Harvey Pekar, creator of the indie comic American Splendor, has died. He was 70 years old.

WTAM100, newsradio in Cleveland, Pekar’s hometown, is reporting that the comic creator was found dead by his wife Joyce Brabner at 1AM on Monday July 12. This report was confirmed by the county coroner’s office, according to the report.

The cause of death is not yet known at this time, however, his health problems have been well documented in writer’s comic books. These health issues included prostate cancer, asthma, high blood pressure, and depression. American Splendor was such an original interesting book, based solely on his life leaving little of his personal life out.

The American Splendor comic series also led to a movie of the same name in 2003, in which the writer was played by Paul Giamatti. If you haven’t seen this movie it is a must. A really great flick that I know I will be watching tonight in honor of Mr. Pekar.

Today say farewell to a truly interesting and creative man. He will be missed.

Harvey Pekar
1939 – 2010

[Source: WTAM]