Harvey Pekar Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Harvey Pekar, born in 1939, began his career as a file clerk at a Veterans Administration hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Despite his humble day job, Pekar was a passionate music enthusiast and critic, contributing reviews to local publications. His love for jazz and blues music was a significant influence on his future work.

In the late 1970s, Pekar decided to turn his life experiences and thoughts into a unique form of storytelling. Collaborating with various artists, he began creating comic books, an unconventional choice for someone without a formal art background. His first series, “American Splendor,” debuted in 1976, marking the start of his journey to fame.

Harvey Pekar’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Harvey Pekar’s estimated net worth is $1 million. This figure reflects his decades of work in the comics industry and his influence on underground and alternative comics.

Career

Harvey Pekar, born in 1939, was an American comic book writer and music critic. He is best known for his autobiographical comic book series “American Splendor,” which began in 1976 and ran for over 20 years. Pekar’s work is celebrated for its raw, honest portrayal of everyday life and its influence on the comics medium.

Other Ventures

In addition to his comic book work, Pekar was also a music critic. He wrote for various publications, including The Washington Post, and was known for his insightful and passionate reviews. Pekar also appeared in the 2003 film “American Splendor,” which was based on his life and work.

Assets

Pekar’s assets primarily consist of his intellectual property, including the rights to “American Splendor” and his other comic book works. He also owned a collection of jazz records, a reflection of his love for music and his work as a critic. Pekar’s home in Cleveland, Ohio, was another significant asset.

Annual Income

Pekar’s annual income varied throughout his career. At the height of “American Splendor”‘s popularity, he likely earned a significant portion of his income from the series. However, as a independent comic book creator, his income was not consistent. His work as a music critic also contributed to his annual income.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Harvey Pekar

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Harvey Pekar Net Worth FAQs

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1. What was Harvey Pekar’s net worth?

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Harvey Pekar’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000 at the time of his death.

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2. How did Harvey Pekar make his money?

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Pekar made his money primarily through his work as a comic book writer and musician. He was best known for his autobiographical comic book series “American Splendor”.

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3. What was Harvey Pekar’s job before he became a comic book writer?

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Before becoming a comic book writer, Pekar worked as a file clerk at a VA hospital for over 30 years.

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4. When did Harvey Pekar start writing comics?

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Pekar started writing comics in the late 1970s, with the first issue of “American Splendor” being published in 1976.

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5. Who was the artist for American Splendor?

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Robert Crumb was the primary artist for “American Splendor”. Other artists who contributed to the series include Joe Zabel, Greg Budgett, and Pekar himself.

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6. Was American Splendor made into a movie?

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Yes, “American Splendor” was adapted into a biographical comedy-drama film in 2003. The film was directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini.

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7. What was Harvey Pekar’s musical background?

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Pekar was a jazz record collector and had a radio show on Cleveland public radio station WCPN from 1988 until his death. He also played the saxophone.

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8. How many books did Harvey Pekar write?

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Pekar wrote over 20 books, including “American Splendor” and other graphic novels like “The Quitter” and “Our Cancer Year”.

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9. When did Harvey Pekar pass away?

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Pekar passed away on July 12, 2010, at the age of 70.

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10. What was the cause of Harvey Pekar’s death?

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Pekar died of complications from a stroke, which he had suffered a few days earlier.