Gary Arlington

Arlington, Gary Edson
San Francisco Comic Book Company

American, 1938 - 2014

Explore selected works

This is a drawing of a creature emerging from a coffin, set against a vivid background. The image is drawn in a style reminiscent of comic book art, filled with bold colors and dramatic lines. At the center, a beast with sharp teeth and red eyes emerges from an ornately decorated coffin. The background has swirling green and purple patterns. Below the illustration, the title "SKULL" is displayed in large, jagged letters colored in pink and purple. Additional text reads "NO. 4 SPECIAL ISSUE: LOVECRAFT."
Various Artists, Gary Arlington, Jack Jackson, Simon Deitch, Dave Sheridan, Charles Dallas, Michael C. Smith, Herb Arnold, Larry S. Todd, Last Gasp Eco Funnies, Skull #4, 1972, 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with front cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.118

Skull #4

Various Artists, Gary Arlington, Jack Jackson, Simon Deitch, Dave Sheridan, Charles Dallas, Michael C. Smith, Herb Arnold, Larry S. Todd, Last Gasp Eco Funnies · 1972 · 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with front cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.118

This is a drawing of a bearded figure on a scooter with a background fence and onlookers. The image features a cartoonish figure, Mr. Natural, riding a small scooter on a sidewalk, dressed in a yellow robe. To the left, behind a wooden fence, two characters are peering over; one with a surprised expression asks a philosophical question in a speech bubble which reads, "Mr. Natural! What does it all mean??" The figure on the scooter responds with another speech bubble, saying, "Don't mean sheeit..." The top of the image displays the bold title "Mr. Natural" in red with a whimsical style. The left side displays a price and issue number, "No. 2, 50¢" as well as vibrant green patterning with the words "YIPAY!" The upper right corner has a yellow badge noting "A Member of THE UNITED CARTOON WORKERS OF AMERICA."
Robert Crumb, Gary Arlington, Apex Novelties, Mr. Natural, 1971, paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.95

Mr. Natural

Robert Crumb, Gary Arlington, Apex Novelties · 1971 · paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.95

This is an illustration of an anthropomorphic duck character and a human-like figure in a room with a purple brick wall. The duck character has exaggerated cartoon features and is embraced by the blond figure. Yellow hearts float around them. The floor is cluttered with various items, including broken glass and discarded cans. Bold text at the top reads "San Francisco Comic Book."
Various Artists, Gary Arlington, Greg Irons, Rick Griffin, Willy Murphy, Robert Williams, Kim Deitch, Jim Osborne, Spain Rodriguez, Trina Robbins, Robert Crumb, Dan O'Neill, Larry Welz, Mervinius, S. Clay Wilson, The Print Mint, Inc., San Francisco Comic Book Company, San Francisco Comic Book #2, 1970, 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with front cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.111

San Francisco Comic Book #2

Various Artists, Gary Arlington, Greg Irons, Rick Griffin, Willy Murphy, Robert Williams, Kim Deitch, Jim Osborne, Spain Rodriguez, Trina Robbins, Robert Crumb, Dan O'Neill, Larry Welz, Mervinius, S. Clay Wilson, The Print Mint, Inc., San Francisco Comic Book Company · 1970 · 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with front cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.111

This is a painting depicting a surreal scene with a figure. The figure is characterized by exaggerated eyes and mouth, appearing distressed. The figure seems to be in a state of panic, engaged in what looks like prayer or pleading. A speech bubble from its mouth contains a plea for divine intervention amidst references to vices such as "dope, crime, smut." Surrounding the figure are various objects like cigarette butts, pills, brass knuckles, and abstract shapes. In the background, there is a religious figure with antlers and a crown holding a staff. A yellow border on the left reads "JESUS NEVER FAILS." An open book with strange illustrations is present, adding to the chaotic atmosphere. The painting is created in a vibrant and exaggerated comic style.
Various Artists, Robert Crumb, Barbara Mendes, Gary Arlington, San Francisco Comic Book Company, Rick Griffin, Gerald W. Page, Jeff Jones, Roger Brand, Al Williamson, Reed Crandall, Steve Ditko, Johnny Chambers, All Stars, No. 2, published 1970, 78-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on variously colored wove paper and cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.7

All Stars, No. 2

Various Artists, Robert Crumb, Barbara Mendes, Gary Arlington, San Francisco Comic Book Company, Rick Griffin, Gerald W. Page, Jeff Jones, Roger Brand, Al Williamson, Reed Crandall, Steve Ditko, Johnny Chambers · published 1970 · 78-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on variously colored wove paper and cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.7

