Zap, no. 1

1968

Robert Crumb (artist, author), Apex Novelties (publisher)

Associated Names
Robert Crumb

Artist, American, born 1943

Apex Novelties

Publisher, American, 1968 - c.1990

This is a drawing of a comic book cover featuring a city scene. The cover presents a blend of intricate line art and vivid colors in a comic style. The top half of the cover displays the text "Zap Comix" and a warning stating "For Adult Intellectuals Only!" Below the text, a scene unfolds: a cartoonish vehicle is being driven through a cityscape. The vehicle has exaggerated, expressive eyes and a face. It is piloted by a fantastical figure wearing a long hat and robe. The skyline in the background is stylized with blocky buildings under a bright sun. The drawing includes speech bubbles with humorous remarks and phrases like “If you don’t know by now, lady, don’t mess with it.” The comic is titled "Mr. Natural Visits the City" and mentions special content with "Kitchen Kut-Outs." The style is illustrative and playful, with an irreverent, counterculture tone.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    28-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations in black and cover in full color

  • Credit Line

    Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 24.13 × 17.15 cm (9 1/2 × 6 3/4 in.)
    open: 24.13 × 34.29 cm (9 1/2 × 13 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2014.126.168


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

William and Abigil Gerdts, New York, NY; gift to NGA, 2014

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2018

  • Sense of Humor: Caricature, Satire, and the Comical in Prints and Drawings from Leonardo to the Present, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2018 - 2019.


You may be interested in

Loading Results