Keep On Truckin’ (1968): The Controversy and Creative Genius of Robert Crumb

Keep On Truckin’ (comics) is a famous one-page cartoon created by the renowned artist Robert Crumb. It made its debut in the inaugural issue of Zap Comix in 1968. This iconic cartoon visually interprets the lyrics from the Blind Boy Fuller song “Truckin’ My Blues Away.” It features an array of men, depicted in Crumb’s distinctive style, strutting across various landscapes. During the hippie era, the images from Keep On Truckin’ were widely imitated and prominently displayed.

Keep On Truckin’

• Creator: Robert Crumb
• Publication: Zap Comix, 1968
• Genre: Underground comic
• Significance: Iconic symbol of counterculture movement
• Legal Issues: Copyright disputes and lawsuits
• Legacy: Enduring cultural impact
• Other Works by Robert Crumb: Fritz the Cat, Mr. Natural, The Book of Genesis Illustrated

Copyright and Licensing Issues

Despite its popularity, Keep On Truckin’ has faced numerous copyright and licensing issues. The image has been reproduced without permission on various items such as T-shirts, posters, belt buckles, mudflaps, and more. In the early 1970s, Crumb’s lawyer began issuing threats of legal action against individuals and companies using the image without authorization.

One notable case involved Crumb and A.A. Sales, a producer of unauthorized Keep On Truckin’ merchandise. Although a settlement of $750 was reached for past usage, A.A. Sales continued selling unlicensed products without paying additional fees. The case eventually went to the U.S. Federal Court in 1973, where Judge Albert Charles Wollenberg heard the arguments. A.A. Sales claimed that the work was in the public domain because Crumb had not included the copyright symbol on the image, despite having done so for Zap #1 as a whole.

However, the court ruled in favor of A.A. Sales, stating that the omission of the copyright symbol rendered the work public domain under the terms of the 1909 Copyright Act. This decision was later reversed by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1977, restoring the copyrighted status of Keep On Truckin’.
Interestingly, Crumb was once offered $100,000 by Toyota to reproduce the image for a Keep On Truckin’ advertising campaign, but he declined the offer. He has also taken legal action against various entities, including Amazon.com in 2005, to protect the copyright of Keep On Truckin’.

Crumb’s Notions

Robert Crumb himself has expressed mixed feelings about the overwhelming success of Keep On Truckin’. He described it as a “curse” in his life, as the cartoon became incredibly popular, with phrases like “Keep On TR-R-RUCKIN’!” frequently shouted on radio stations during the 1970s. Crumb felt uncomfortable with the idea of being seen as a spokesman for the hippie movement and struggled with his newfound fame.

Crumb published a self-parody of Keep On Truckin’ in 1972 in response to this discomfort. This parody introduced new poses and slogans such as “Keep On Rollin’ Along,” “Keep On Chunkin’,” and “Keep On Toodlin’.” The strip was covered in copyright symbols as a tongue-in-cheek way of asserting ownership, and it ended with an ironic suggestion for readers to buy “Keep On Shuckin'” merchandise.

In conclusion, Keep On Truckin’ is an iconic piece of art symbolizing the challenges and complexities of artistic success and copyright protection in the modern world. Despite facing legal battles and personal dilemmas, Robert Crumb’s creation continues to captivate audiences and remains a cultural touchstone.

FAQs about Keep On Truckin’

1. What is “Keep On Truckin'” by Robert Crumb?

“Keep On Truckin'” is a one-page cartoon created by Robert Crumb, initially published in the first issue of Zap Comix in 1968. It features various men strutting across various landscapes in Crumb’s distinctive style.

2. What is the origin of “Keep On Truckin'”?

The cartoon visually interprets the lyrics of the Blind Boy Fuller song “Truckin’ My Blues Away.” Robert Crumb created it as a humorous and satirical piece during the hippie era.

3. Why is “Keep On Truckin'” significant?

“Keep On Truckin'” became an iconic image of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s. It captured the spirit of optimism, freedom, and individualism of that era.

4. What legal issues have “Keep On Truckin'” faced?

The image has been imitated and used without permission on various products, leading to copyright infringement issues. Robert Crumb has sued multiple entities to defend the copyright of “Keep On Truckin’,” including Amazon.com in 2005.

5. How did the legal battles affect the copyright status of “Keep On Truckin'”?

Due to copyright and licensing disputes, “Keep On Truckin'” was considered in the public domain. However, a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1977 reversed this, restoring its copyrighted status.

6. What was Robert Crumb’s reaction to the popularity of “Keep On Truckin'”?

Robert Crumb expressed discomfort with the widespread popularity of “Keep On Truckin'” and felt pressured to become a spokesperson for the hippie movement. He viewed the cartoon as a curse that overshadowed his other artistic endeavors.

7. How did Robert Crumb parody “Keep On Truckin'”?

In 1972, Crumb published a self-parody of “Keep On Truckin’,” introducing new poses and slogans such as “Keep On Rollin’ Along” and “Keep On Chunkin’.” The parody reflected Crumb’s frustration with the cartoon’s ubiquity.

8. What is the legacy of “Keep On Truckin'”?

Despite the legal battles and Crumb’s ambivalence, “Keep On Truckin'” remains an enduring symbol of the counterculture movement. It continues to be celebrated for its artistic merit and cultural significance.

9. Where can I see examples of “Keep On Truckin'” artwork?

Examples of “Keep On Truckin'” artwork can be found in various publications, including Zap Comix and compilations of Robert Crumb’s work. Additionally, licensed merchandise featuring the cartoon may still be available.

10. What other works is Robert Crumb known for?

Robert Crumb is renowned for his underground comix contributions and distinctive artistic style. Some of his other notable works include “Fritz the Cat,” “Mr. Natural,” and “The Book of Genesis Illustrated.”