American Splendor #3

In "Standing Behind Old Jewish Ladies in Supermarket Lines," Harvey Pekar delivers another quietly profound slice of life, observing the rhythms of everyday existence with his signature wit and empathy. Written by Harvey Pekar and illustrated with precise, expressive detail by Gary Dumm—whose work extends to inks and letters—this 1978 issue captures fleeting moments between conversations about Vietnam M.I.A.s, a woman’s job at a Polish newspaper, and the familiar quirks of Cleveland life. The cover, by Gregory Budgett with inks by Dumm, sets the tone with a familiar, grounded vignette.