IS THE EARTH DYING A SLOW DEATH?

Along with sex, dope, violence and tributes to EC horror, underground comics also tackled the 70s political hot potato of ecology. In 1970, the topic had become a publicly-recognized concern, and although other countries acknowledged the growing fragility of the world's ecosystem, it was the United States and its vocal counterculture movement that were the self-declared pall bearers of a dying Earth.

Leaving no stoner unturned, underground artists jumped on the subject with their own interpretation of eco-consciousness, meaning they made it the main topic behind the usual façade of sardonic and irreverent humor. Preeminent was SLOW DEATH FUNNIES published by Ron Turner's Last Gasp out of San Francisco (where else?).

Shown here is the first printing, published in 1970. It is identifiable from the red border on the front cover. Subsequent printings had a white border.

NOTE: All stories are written by the artist.

Cover by Greg Irons.

Willie Mendes.

Gary Grimshaw.

Dave Sheridan.

Jim Osborne.

Jim Evans.

Greg Irons.

Gary Grimshaw.

Dave Sheridan.

Gilbert Shelton.

Fred Schrier.

Rory and Geoffrey Hayes (top); Ron Cobb (bottom).

Jack Jackson (aka "Jaxon").

Kim Deitch.

R. Crumb.

Gilbert Shelton.

Tony Auth (top); Randy Tuten (bottom).

Jim Evans.

EXTRA!

Celebrated underground cartoonist Ron Cobb designed the now world-recognized symbol for ecology, as well as the ecology flag design. He garnered much attention with his single panel cartoons reflecting the political views of 60s and 70s counterculture.

The ecology symbol was first published on the front page of the LOS ANGELES FREE PRESS (November 7-November 13, 1969).

Cobb's first professional work was as an animation in-betweener for Disney. In the 60s he painted several covers for FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND. He became well known for his weekly cartoons in the FREE PRESS. He went on to become a concept artist for Hollywood films including STAR WARS and ALIEN. He also designed the the "Father's sword" and the "Atlantean sword" for CONAN THE BARBARIAN. Cobb died in 2020 at the age of 83.

Conan the Barbarian Atlantean sword.

Conan the Barbarian Father's sword.

See more of Ron Cobb's work HERE.