Robert Crumb’s original “Stoned Agin!” artwork is going up for bid for the first time ever in Heritage Auctions’ Comics & Comic Art Auction Nov. 21-24 in Dallas, Texas. Crumb’s groundbreaking release of the first issue of Zap Comix in 1967, predating the premiere issue of High Times, included illustrated instructions informing readers how to hold in a hit and general tips about smoking pot more efficiently. From then on, Crumb more or less led the hippie comic book movement, defying all previously-held standards of censorship in mainstream comic books.
Crumb’s psychedelic legacy introduced the world to foul-mouthed cartoon characters such as Mr. Natural, the Keep On Truckin’ men, Mr. Snoid, Flakey Foont, and Fritz the Cat—which was released as an R-rated animated film and sequel. Crumb published Zap Comix, Head Comix, Your Hytone Comix, Weirdo Magazine, Mystic Funnies and dozens of other quirky titles over the years, almost always with a psychedelic theme. He also drew Big Brother and the Holding Company’s cover of Cheap Thrills for Janis Joplin and countless other contributions.
Robert Crumb’s Original Artwork
Crumb’s artwork “Stoned Agin!” [sic] depicts the various stages of the effects of cannabis—from being a little bit high to inner nirvana. The artwork original was the inside cover of Your Hytone Comix, published by Apex Novelties in 1971, but the image ended up being printed on incense and rolling paper packs for generations. As of mid-November, the current bid was at $105,000, with the Buyer’s Premium set at $126,000. But its estimated value is set at $250,000. It’s a small price to pay for such a huge part of stoner history.
Fortunately for everyone else, Crumb values rare blues records enough to trade them for his own original artwork. “The consignor received the artwork directly from Robert …
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Author: Benjamin M. Adams / High Times
