Art Spiegelman was born on February 15th, 1948 in Stockholm, Sweden. Both his parents were Polish Jews - Władysław (1906–1982) and Andzia (1912–1968) and were both born under Hebrew names; Zeev (William when he immigrated to the United States) and Hannah (Anna when she immigrated to the US) respectively. “Vladek” and “Anja” were used in Maus due to the notion that Art thought they’re easier to announce to Americans. His parents also had another son, before Art was born known as Rysio. Rysio was sent to stay with his aunt during the Holocaust and she poisoned four family members, including herself and Rysio so they would not be taken to the extermination camps. Spiegelman and his parents immigrated to the United States when he was only 3. Art changed his name from Arthur to what it is currently due to “Arthur” being his registration name when immigrating. …show more content…
Art had a great love for comic books, Mad being his favorite at the time. At the young age of 12, he began writing comics. It was in high school (Russell Sage Junior High School) were he created Blasé, a fanzine that was heavily inspired by Mad. Throughout high school art would make money through drawings and sell his work to various outlets. As Spiegelman was already developing some success, he decided to attempt a career as a professional artist and attended Manhattan’s High School of Art and