Aline Kominsky

Aline Kominsky-Crumb, born Aline Goldsmith in August 1948 in Long Beach, New York, is a prominent figure in the realm of underground comics, recognized not only for her artistry but also as the spouse of renowned cartoonist R. Crumb. Growing up in a middle-class Jewish household in Long Island, Aline's early life was marked by a connection to organized crime through her father, a narrative she later likened to the film Goodfellas. Her teenage years were steeped in countercultural experiences, leading her to become involved with artists and musicians like The Fugs.

After relocating to the East Village, she pursued art education at The Cooper Union, where her path intersected with R. Crumb in San Francisco, sparking a significant relationship that would soon evolve into marriage in 1978. Aline's contributions to the comic scene began with her involvement in Wimmen's Comix, though her differing views on feminism and her relationship with Crumb prompted her to co-create the alternative comic series Twisted Sisters with Diane Noomin.

Aline served as editor for the influential anthology Weirdo, succeeding Peter Bagge in the 1980s. Her family life with R. Crumb was humorously chronicled in their collaborative comics, Dirty Laundry, which also featured their daughter Sophie. Aline's artistic pursuits extended beyond comics, as she embraced painting after moving to France. In 2007, she published her memoir, Need More Love: A Graphic Memoir, showcasing a blend of her comics, artwork, and personal reflections.