Peter Bagge, an American cartoonist whose best-known work includes the comics Hate and Neat Stuff, will read from his new book, Woman Rebel: The Margaret Sanger Story, at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, in a free reading at Prairie Lights Books in downtown Iowa City. The reading also will be streamed live on the University of Iowa Writing University website.

With Woman Rebel: The Margaret Sanger Story, Bagge presents the life of the birth-control activist, educator, nurse, mother, and protofeminist from her birth in the late 19th century to her death after the invention of the birth control pill—all in his signature cartoony, rubbery style. Balancing humor and respect, Bagge makes Sanger whole and human, showing how her flaws fueled her fiery activism just as much as her compassionate nature did.

Bagge is the Harvey Award–winning author of the acclaimed ’90s alternative-comic series Hate, starring slacker hero Buddy Bradley, and a regular contributor to Reason magazine. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York City, he got his start in comics in the R. Crumb–edited magazine Weirdo.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to attend this reading, call Jan Weissmiller in advance at Prairie Lights at 319-337-2681.

For a UI arts calendar and details about upcoming events visit the Arts Iowa website.