Blast from the past: Dirt Rag Reader Art

By Karl Rosengarth

Over the years, “reader contributions” have had a major influence on Dirt Rag‘s unique flavor. I thought it would be fun to fire up the Dirt Rag Time Machine and make a trip back to the days when black-and-white reader art graced the pages of The Rag. Jump in and fasten your seat belts. If you have a spare flux capacitor, it wouldn’t hurt to pack it.

Forgive the less-than-pristine quality of some of the following items. Time travel is notoriously rough on paper.

First up, some roller-cam brakes that the old-timers should appreciate:

Next up, a bit of vintage humor, courtesy of Beth Covington (who holds the distinction of creating Dirt Rag’s first color cover on Issue #28).

Whoa, I think I spotted this dude on my last swing by Betelgeuse:

Keep an eye out for this character at the Bar at the End of the World:

Frankly, I’m not quite sure about this freak…

Comics have always been a favorite form of self-expression for Dirt Rag contributors. In addition to contributing a number of Dirt Rag covers, Pittsburgh illustrator/artist John Hinderliter contributed a series of Dirt Pilot comics. John’s humor frequently hit a little too close to home for comfort.

“Lenny The Mountain Bike” made several appearances over the years. Rubber side down…

That about does it for this trip back in time. Got some art or illustrations you’d like to share? Send ’em to [email protected]. 

Here’s wishing you a great 2013.