HOW ALTER IS YOUR KOCKER? (Say it five times fast.) Drew Friedman is the master American caricaturist of our time. Not only are his portraits of the famous so realistic, they induce double takes, but he also captures truths about personality and draws out (pun intended) the funny in everyone. His new hardcover anthology, TOO SOON? (Fantagraphics) focuses on politicians and showbiz folk. For instance, his take on Hillary Clinton as Queen Kong on top of the Empire State Building nails the hunger for power that's a requirement for public office. As for entertainers, there are dozens of contemporary rockers and mockers, but Friedman's heart lies with alter kockers like the Rat Pack and Three Stooges. Tonight he'll be yapping with author/pop culture historian Ben Schwartz, whose own fine new collection is The Best American Comics Criticism (also Fantagraphics). Friedman and Schwartz will inevitably shmooze about their favored mutual subject of old Jewish comedians, as the former's final installment in a trilogy on the subject is coming soon. You are guaranteed to plotz.

Sun., June 13, 7 p.m., 2010

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.