Robert Crumb

Here's a question you might be asking yourself if you think of comics as "the funnies" - where does R. Crumb's work come from? Here's the recipe:

Take one part dysfunctional Marine Corps family, moving from base to base in the 40s and 50s, featuring siblings with strong artistic impulses;

Add the early support of Harvey Kurtzman (Mad magazine), and Philadelphia underground newspapers;

Mix in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury scene during the Summer of Love, including Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead;

Simmer from the late 60's through the early 70's, allowing the flavor of characters like Mr. Natural, Fritz the Cat, Whiteman, and the Snoid to develop fully;

Bring in other underground comics artists, such as S. Clay Wilson and Robert Williams to collaborate on comic books like Zap;

Season liberally with obscenity busts, problems with stolen copyrights, and difficulties with the IRS;

Reheat in the 90's with Terry Zwigoff's biographical documentary;

Remove from heat, and retire to the French countryside to pursue new projects.

Serves a devoted readership of millions.