Joe Matt

Joe Matt (born September 3, 1963, in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, died September 18, 2023) was a Canadian-American alternative comics creator known for his autobiographical comic book series Peepshow.

Matt's work is characterized by its unflinchingly honest and often self-deprecating portrayal of his daily life, obsessions, and anxieties. He meticulously documented his struggles with procrastination, sexual compulsions, financial difficulties, and interpersonal relationships. He often depicted himself in an unflattering light, making no attempt to sanitize his flaws or present himself as a hero.

Peepshow, which began in 1987, became a landmark series in the autobiographical comics genre. It featured recurring characters based on Matt's friends and family, including Seth (Gregory Gallant), Chester Brown, and his parents. These characters were often used as foils or sounding boards for Matt's own internal struggles.

Matt's drawing style is distinctive for its highly detailed and realistic rendering of mundane environments. He frequently employed cross-hatching and meticulous linework to create a sense of depth and texture.

Although he gained a dedicated following and critical acclaim within the independent comics community, Matt remained a somewhat reclusive figure. His work has been influential on many subsequent autobiographical comics artists.