The image shows a cartoon character with a long white beard and robe being kicked by another character with blue pants and brown shoes. The kicker's legs are in motion, and the character being kicked shows a surprised expression with a speech bubble saying "UNH!" and impact lines. The left border includes symbols like stars, lightning bolts, and swirls, adding to the playful tone. The top of the image reads "Mr. Natural," featuring "Flakey Foont," with the artist R. Crumb and the year 1970 at the bottom right corner.
Robert Crumb, Gary Arlington, Apex Novelties, Mr. Natural #1, 1970, paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.94

Mr. Natural #1

Robert Crumb, Gary Arlington, Apex Novelties · 1970 · paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.94

This is a drawing of a fantastical and surreal landscape featuring cartoon monsters. The cover artwork of a comic book, titled "San Francisco Comic Book No.1," showcases a colorful and bizarre scene with three animated monsters. The central figure is a large blue-green creature with large ears, wide-open pink eyes, and a menacing mouth full of teeth. In the foreground, two smaller creatures are rendered in a similarly exaggerated cartoon style: one with a long nose and large ears, appearing shocked or startled, and the other crawling out of the ground with elongated arms. The background is a vivid mix of blues and pinks with a dotted pattern reminiscent of classic comic book art. Distant, stylized cityscape elements are also visible on the lefthand side, adding to the intriguing, dreamlike quality of the illustration.
Various Artists, Gary Arlington, Apex Novelties, Rory Hayes, Willy Murphy, Larry Welz, Jack Jackson, Jim Osborne, Robert Crumb, R.K. Sloane, S. Clay Wilson, Dan O'Neill, Leonard Rifas, Dave Sheridan, Spain Rodriguez, Mervinius, Rick Griffin, Robert Dougherty, San Francisco Comic Book Company, San Francisco Comic Book #1, 1970, 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with front cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.110

San Francisco Comic Book #1

Various Artists, Gary Arlington, Apex Novelties, Rory Hayes, Willy Murphy, Larry Welz, Jack Jackson, Jim Osborne, Robert Crumb, R.K. Sloane, S. Clay Wilson, Dan O'Neill, Leonard Rifas, Dave Sheridan, Spain Rodriguez, Mervinius, Rick Griffin, Robert Dougherty, San Francisco Comic Book Company · 1970 · 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with front cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.110

This is a comic book cover featuring cartoonish, exaggerated figures in a stylized manner typical of underground comix. The cover depicts characters with distinctive exaggerated features in a suburban setting under a bright, yellow sky. The title "San Francisco Comic Book" is displayed prominently at the top with additional text indicating "Adults Only." Various effects like stars and a lightning bolt are included in the artwork, resembling Robert Crumb's satirical style.
Various Artists, Gary Arlington, Robert Crumb, Kim Deitch, Greg Irons, George Metzger, Willy Murphy, Trina Robbins, Justin Green, Jim Osborne, S. Clay Wilson, Willy Mendes, Larry Welz, Spain Rodriguez, Mervinius, Gilbert Shelton, Rory Hayes, Robert Williams, Joel Beck, Jay Lynch, Jeffery Hayes, Jack Jackson, The Print Mint, Inc., San Francisco Comic Book #3, 1970, 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with front cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.112

San Francisco Comic Book #3

Various Artists, Gary Arlington, Robert Crumb, Kim Deitch, Greg Irons, George Metzger, Willy Murphy, Trina Robbins, Justin Green, Jim Osborne, S. Clay Wilson, Willy Mendes, Larry Welz, Spain Rodriguez, Mervinius, Gilbert Shelton, Rory Hayes, Robert Williams, Joel Beck, Jay Lynch, Jeffery Hayes, Jack Jackson, The Print Mint, Inc. · 1970 · 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with front cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.112

This is a drawing of a comic book cover with horror elements. The cover is designed to look like a vintage horror comic titled "Horror in the Blood Vein: Bogeyman Comics No. 1" priced at 35 cents. It is divided into smaller panels against a minimalistic background. Each panel contains stylized and colorful horror illustrations. One panel shows a figure exclaiming "HELP MAMA!" in green, another features a person screaming "HELP!!!" in yellow, and a third depicts someone being menaced by a skeletal figure with the text "MAMA! MAMA! HELP!!!!" in orange. The final panel shows someone crying "The BOGEYMAN is going to get me!!!" in red. Below the main illustrations, skeletal remains are displayed artistically. The name "R. Hayes" is part of the illustration at the bottom. The design style is reminiscent of mid-20th century horror comics and pulp magazines.
Rory Hayes, Gary Arlington, San Francisco Comic Book Company, Bogeyman Comics #1, published 1969, 32-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations black and white on wove paper and cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.23

Bogeyman Comics #1

Rory Hayes, Gary Arlington, San Francisco Comic Book Company · published 1969 · 32-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations black and white on wove paper and cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.23