Root Hog or Die (2014)

For over twenty-five years, John Porcellino has self-published his zine, King-Cat Comics and Stories, which, through simple artwork and storytelling, investigates the essence of just being alive. In King-Cat, John beautifully renders the "in-between moments" - those instances which occupy the bulk of our lives, but can pass easily without notice: Sitting on the front porch. Peeing at a rest stop. Watching a bird. With humor, compassion and a keen eye, John shows readers what they might be missing, and in doing so inspires many to embrace life more fully. Born of the zine revolution of the late eighties/early nineties, King-Cat today is the template for cartoonists who seek to create work that is personal, well-crafted and free of outside influence. From following John around on tour and in the woods to interviewing fellow cartoonists and zinesters, wives and girlfriends, friends and bandmates, Root Hog Or Die illustrates how John manages - and occasionally struggles - to live and function as an uncompromising artist in twenty-first century America.