Comics Artist R. Crumb on Illustrating the Bible

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/10/23/R_Crumb_in_Conversation_with_Francoise_Mouly

Legendary comic book artist Robert Crumb discusses his inspiration for illustrating the entire book of Genesis. The New Yorker's Francoise Mouly discusses the process of publishing Crumb's work, saying "we had to proofread the word of God."

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The famed illustrator discusses his work with the art editor of The New Yorker, including his new book, an illustration of the "Book of Genesis", from the Creation to the death of Joseph. - W. W. Norton

Robert Crumb is a leading figure in the history of American underground comics. As a child he spent hours creating elaborate storybooks with his brothers (a group effort reminiscent of the childhood creations of Emily Bronte and her sisters).

In 1968 he began publishing Zap Comics, the series often credited with spurring the underground comics movement in America. Crumb's cartoon "Keep on Truckin'" -- an image of big-footed hipsters in a cheerful strut -- became a popular counterculture symbol, popping up on posters and T-shirts (most produced without Crumb's consent). He also drew a famous album cover for the band Big Brother and the Holding Company (featuring Janis Joplin).

Other Crumb characters include Flakey Foont, Angelfood McSpade, Devil Girl, and the irascible, bearded Mr. Natural. Fritz the Cat, Crumb's comically randy feline, was the star of an X-rated 1972 movie by animator Ralph Bakshi. Crumb, a 1995 documentary by Crumb's friend Terry Zwigoff, brought the cartoonist renewed notoriety and made him a mainstream figure.

Francoise Mouly is art editor for The New Yorker magazine.

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[cupwithhandles]

The guy is a human cultural treasure.

[papercut272]

im ashamed of how little views these things have while justin biber has 1bilion views

[heathdwatts]

@cipher10000 Do you follow the bible? Do you wear clothing of mixed fibers (Leviticus 19:19) or work on the Sabbath (Numbers 15:32-36 and Exodus 31:14)? Those are both offenses that require that we stone you. The bible is pure nonsense and anyone who actually follow its "laws" would be murderous, incestuous, iniquitous sociopaths, while those who claim to follow it are either liars or delusional. Now, I must get back to work, because some of us must work on Sunday.

[duaneburnett]

Not surprised Crumb likes the The Bible for illustration it is full of good sex stories and juicy lurid violent stories.

[cipher10000]

Thats probably why prisons are full because people are using him for moral guidance

The bible is a work of truth nothing more.....

He said" If your going to use Genesis for moral guidance your going to be in trouble"

This man sounds like a kid.....

The bible is old but if people would have the guts to follow it

the world would be better

This man is a heretic and may god have mercy on him

[GuernicaByPicasso]

Whether you are Christian or not, R. Crumb's The Book of Genesis is an absolutely beautiful work.

[west6459]

Crumb is an old favourite of mine and one of the cartoonists who inspired me to work in comics. Keep On Drawing!

[pornsterwoot]

The interviewer was just horrible. Crumb should have gone "Klaus Kinski-style" on her.

[MrRobin14669]

The problem of the interviewer is that she's more interested in talking about the New Yorker and herself then interviewing Crumb. Crumb's reactions says it all: "Oh, jeez, incredible, there you go"

[hongosolid]

very serious trouble... lovely :D