Crumb (directed by Terry Zwigoff in 1994) is about comic book artist R. Crumb, who revolutionized comics back in the 60's and 70's. It's a sort of pre-cursor to American Splendor I guess you could say, except this is absolutely 100% documentary. I won't say much about it, outside of its excellence, but the one really unique thing about it is how it manages to be overwhelmingly depressing and really funny simultaneously. Circumstances surrounding himself and his friends and family are so bizarre and often disturbing, but they all paint such a funny picture out of it. Like it's normal to them. I hope I'm not the only one to have seen it, it's one of the best films I've ever seen, documentary or otherwise.

I have seen it. I watched it a few years ago. You're right about it being really depressing, but I was encouraged that Crumb was able to make such a great artistic contribution as a result of his childhood and family situation. Unfortunately, his brothers seem irreparably damaged because of those shared circumstances.

I think you're right about it being a companion piece to American Splendor. I would add The Devil and Daniel Johnston about the at times unstable musician Daniel Johnston to that list as well. If anyone hasn't seen those, I would highly recommend them. They all deal with being able to harness negative energy into something postive through art.

I would also add You're Gonna Miss Me, about musician Roky Erickson of the 13th Floor Elevators to this list.

I had the opportunity to watch Crumb at a local theater last year, and Terry Zwigoff actually came and answered some questions... Two of my friends even got their copies of Ghost World signed.