Rick Griffin

Griffin, Richard Alden

American, 1944 - 1991

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The image displays a robot-like figure against a bright background with a blue sky and pink clouds. The figure is in profile facing right, showing its upper body. It has detailed mechanical components instead of human facial features, including bolts and metallic surfaces. The "face" includes circular eyes, a nose, and a mouth made of industrial elements. The figure wears a helmet with a star and goggles, and has a wing motif emblem. It appears to be a mix of yellow and blue machinery with ostrich-like feathers. Detailed line artwork creates wire and circuit textures on the body. The background has stylized clouds, giving a surreal and graphic style. The name "ZAP" is in red letters at the top, along with pricing information and an "Adults Only" label.
Various Artists, Spain Rodriguez, S. Clay Wilson, Gilbert Shelton, Rick Griffin, Robert Crumb, Robert Williams, Victor Moscoso, The Print Mint, Inc., Zap, no. 7, 1974, 52-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations in black and cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.174

Zap, no. 7

Various Artists, Spain Rodriguez, S. Clay Wilson, Gilbert Shelton, Rick Griffin, Robert Crumb, Robert Williams, Victor Moscoso, The Print Mint, Inc. · 1974 · 52-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations in black and cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.174

This is a painting depicting a surreal, cartoon-like scene in a desert. The artwork includes various imaginative characters in vibrant colors. A humanoid broccoli with a smokey head stands in the center with a jar labeled "ZAP JAM" nearby. Next to it is a tall, thin, purple creature. In the foreground, there is a character resembling a pirate with a saber and striped pants. A griffin-like creature sits near a large ink bottle with a quill in its mouth. The background features a minimalistic desert setting with two palm trees. The painting resembles a comic book cover with a title and a price marking, created in the style reminiscent of Robert Crumb.
Various Artists, Robert Crumb, S. Clay Wilson, Rick Griffin, Victor Moscoso, Robert Williams, Gilbert Shelton, Spain Rodriguez, The Print Mint, Inc., Zam, 1974, 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations in black on wove paper and cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.166

Zam

Various Artists, Robert Crumb, S. Clay Wilson, Rick Griffin, Victor Moscoso, Robert Williams, Gilbert Shelton, Spain Rodriguez, The Print Mint, Inc. · 1974 · 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations in black on wove paper and cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.166

This is a drawing of a creature holding a comic book. The creature has exaggerated features, including a large nose, multiple eyes, tusks, and a broad grin. The comic book is titled "CONSUME" and "BOREDOM ILLUSTRATED," with outlandish lettering and graphics on the cover. The background is bright pink. The creature is surrounded by a spiral of objects, including household items and food. The artwork may be inspired by underground comix and satirical pop art, with a critique of consumer culture.
Various Artists, Gilbert Shelton, Robert Williams, Robert Crumb, S. Clay Wilson, Rick Griffin, Spain Rodriguez, Victor Moscoso, Apex Novelties, Zap, no. 6, 1973, 52-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations in black and cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.173

Zap, no. 6

Various Artists, Gilbert Shelton, Robert Williams, Robert Crumb, S. Clay Wilson, Rick Griffin, Spain Rodriguez, Victor Moscoso, Apex Novelties · 1973 · 52-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations in black and cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.173

This is a drawing of a colorful comic book cover. The image features an anthropomorphic figure sitting on a lion with exaggerated features. The figure is dressed in casual attire with goggles and headphones. There is a large title "UTOPIA" above them with comic motifs like dice and speech balloons. The background has a red and blue gradient. To the left are three circular portraits labeled "THE MONITER," "JESUS," and "GUMBO," each with distinct features. A checkered pattern and text elements add to the style. The composition uses bold outlines and colors to convey energy and movement.
Rick Griffin, San Francisco Comic Book Company, Man from Utopia, 1972, 32-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.84

Man from Utopia

Rick Griffin, San Francisco Comic Book Company · 1972 · 32-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.84

This is a drawing of a cartoonish figure in a room filled with filing cabinets. The character at the center has an exaggerated expression, surrounded by filing cabinets with open drawers. The background is red-orange. The figure wears casual attire and appears overwhelmed. Above the character are comic-style symbols. The image also includes the words "PROMETHEAN ENTERPRISES" and a dollar sign with a 1 indicating a comic pricing feature. The drawing features bold outlines and humorous exaggerations.
Various Artists, Jim Vadeboncoeur Jr., Al Davoren, Bud Plant, Robert Crumb, Richard Corben, Rick Griffin, Emil Pataja, John Fawcett, George Metzger, Kenneth Smith, Bill Henry, Marty E. Rice, Roy G. Krenkel, Jim Valadez, Spain Rodriguez, Rob Brown, Dennis Nolan, Robert Inwood, Anne Vadeboncoeur, Bhob Stewart, Raymond Wong, Wilhelm Busch, Bob Zoell, Al Metter, Johnny Chambers, Promethean Enterprises, Promethean Enterprises #3, 1971, 68-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in red and black, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.101

