Zap, no. 3

1969

Various Artists, Robert Crumb (artist), Rick Griffin (artist), Victor Moscoso (artist), S. Clay Wilson (artist), Gilbert Shelton (artist), Apex Novelties (publisher)

Associated Names
Robert Crumb

Artist, American, born 1943

Rick Griffin

Artist, American, 1944 - 1991

Victor Moscoso

Artist, American, born Spain, 1936

S. Clay Wilson

Artist, American, born 1941

Gilbert Shelton

Artist, American, born 1940

Apex Novelties

Publisher, American, 1968 - c.1990

This is an image of a surreal and bizarre comic cover. It features a large insect-like creature with human legs and hands, holding a can and wearing a wide-brimmed hat. The creature stands in a tunnel made of organic, rounded forms, which is detailed with rich textures and shadows. In the background, a creature resembling a walking sun with a human face and limbs gestures expressively. Near it, round, eye-like creatures with tentacles congregate around a spilled body of liquid with eyeballs floating in it. There's also another creature holding a sign with "ME!" written. The cover is highly colorful and features a variety of vibrant hues. The title "Soap Comix" indicates it may belong to an adult-themed comic series, enhanced by the "Adults Only" label. The scene is chaotic, vivid, and embodies a psychedelic or surrealist atmosphere often associated with the underground comic movement.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    52-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: 24.77 × 17.15 cm (9 3/4 × 6 3/4 in.)
    open: 24.77 × 34.29 cm (9 3/4 × 13 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2014.126.170


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.


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