Joyce Brabner

Just came across the news that Joyce had passed away. She and Harvey were two of my favorite people to keep up with--it just so happened they came from the world of comic book writers. I have been an avid collector of comics but when Harvey and Joyce splashed on the scene it changed everything. Harvey's defiant presence on Letterman was hilarious and mesmerizing and Joyce's doll of Harvey is something that has always eluded my collection. What made them so meaningful to so many of us was their authenticity and their integrity. It was an integrity that looked at life in realistic and honest ways. Most of all they were blessed with gritty grace. Living a meaningful life requires courage and courage is full of grit that grinds away the falsities of life and smooths and polishes the roughness of living and reveals for the rest of us the hidden beauty of love. Joyce and Harvey were both shining examples of being blessed with graceful grittiness. I am sad they are gone from us but grateful they left American Splendor and their other works as a legacy of their lives for us to be inspired and challenged to find courage for living.

To the family, many, many friends, colleagues and fans of this wonderful writer Ms. Joyce Brabner fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. Ms. Joyce Brabner was a comic book writer, social activist, and the widow of independent comics creator Harvey Pekar (1939-2010). Thank you for Ms. Joyce Brabner's contribution also to the fan-favorite comic world. Many enjoyed and were inspired by her work. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together. May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives. May family, friends and extended family cherish her memories.

Correction, it was early 1990s, not 1980s, that i made that made the phone call.

Long ago, in 1980s, I went to visit my brother in Cleveland. Out of curiosity, I saw in the telephone book "Harvey Pekar". THE Harvey Pekar? I called the number and Joyce answered. We talked for awhile. i did not know about Joyce. She talked about working with Harvey on upcoming book "My Cancefr Year." She was gracious and patient with me as i asked her questions and felt like talking to an old friend. I see she is about my age. I am saddened she is gone now, but not totally unexpected, since she had bouts with cancer over the years. RIP, dear one.