Best known for his wildly imaginative, gleefully absurdist television
show in the 1950s, Ernie Kovacs (1919 - 1962) was also a notorious
illustrator, novelist, essayist, newspaper columnist, and poet. In
celebration of this cockeyed genius and his prolific creative output,
Fantagraphics presents a career retrospective featuring
never-before-seen photos from Kovacs's archive; excerpts of his magazine
articles, columns and books, hand-notated TV scripts: a smattering of
his "illustrated profuselies," the wacky improvisational sketches he
drew on air; and more.
Curated by Josh Mills (son of Edie Adams, Kovacs's wife and a performer
on his show), Edie/Ernie archivist Ben Model, and counterculture
historian Pat Thomas, the book offers a unique glimpse into the mind of
a pioneering comedian. The first Kovacs book to be published in 30
years, this impressive collection features previously unpublished Ernie
photos, drawings and writings, vintage 1960s magazine articles reprinted
for the first time, and new essays by Ann Magnuson and Ron Mael of
Sparks.
Kovacs inspired countless comedians, musicians, humorists, and writers
in the latter half of the 20th century and beyond. He is cited as a
direct influence by the creators and stars of such innovative comedy
series as Saturday Night Live, Monty Python, and Mystery Science
Theater 3000. An award in his name has been granted to uproarious
humorists like Amy Sedaris (Strangers with Candy) and Harry Shearer
(This is Spinal Tap). A true visionary, Kovacs's iconoclastic approach
has forever made its mark on the world of comedy.
