Comics Artist R. Crumb on Illustrating the Bible November 3, 2009

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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.