'American Splendor' comic book writer Harvey Pekar found dead

70-year-old sufferend from prostate cancer, asthma, depression

By Thomas J. SHeeran (AP) Monday, Jul 12, 2010 11:42 AM

'American Splendor' comic book writer Harvey Pekar found dead

Harvey Pekar's "American Splendor"

CLEVELAND (AP) — Comic-book writer Harvey Pekar, whose "American Splendor" was made into a 2003 film starring Paul Giammati, has been found dead in his Ohio home.

Coroner's spokesman Powell Caesar in Cleveland says an autopsy will be performed. He had no details on the death of the 70-year-old Pekar.

Cleveland Heights police Capt. Michael Cannon says officers were called to Pekar's home by his wife about 1 a.m. Monday. Cannon says Pekar had been suffering from prostate cancer, asthma, high blood pressure and depression.

Pekar's "American Splendor" comics, which he began publishing in 1976, chronicle his grousing about work, money and the monotony of life.