Last weekend I was at the History of Medicine meetings in Cleveland, the home to Harvey Pekar. I had called him beforehand and asked if we could meet and Harvey, who's always gracious, agreed. He picked me up after the Medical Museums Association meeting and took me to an early dinner in his town, Cleveland Heights.
After asking me if I liked milkshakes, he took me to Tommy's Restaurant (1824 Coventry Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118, for those planning a trip) where he was greeted by name. We were parked in a booth and talked comics, food and mutual acquaintances for a while while I had a black cherry ice cream milkshake and a meat pie with lamb, beef and onions. Harvey had a grilled cheese, which I report for the sake of history. We talked a little bit about his appearance on Tony Bourdain's tv show No Reservations last year, and in spite of Harvey's reputation as a tv disdainer (apropos of his Letterman appearances), he's got a real liking for Bourdain who's another self-made man like Harvey is. I specifically asked because my wife and I are addicted to No Reservations and I buy any of Bourdain's books when he comes to DC for a signing.
I don't think Harvey will mind if I mention that DC hasn't picked up American Splendor for a 3rd series - drop a line to Vertigo now asking for more! These were excellent versions of his stories. His new book, The Beats, has just come out and he kindly gave me a copy. I also got him to sign some of the Harvey Pekar: Conversations books (on sale on the right) that I still have after buying a case of them. I'll probably be selling a few at Heroes Con when I accompany Our Man Thompson to help man his table this year.
It was a real pleasure to hang out with Harvey on his home ground. I'd recommend it to all of you, except that I think Harvey's brain would explode.
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