Zap Comix (1968) – The Birth of Underground Comix
Zap Comix arrived in 1968 like a thunderbolt. Created by Robert Crumb, this comic shattered the boundaries of what comics could say and do. Instead of superheroes, readers found stories about sex, drugs, anti-establishment ideals, and raw, unfiltered life. The first issue sold out almost instantly, with estimates showing it moved over 3,500 copies on its first printing—a staggering number for a hand-assembled, independently distributed comic at the time. Zap Comix didn’t just entertain; it sparked protests, discussions, and even legal battles over censorship. The art was wild, the humor was biting, and the honesty was shocking. It became a rallying point for artists who felt stifled by the mainstream and wanted to tell the truth, no matter how ugly or funny it was. Zap’s legacy can still be felt today, as its fearless approach changed both comics and culture forever.
Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers – Stoner Humor Redefined
Gilbert Shelton’s Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers took the underground world by storm in 1968. The comic follows the hilarious, chaotic misadventures of three quirky, marijuana-loving brothers. Their slapstick antics and satirical jabs at society made them icons of countercultural humor. By the early 1970s, the comic was selling over 250,000 copies per issue, a massive feat for any underground publication. It wasn’t just about laughs—the Freak Brothers poked fun at politics, the police, and the struggles of everyday life. Their irreverent jokes became part of the stoner lexicon. Thanks to its enduring appeal, the series has been translated into more than 15 languages and inspired a recent animated adaptation, proving that Shelton’s blend of comedy and rebellion still resonates with fans old and new.
Wimmen’s Comix (1972) – A Voice for Feminism and LGBTQ+ Creators
Wimmen’s Comix burst onto the scene in 1972, becoming a lifeline for underground female and LGBTQ+ artists. At a time when most comic stories were written and drawn by men, this anthology shattered the glass ceiling. It tackled issues like abortion, sexual orientation, and gender roles with honesty and wit, giving a creative megaphone to those often ignored by mainstream publishers. Over 20 years and 17 issues, Wimmen’s Comix introduced readers to now-legendary creators like Trina Robbins and Lee Marrs. The comic’s influence can be seen today in the growing diversity of voices and stories in graphic novels and webcomics. Its bold spirit and willingness to challenge the status quo made it a game-changer for both comics and social progress.
Raw – High Art Meets Underground
Raw, launched by Art Spiegelman and Françoise Mouly in 1980, changed how people looked at comics. This was no ordinary comic book—its oversized format and avant-garde art made a statement from the very first page. Raw introduced the world to Maus, Spiegelman’s deeply personal and haunting story about the Holocaust, which would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1992. The anthology also featured international artists and experimental storytelling, blending high art with underground grit. Sales figures show Raw quickly sold out its small print runs, often 10,000 copies or more per issue, and copies became collector’s items. This fusion of art and comics influenced museums, universities, and the very way people thought about the medium. Raw proved that comics could be both beautiful and meaningful, forever raising the bar for graphic storytelling.
Weirdo – A Showcase for Alternative Artists
Robert Crumb’s Weirdo ran from 1981 to 1993 and turned the spotlight on outsider artists who might never have been published elsewhere. Each issue was a wild mix—some stories were surreal, others deeply personal or laugh-out-loud funny. Weirdo’s rotating editors, including Aline Kominsky-Crumb and Peter Bagge, ensured a constantly shifting style and tone. It became a proving ground for now-famous creators like Dori Seda and Carol Tyler. The print run, peaking at around 10,000 copies per issue, was modest but influential, as every copy passed through eager hands in comic shops and dorm rooms. Weirdo’s willingness to embrace the odd and the honest helped keep underground comix alive through the conservative 1980s and inspired a wave of new, risk-taking artists.
Slow Death – Ecological and Political Satire
Slow Death, first published by Last Gasp in 1970, was one of the earliest comics to focus on environmental and political activism. Its pages overflowed with biting satire about pollution, corporate greed, and the dangers of unchecked power. Contributors like S. Clay Wilson and Greg Irons didn’t pull any punches, using gallows humor and grotesque imagery to make their points. The first issue reportedly sold over 10,000 copies, a remarkable achievement for a comic about such serious subjects. Slow Death managed to be both entertaining and educational, helping to raise awareness about ecological issues among its countercultural audience. Even today, its unapologetic approach to activism can be seen in comics and zines that tackle climate change and injustice.
