A special thanks to our library staff member who obtained permission from Steranko’s publicist, J. David Spurlock, to use the following pictures.

Jim Steranko is a legend in the comic book scene. In the mid 1970s he published Chandler: Red Tide, considered by many to be the first true “graphic novel.“A prolific illustrator who developed his own approach to the art form, Steranko’s work includes: “Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.”; “Captain America”; “the Shadow”; “Superman #400″; “X-Men #50-51″ and “The Steranko History of Comics I & II”. Steranko has illustrated numerous other comic book covers and storylines. He did the first production art for Raiders of the Lost Ark & has worked on many other films, including Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula film.  Steranko also created his own publishing company, Supergraphics, which published a printed tabloid called Comixscene in the early 70s (later to morph into Prevue), as well as “The Steranko History of Comics I & II”.  Steranko’s work has been exhibited all over the world, including the Louvre and Australia’s  Sydney Opera House .Additionally, Steranko is an accomplished and talented musician.

As for Steranko’s influence on Chabon, consider: first, Chabon’s love for and knowledge of comic books, secondly, Mr. Steranko had an early career as an escape artist before becoming a renowned comic book artist (remind you of a certain character in our book?). His career as a magician was the inspiration for Jack Kirby’s character Mr. Miracle (who clearly influenced the Escapist).

Let's Level with Lee! © Lee Hester, 2007, ARR

Jim Seranko, Michael Chabon and J. David Spurlock

Steranko-Chabon art print © Jim Steranko, 2001, ARR.

Steranko’s Artwork for an event with Chabon and Steranko.

Steranko-Chabon-Spurlock photo © J. David Spurlock, 2001, ARR

Jim Steranko, Michael Chabon, J. David Spurlock.

If you’ve come this far and are still reading, here’s an older article from “Metroactive” (a Silicon-valley based news source) which discusses Steranko’s life and work in conjunction with Chabon’s novel.  The article has some fantastic quotes from Steranko, as well as a great photo of a young Steranko removing shackles from around his torso.

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