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Underground comic writer Harvey Pekar dead: police

(AFP) – 26 minutes ago

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Harvey Pekar, who turned his unglamorous, blue collar life into a cult series of comic book stories, has died at the age of 70 in Cleveland, Ohio, police said.

Pekar, whose "American Splendor" was the basis for a critically acclaimed 2003 movie, was found dead early Monday at his home, Cleveland Heights police Captain Michael Cannon told AFP. The cause of death was not immediately known.

"The coroner's office is going to be issuing a report. There was nothing suspicious," Cannon said.

Pekar's comic books were based on his life as a hospital file clerk, filled with insights about human nature and the surprising complications of an outwardly humdrum existence.

After building a devoted fan base, Pekar went on to be accepted by the mainstream comics world.

The film "American Splendor," honored with the top dramatic award at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, drew favorable comparisons with the early work of Woody Allen.

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Sad day folks. :'(