American Splendor – The Ordinary Made Extraordinary
Harvey Pekar’s American Splendor, first published in 1976, was a revolution in everyday storytelling. Instead of superheroes or wild adventures, Pekar chronicled his own life as a hospital file clerk in Cleveland. The stories were simple, honest, and often profound—showing that ordinary life could be fascinating. Pekar teamed up with artists like Robert Crumb, giving his words a gritty, relatable visual style. American Splendor’s popularity skyrocketed when it was adapted into a 2003 film, which grossed over $6 million and introduced Pekar’s unique voice to a wider audience. The comic’s realism and focus on real people paved the way for autobiographical graphic novels and memoirs, proving that every life has a story worth telling.
Tits & Clits Comix – Pioneering Sex-Positive Feminism
Tits & Clits Comix, first published in 1972 by Joyce Farmer and Lyn Chevli, broke the silence around women’s sexuality. In a world where sex in comics was usually portrayed for male pleasure, this anthology gave women the chance to tell their own stories—raw, funny, and unapologetic. The comic tackled taboo subjects like birth control, menstruation, and sexual pleasure with refreshing honesty. Over its eight-issue run, Tits & Clits reached thousands of readers and inspired heated debates about censorship and women’s rights. Today, it’s recognized as a trailblazer for sex-positive and feminist comics, opening doors for frank discussions about women’s bodies and desires in popular culture.
Arcade: The Comics Revue – Literary Heights in Comix
Arcade: The Comics Revue, launched in 1975 by Art Spiegelman and Bill Griffith, set out to prove that comics could be as literary and sophisticated as any novel or film. The magazine featured an impressive lineup, including R. Crumb, Spain Rodriguez, and Kim Deitch. Each issue was carefully curated, blending humor, art, and intellectual exploration. Arcade was short-lived, publishing only seven issues, but its impact was enormous. It attracted critical acclaim and drew in new readers who saw comics as more than just entertainment. The anthology’s bold experiments and commitment to quality still influence graphic novelists and literary cartoonists today.
Young Lust – Satirical Look at Romance and Sex
Young Lust, created by Jay Kinney and Bill Griffith in 1970, was an underground answer to the romance comics of the 1950s and 60s. Instead of innocent love stories, it delivered biting satire about lust, dating, and relationships. The comic’s first print run of 10,000 copies sold out in just a few weeks, and later issues reached print runs of up to 50,000—making it one of the most successful underground comix ever. Young Lust’s dark humor and adult take on romance resonated with readers who were tired of sanitized, mainstream stories. Its influence can be seen in later comics and TV shows that use irony and humor to explore love and sex.
Trashman – Revolutionary Politics Meet Superhero Parody
Spain Rodriguez’s Trashman debuted in 1968, blending revolutionary politics with a parody of superhero tropes. Trashman, a working-class hero fighting against fascist forces, was a direct reflection of the radical politics of the era. Rodriguez’s gritty, expressive art style and sharp writing made the character a cult favorite. Trashman was serialized in various underground magazines, reaching tens of thousands of politically engaged readers. The comic’s unapologetic stance on social justice and anti-authoritarianism helped cement its place as a cornerstone of the underground movement, inspiring politically conscious comics for decades.
Rebel Visions – Surreal Underground Expressionism
Rory Hayes’ Rebel Visions, a collection of his underground works, became famous for its raw, surreal art and unfiltered storytelling. Hayes was a true outsider—his comics were filled with nightmarish imagery, violence, and emotional honesty. Though not a commercial hit, Hayes’ work has been praised by critics and artists for its intensity and originality. Exhibitions of his art in recent years have drawn thousands of visitors, and his influence can be seen in contemporary alternative comics. Rebel Visions stands as a testament to the power of pure, personal expression, no matter how unsettling.
Insect Fear – Horror Meets 1960s Psychedelia
Skip Williamson’s Insect Fear, first published in 1970, mixed horror with the psychedelic art and humor of the era. Each issue featured bizarre, disturbing stories about bugs and the humans who feared them. The comic’s wild visuals—swirling colors, grotesque creatures, and mind-bending layouts—captured the chaotic energy of the late 60s and early 70s. Insect Fear quickly gained a cult following, with print runs of up to 20,000 copies for some issues. Its unique blend of horror and satire paved the way for later comics that fused genres and pushed artistic boundaries.
