The Worst of Heyoka is a compilation of drawings from Larry Marder’s "gnu-wave quirkzine dedicated to the spirit of ernie bushmiller".

Publication date: 1983, 1997

Synopsis

Synopsis? That would mean this ashcan had a story to tell. Instead, we have a 16-page grab-bag of offbeat, free-association drawings. In them we find the weirder side of Larry Marder’s personality: puns, drawings inspired by the business world, sentient eyeballs, and a few beans. There are cameos by Uncle Xaspa and, of course, Heyoka.

The introduction explains the origin of this strange little 'zine. The story showcases the doing-it-because-it-makes-me-happy spirit of 'zines. For example:

I didn't sell Heyoka. I gave it away for free. I'd hand a copy to someone as they passed me on the street, like a nut or a politician handing out propaganda.

Now that's art.

Noteworthy

• A number of elements from different drawings made their way into the Beanworld.

• The cartoon about Heyoka may foreshadow her existence in the Beanworld.

• Can anyone explain why the three cartoons from issue 3 all involve two of something?

• Ernie Bushmiller created the unique comic strip Nancy.