Comic book icon Harvey Pekar has passed away at the age of 70 in his Cleveland home, following a battle with prostate cancer, asthma, and high blood pressure. Pekar’s autobiographical comic book series American Splendor , written by Pekar and illustrated by a variety of artists debuted in 1976 and generally followed the everyday life of Pekar in Cleveland, Ohio.

The comic was adapted for the big screen in 2003 with Pekar brilliantly portrayed by Paul Giamatti. The film went on to earn an Oscar nomination for adapted screenplay.

Pekar is survived by his wife, Joyce Brabner and their daughter Danielle.