Binky Brown Meets the Holy Virgin Mary – Groundwork for Autobiographical Comics
Justin Green’s Binky Brown Meets the Holy Virgin Mary, published in 1972, is widely considered the first true autobiographical comic. Green used the comic to candidly explore his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and Catholic guilt. The honesty and vulnerability of Binky Brown shocked some readers but inspired many others. Sales were modest—about 10,000 copies—but its impact was enormous, as it showed artists that comics could be a form of personal therapy and confession. Binky Brown directly inspired later works like Maus and American Splendor, shaping the rise of the graphic memoir.
Eightball – Indie Art Style Meets Social Critique
Daniel Clowes’ Eightball, which debuted in 1989, became a defining voice of the indie comics boom. Each issue delivered a mix of dark humor, social critique, and offbeat storytelling. Stories like Ghost World, which was later adapted into an Oscar-nominated film, captured the alienation and absurdity of modern life. Eightball regularly sold between 15,000 and 30,000 copies per issue, an impressive feat for an independent comic. Its bold visuals and biting commentary influenced a new generation of artists and showed that comics could tackle adult themes with intelligence and style.
Love and Rockets – Latinx and Punk Representation
Love and Rockets, created by the Hernandez Brothers in 1981, was one of the first comics to spotlight Latinx and punk communities. Its stories, filled with magical realism and punk energy, explored love, identity, and social issues in ways rarely seen before. The series quickly became a favorite among critics and fans, with some issues selling over 20,000 copies. Love and Rockets gave a voice to characters and communities that had long been ignored by mainstream comics. Today, it’s celebrated as a landmark in both underground and independent comics, with its influence visible in countless graphic novels and TV shows.
Cerebus – Long-Form, Creator-Owned Comic Epic
Dave Sim’s Cerebus, which began in 1977, was a monumental achievement in independent comics. What started as a Conan parody with an aardvark protagonist grew into a 6,000-page epic that lasted 300 issues—making it the longest-running creator-owned comic series ever. Cerebus explored politics, religion, gender, and philosophy, often sparking controversy for its provocative themes. At its peak, Cerebus sold up to 25,000 copies per issue, a rare feat for a self-published series. Sim’s commitment to creative control and long-form storytelling inspired countless indie creators to follow their own paths.
Aline Kominsky-Crumb’s Solo Works – Shaping the Confessional Comic Voice
Aline Kominsky-Crumb’s solo comics carved out a new space for personal, confessional art. Her brutally honest stories dealt with body image, family, and the struggles of being a woman in a man’s world. Kominsky-Crumb’s rough, expressive art style and willingness to share her deepest insecurities made her a pioneer. Her comics often appeared in anthologies like Weirdo and Wimmen’s Comix, reaching tens of thousands of readers. Her influence is evident in the autobiographical comics boom of the 1990s and 2000s, as more artists embraced vulnerability and self-exploration.
The Checkered Demon – Violent, Erotic, Boundary-Breaking Art
S. Clay Wilson’s Checkered Demon first appeared in Zap Comix, but quickly became an underground sensation in his own right. The Demon was wild, violent, and sexually explicit—everything mainstream comics wouldn’t touch. Wilson’s stories shocked and horrified some readers, but they also attracted a devoted following. His work pushed the limits of what comics could show, helping to dismantle the old rules of censorship. The Checkered Demon remains a symbol of the underground’s refusal to be tamed or sanitized.
Dirty Plotte – Feminist Surrealism Meets Brutal Honesty
Julie Doucet’s Dirty Plotte, first published in the late 1980s, brought a new voice to feminist comics. Her stories, filled with dreamlike imagery and confessional narratives, explored the messiness of life, love, and womanhood. Dirty Plotte started as a self-published zine and was later picked up by Drawn & Quarterly, reaching an international audience. Doucet’s raw, surreal style and willingness to tackle taboo subjects made her a star of the alternative comics scene. Her influence can be seen in the wave of graphic novels by women that followed, each embracing honesty and emotional depth.
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