Gay Comix Records
Provenance
Howard Cruse donated these papers to the National Archive of Lesbian and Gay History in 1995.
Use Restrictions
No names may be published unless they are publically know to be gay, or their permission has been obtained, or they are deceased. No photocopies may be made of letters addressed to Howard Cruse that include the name or address of the correspondent. In addition, this information must be blocked out when photocopying Cruse’s letters of response. Do not include in your writings any descriptions of the sketches, art or preliminary drafts of comic strips.
Scope and Content
The collection consists primarily of Howard Cruse’s correspondence related to the publication of Gay Comix numbers 1 – 5, 1980 – 1984. It includes correspondence between Howard Cruse, and his publisher, various contributors, cartoonists soliciting their work, and fans. Some of Howard Cruse’s letters detail his intentions and vision for the Gay Comix series. The collection includes published reviews and copies of Gay Comix 1 – 5.
History or Bio
Howard Cruse is an American cartoonist and illustrator, born May 2, 1944 in Birmingham, Alabama, the son of a Baptist minister. He has been active in the underground comix movement since the early 1970s. He has worked as a full-time freelance cartoonist since 1978. His comic strips have appeared in numerous publications including “Heavy Metal,” “Playboy,” the “Village Voice,” “American Health,” “Christopher Street” and “Bananas.” He was the founding editor of Gay Comix, a comic book series about the Lesbian and Gay experience, published by Kitchen Sink Press, 1980 – 1984.
Folder List
Box 1
1. [Correspondence between Denis Kitchen and Howard Cruse (1979 – 1983)]
2. [Correspondence between Denis Kitchen, Rand Holmes and Howard Cruse (1980)]
3. [Correspondence between Howard Cruse and Kurt Erichsen (1980 – 1982).]
4. [Correspondence between Jennifer Camper & Howard Cruse (1980 – 1983).]
5. [Correspondence between “Vaughn” (of TCB Studios) & Howard Cruse, including 10 pages of cartoons (1982 – 1983).]
6. [Correspondence between Roberta Gregory & Howard Cruse (1979 – 1983).]
7. [Correspondence between Robert Triptow & Howard Cruse (1981 – 1984).]
8. [Correspondence between Mary Wings and Howard Cruse (1972 – 1982)]
9. [Correspondence between Joe Sinardi & Howard Cruse, including cartoons by Joe Sinardi (1980 – 1983).]
10. [Correspondence between Lee Marrs & Howard Cruse (1980 – 1982).]
11. [Correspondence between “Demian” and Howard Cruse, including some artwork by “Demian” (1980 – 1983).]
12. [Correspondence between Burton Clarke and Howard Cruse (1980 – 1982).]
13. [Correspondence between Kalervo Pulkkinen and Howard Cruse (1982 – 1983).]
14. [Correspondence from Howard Cruse to various artists and others (1980 – 1984).]
15. [Correspondence from Kitchen Sink Press, United Parcel Service, & Lehner Law Office (1982 – 1983).]
16. [Correspondence between Howard Cruse and The Advocate (1981), Christopher Street (1984), and In Touch (undated) magazines.]
17. [Correspondence between Howard Cruse and Gay Comix readers, many soliciting their work, some sample work included (1979 – 1981, Bulk 1980 – 1981).]
18. [Correspondence between Howard Cruse and Gay Comix readers, many soliciting their work, some sample work included (1982 – 1983).]
19. [Some personal correspondence to and from Howard Cruse (1982 – 1983).]
20. [Article about Demian (undated), and an article and press release (1982) about a treatment for paralysis.]
21. [Various artwork (1979 – 1983, some undated).]
22. [Press releases and form letters soliciting work for Gay Comix (1980 – 1983).]
23. [Permission forms from Gay Comix (1982).]
24. [Krupp dealers’ catalog (1980).]
25. [Published reviews (1980 – 1984, Bulk 1980 – 1981).]
26. [Gay Comix numbers 1 through 5 (1980 – 1984).]