CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect date of publication of "Harvey Pekar's Cleveland." It will be published in March.



CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It is Harvey Pekar's final gift to Cleveland.

The late graphic novelist has written a wonderful history of his home. And our home. "Harvey Pekar's Cleveland" will be out in March. Here's a taste until then.

Pekar, creator of "American Splendor" and other comics, was always Cleveland's heart and soul. But don't take our word for it. The greatest tribute Pekar could ask for is the introduction by Alan Moore, creator of "Watchmen." In the world of comics and graphic novels he is without peer, revered for both his talent and integrity. Here's part of what he had to say:

"Harvey Pekar was and is one of the very finest writers ever to grace the comic medium, a fact frequently overlooked, perhaps as a result of Harvey the gigantic character overshadowing Harvey the fiercely original and accomplished author in his audience's imagination. Never trafficking in fiction, his work studiously avoids narrative flash and the twist-ending storytelling gimmickry that tends to draw attention to the writer rather than to what his or her writing is about. By way of a result, this sometimes means that much of the sheer craft and ingenuity of Harvey's output goes unnoticed by a readership who are not preconditioned to expect or notice subtlety."

Pekar's narrative details Cleveland's early history as an industrial powerhouse as it flows into his own story as an emerging artist and witness to our times, good and bad. We thank Harvey's widow, Joyce Brabner, for the opportunity to share this with you.

Brabner has successfully raised $30,787 for a desk and a sculpture to be installed at Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library.

"Money is still needed for related expenses, such as installation, insurance, maintenance, legal fees, taxes, order fulfillment, postage, etc.," Brabner said. "That falls upon my shoulders, unless people help, and I'm not exactly a well-monied celebrity. And we very much wanted to purchase more graphic novels to expand the library collection."

To that end, contributors can donate via PayPal to hpekar@aol.com. Checks can be made payable to Estate of Harvey Pekar, P.O. Box 18471, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.

