Comic-Book Icon Harvey Pekar: 1939-2010

Renowned comic-book writer Harvey Pekar was found dead in his Cleveland home this morning. According to the Associated Press, Pekar, who is known for the cult series American Splendor, had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and was also suffering from asthma, depression and high blood pressure.

Capt. Michael Cannon of the Cleveland Heights police department says Pekar’s wife called the officers at around 1 a.m. Details on the 70-year-old’s death have yet to be confirmed, but an autopsy has been scheduled, according to a coroner’s spokesman.

Pekar’s American Splendor series was birthed in 1976 and was made into a film starring Paul Giamatti in 2003. The Awl writes that Pekar’s appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman was “one of television’s most uncomfortable moments.” It’s one of the countless notable moments Pekar will be remembered for, and you can watch it below: