Vertigo To Publish Harvey Pekar's THE QUITTER

Harvey Pekar's next original graphic novel, THE QUITTER, will be published by VERTIGO in the fall of 2005, it was announced by Paul Levitz, President & Publisher of DC Comics during a New York is Book Country panel discussion on the Future of the Graphic Novel on Sunday, October 3. Pekar is best known for his autobiographical slice-of-life comic book series American Splendor, a first-person account of Pekar's downtrodden life, as well as the subsequent film based on the long running series.

THE QUITTER will be written by Pekar and drawn by the critically acclaimed artist Dean Haspiel (American Splendor, BIZARRO COMICS, BATMAN ADVENTURES); it is Pekar's first full-length project with DC Comics and VERTIGO. The story mines tales from Pekar's childhood and early adolescence. "This is the most complete treatment I've ever given to my childhood and early adulthood," says Pekar. "I was very happy to pull things together and I'm pleased with what I wrote."

"We're more than thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Harvey," says Karen Berger, VP — Executive Editor, VERTIGO. "His unique way of looking at the world and his insightful and irreverent writing is a natural fit with VERTIGO, and we're confident that THE QUITTER will join the ranks of the special literary work being produced in our field."

"THE QUITTER is Harvey's funniest and most heart-wrenching story yet," says Editor Jonathan Vankin. "Harvey's longtime fans, as well as readers who've never experienced his distinctive approach to comics will find this book as unforgettable as I do."

Pekar and Haspiel also contribute a story starring Bizarro to the upcoming hardcover BIZARRO WORLD, coming in February!