Promethean Enterprises #3

Various Artists, Jim Vadeboncoeur Jr., Al Davoren, Bud Plant, Robert Crumb, Richard Corben, Rick Griffin, Emil Pataja, John Fawcett, George Metzger, Kenneth Smith, Bill Henry, Marty E. Rice, Roy G. Krenkel, Jim Valadez, Spain Rodriguez, Rob Brown, Dennis Nolan, Robert Inwood, Anne Vadeboncoeur, Bhob Stewart, Raymond Wong, Wilhelm Busch, Bob Zoell, Al Metter, Johnny Chambers, Promethean Enterprises · 1971 · 68-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in red and black ·  Accession ID  2014.126.101

This is a drawing of a comic book cover. The image shows a central character in patched pants holding a comic book against a backdrop of urban buildings. Surrounding the character are lively cartoon figures engaged in humorous poses and activities. The design features vibrant colors, exaggerated expressions, and playful elements, with bold retro typography at the top and bottom of the image.
Various Artists, Jim Vadeboncoeur Jr., Al Davoren, Bud Plant, Bob Zoell, Greg Irons, Rick Griffin, Dennis Nolan, Vincent Davis, George Metzger, Parley Holman, Jim Osborne, Roger Brand, Robert Crumb, Keith Kleespies, R. L. Tubbesing, Doug Wildey, John Fawcett, Neil Passey, Robert Inwood, Victor Moscoso, Rob Brown, Johnny Chambers, Tom Bird, Albert Hurter, John Thompson, Promethean Enterprises, Promethean Enterprises #4, 1971, 80-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color and centerfold on card stock, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.102

Promethean Enterprises #4

Various Artists, Jim Vadeboncoeur Jr., Al Davoren, Bud Plant, Bob Zoell, Greg Irons, Rick Griffin, Dennis Nolan, Vincent Davis, George Metzger, Parley Holman, Jim Osborne, Roger Brand, Robert Crumb, Keith Kleespies, R. L. Tubbesing, Doug Wildey, John Fawcett, Neil Passey, Robert Inwood, Victor Moscoso, Rob Brown, Johnny Chambers, Tom Bird, Albert Hurter, John Thompson, Promethean Enterprises · 1971 · 80-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color and centerfold on card stock ·  Accession ID  2014.126.102

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

The image depicts a monstrous creature on a comic book cover. The creature has large, hollow eyes, a gaping mouth, and stands in the foreground holding a glowing insect. There are buzzing flies or small creatures around it. In the background, there is a landscape with gravestones, a sun, and twisted trees. The title "BOGEYMAN" and additional text "Soul Snatcher Comix" are displayed prominently. The color palette is vivid and surreal, creating a nightmarish atmosphere typical of vintage horror or underground comics.
Various Artists, Jack Jackson, Rory Hayes, Jay Lynch, Simon Deitch, Spain Rodriguez, Rick Griffin, Greg Irons, Geoffrey Hayes, San Francisco Comic Book Company, Bogeyman Comics #3, Published 1970, 28-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, 2014.126.25

Bogeyman Comics #3

Various Artists, Jack Jackson, Rory Hayes, Jay Lynch, Simon Deitch, Spain Rodriguez, Rick Griffin, Greg Irons, Geoffrey Hayes, San Francisco Comic Book Company · Published 1970 · 28-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations black and white on wove paper and cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.25

This is a painting of a figure on the cover of a comic titled "Bogeyman." The image shows a creature with large eyes and sharp teeth, holding an insect in one hand. The creature's hair is electrified and it wears a tattered garment with a patch on the shoulder. The background features a surreal landscape with a graveyard, a twisted barren tree, and gravestones under a moonlit night sky. The top part of the image displays the title "BOGEYMAN" in yellow letters against an orange-red background. Additional text labels the book as "Soul Snatcher Comix." The illustration has a vintage horror style reminiscent of 1970s underground comic art.
Various Artists, Jack Jackson, Rory Hayes, Jay Lynch, Simon Deitch, Spain Rodriguez, Rick Griffin, Greg Irons, Geoffrey Hayes, San Francisco Comic Book Company, Bogeyman Comics #3 (red cover), Published 1970, 28-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, 2014.126.26

Bogeyman Comics #3 (red cover)

Various Artists, Jack Jackson, Rory Hayes, Jay Lynch, Simon Deitch, Spain Rodriguez, Rick Griffin, Greg Irons, Geoffrey Hayes, San Francisco Comic Book Company · Published 1970 · 28-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations black and white on wove paper and cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.26

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