately drawn illustrations. His keen attention to facial expressions and body language masterfully captures the emotions and idiosyncrasies of his characters. Crumb's artistic prowess shines through, making every page a visual treat.

Overall, "The Complete Crumb Comics Vol. 5" is a must-read for fans of Robert Crumb and underground comics. It not only pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms but also provides a unique and unfiltered perspective on various aspects of society. Through a seamless blend of satire, humor, and introspection, this collection stands as a powerful exploration of the human condition.

What are readers saying?

"The Complete Crumb Comics Vol. 5" by Robert Crumb has garnered mixed reviews from readers. The collection of eclectic comic strips is praised by some for its artistic brilliance and compelling storytelling. They admire Crumb's ability to create thought-provoking and unconventional narratives, often considering him a master of the medium. The raw and gritty nature of Crumb's artwork is found to be refreshing and unique, standing out from mainstream comics. Reviewers appreciate the social and cultural commentary within the book, applauding Crumb's willingness to tackle controversial subjects.

However, there are readers who find the explicit and controversial content of the comic strips too much for their liking. They feel that the book relies too heavily on shock value, often featuring excessive violence and sexual themes. These readers struggle to appreciate the artistic merits of the book due to the explicit content. Additionally, some reviewers note that the comic strips lack coherence and flow, making it difficult to fully engage with the stories. The lack of a clear narrative structure leaves the comic strips feeling disjointed.

Furthermore, the book receives criticism for its formatting and printing quality. Some readers point out issues such as blurry images and poor reproduction of the artwork. The layout and design of the book also pose challenges, with readers finding it difficult to navigate through the pages.

Overall, opinions on "The Complete Crumb Comics Vol. 5" by Robert Crumb are divided. While some admire the book for its artistic brilliance and thought-provoking content, others are put off by the explicit and controversial nature of the comic strips. The lack of coherence and the quality of the printing also receive criticism from some reviewers.