Harvey Pekar was portrayed on film by Paul Giamatti

Cult comic author Harvey Pekar, creator of American Splendor, has died at the age of 70.

Pekar's life and work provided the basis for the 2003 film American Splendor, starring Paul Giamatti.

Eschewing superheroes, capes and other more traditional comic material, Pekar preferred to show the mundanity of the daily grind.

The cause of his death is not known, although Pekar had suffered prostate cancer, asthma and high blood pressure.

Police were called to Pekar's house in Cleveland, Ohio at 0100 local time (0500 GMT) on Monday. His body was found between a dresser and a bed.

His wife, Joyce Brabner, told police he had gone to bed at 1630 on Sunday in good spirits.

Pekar collaborated with the celebrated American comic artist Robert Crumb.

His comics were essentially autobiographical, portraying aspects of his life such as his battle with cancer, and his relationship with his wife.